A senior extension methodologist at the Ministry of Agriculture in Luapula Province, Hobab Mumbi has emphasized the significance of climate-smart agriculture techniques in helping farmers adapt to ever-changing weather patterns.
In
an exclusive interview with NAIS, Mr. Mumbi shed light on the prevailing
weather conditions in Luapula Province, characterized by the onset of rains.
He
stressed that this climatic factor is important for the successful planting and
growth of crops. However, he also highlighted the potential challenges posed by
delayed or erratic rains, which can result in planting difficulties and,
ultimately, reduced crop yields.
Among
the key challenges faced by farmers due to weather conditions, Mr. Mumbi
identified droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. To counter
these challenges, he recommended a set of adaptive strategies for farmers.
“To adapt, farmers can use drought-resistant crop varieties,
improve irrigation methods, and diversify their crops to be less reliant on a
single type,” he said.
On
climate-smart agriculture techniques, Mr. Mumbi explained that these practices
involve sustainable approaches that take climate change into account. Such
techniques encompass strategies like crop rotation, agroforestry, and water
management methods, which aid farmers in adapting to shifting weather patterns
and improving overall crop yields.
Furthermore,
Mr. Mumbi clarified on specific practices and strategies that farmers can
implement under the umbrella of climate-smart agriculture.
“These
include the adoption of rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, and integrated
pest management, all of which can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of
unpredictable weather on their crops.”
Addressing
the TRALARD Project's recent achievement in training 1,300 farmers in
Chifunabuli district, Mr. Mumbi underscored the training program's primary
focus on improving agricultural practices, imparting climate resilience
knowledge, and enhancing overall productivity. He stressed that such training
is not only beneficial but also critical for ensuring food security and
improving the livelihoods of local communities.
In
terms of future collaboration with the Ministry, Mr. Mumbi recommended a closer
partnership between the TRALARD Project and the Ministry of Agriculture.
“This
entails sharing data, insights, and effective coordination to align with
government policies and initiatives related to agriculture and climate
resilience,” he stated.
Additionally,
Mr. Mumbi delved into ways in which the TRALARD Project can collaborate with
local farmers and communities to guarantee the successful implementation of
climate-smart agriculture techniques. He advocated for the active involvement
of local communities in the planning and decision-making process, provision of
training and essential resources, and the facilitation of knowledge sharing
among the local population.
In
conclusion, Mr. Mumbi reiterated the pivotal role of climate-smart agriculture
techniques in assisting farmers in adapting to the shifting weather patterns.
He emphasized the necessity of collaboration between organizations like TRALARD
and local communities to ensure the realization of a resilient and food-secure
future.
According
to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) climate-smart agriculture (CSA)
is defined as an approach that helps guide actions to transform agriculture and
food systems towards green and climate-resilient practices.
CSA
supports reaching internationally agreed goals such as the SDGs and the Paris
Agreement. It aims to tackle three main objectives: sustainably increasing
agricultural productivity and incomes; adapting and building resilience to
climate change; and reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions, where
possible.
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