Zimbabwe Farmers Embrace Climate-Smart Agriculture Amid El Niño Challenges

 

 

By Elizabeth Kucherera

 

Farmers in Zimbabwe are celebrating the transformative impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), a program introduced to combat the devastating effects of climate change, particularly during the El Niño-induced drought of 2024.

 

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has empowered farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices aimed at building climate-resilient communities.

 

The project manager for the Green Climate Fund, Mr. Rungano Benza, explained that the primary objective of CSA is to increase agricultural productivity and incomes while enhancing resilience to climate change.

 

“It aims to tackle three main objectives: sustainably increasing agricultural productivity, adapting to climate change, and building resilience among farmers,” said Mr. Benza.

 

Among the beneficiaries is Precious Dharisi, a lead farmer from Chimanimani in Manicaland Province, who has witnessed firsthand the benefits of CSA. Dharisi expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained through the program, particularly in traditional grains farming.

 

“We learned about planting cowpeas (nyemba) and even making cowboy peas pies for our children. Our diets have improved significantly, shifting from snacks to nutritious meals made from traditional grains,” she said.

 

Cowpeas, a traditional grain, have proven to be highly nutritious and versatile, serving not only as a staple meal but also as a relish, promoting food security in rural households.

 

Agritex officer, Mr. Hardson Mutsvangwa, commended the collaboration between the government and UNDP, emphasizing that climate-smart strategies have been a lifeline for rural communities.

 

“Climate change interventions, especially those supported by UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture, have been a blessing during this challenging year. We’ve adopted various strategies, including upscaling Pfumvudza techniques,” said Mr. Mutsvangwa.

 

The UNDP, through the Green Climate Fund, continues to prioritize initiatives that enhance food security and resilience to climate shocks in Zimbabwe. By integrating modern farming technologies with traditional practices, the program is equipping farmers to withstand the adverse impacts of climate change.

 

As climate variability continues to threaten livelihoods, the success of CSA provides a beacon of hope for rural communities, demonstrating that sustainable agriculture is key to overcoming food insecurity and building resilient futures.

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