Week 4: Adapting to climate change

Agriculture and climate change
#1

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Week 4 of our discussion. This is our last week. I trust you are enjoying the discussion and are learning from what is being shared.

This week we are discussing strategies or ways farmers can adapt to climate change. Over the past couple weeks we have shared a lot on what climate change is and how it affects farmers and everyone else. We have also looked women’s experiences with regards to climate change. We now need to find practical ways of adapting to climate change. This will specifically help our farmers or farming community adjust to actual or future climate change. This will assist in reducing vulnerability to harmful effects of climate change.

Here are some questions to guide this week’s discussion:

  1. How can farmers adapt to climate change?
  2. What information do they need to adapt to their practices?
  3. Where can they get this information?
  4. What information can radio stations share?

We will also look at the expectations shared in Week 1 and our resource people will respond to questions or concerns people might have.

This is what you are expected to do this week:

  1. Go through the questions above and share your ideas.
  2. Go through other people’s contributions and comment or respond to at least one or two of them.
  3. If you have any questions for our resource people on climate change, ask!

Please be reminded that those who contribute meaningful posts each week will receive a certificate indicating they were active participants in the e-discussion. If you missed out on previous weeks, you can still go back and contribute between now and Friday December 17.

To participate in this week’s discussion, click on the reply button and have your say.

Enjoy your week!

1 Like
#2
#3
  1. How can farmers adapt to climate change?
    Adaptation entails taking the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change or better still to exploit the positive measures by making positive adjustments as affected by Climate Change.
    Adaptation requires a deliberate step. No farmer, society, country or organization succeeds without taking a deliberate change in salvaging any situation before it.

Farmers needs to plant drought resistant varieties of crops especially in drought prone regions examples wheat, guinea corn, cowpea, millet, tamba, soyabeans, groundnut, ginger, maize etc.

Hence there is a change in rainfall pattern, farmers needs to adapt change in cropping pattern in a slight change in the calendar of planting their crops.

Farmers should adapt to mix cropping like we have here in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria - hence planting ginger comes earlier than some crops, farmers do plant maize in the ginger farm, atimes some plant pepper, hibiscus (zobo) to enable them grow up with a maximum of required rainfall. There is also the planting of groundnut, soyabeans, cowpea etc in maize farm which adds greatly to the soil nitrates to help the maize grow.

There is need to improve irrigation efficiency. Where farmers have access to actively carry out irrigation system, it means a lot to help curb climate change.

Planting of trees, that is afforestation and agroforestry. Planting of trees seems to be one area that many looks into, in the very rural areas where sources of energy is scarce firewood becomes an avenue for financial sustainability. Farmers must be encouraged to plant trees to curb climate change and as well plant economic trees that will help the family and the society at large through its fruits e.g palm trees, borrussia trees, tamarind etc.

Farmers should be encouraged to keep local breeds of animals that are already used to the harsh nature of weather eg. goats, cows, sheep, chicken etc.

There is need for capacity building for farmers. It is one thing the media carryout a program targeted at farmers but another for the farmer to understand it in one or two broadcast. The activities of Extension workers as it were is no longer available, therefore, farmers are left alone to learn by themselves.

There is need for availability of improve varieties of crops that would yield more than that which the farmer is used to.

  1. What information do they need to adapt to their practices?
    Farmers need to have information on climate change as it affects farming.
    They need to also understand that at hand there is a challenge if they have not experienced it yet.
    The farmer needs to be informed on what to plant, when to plant, and how to plant and why they need to plant it. With testimonials and experts explanation of the topic in question, farmers will be guided.

  2. Where can they get this information?
    The radio station in the rural areas is still the available medium of interaction and information dissemination. Although some have television sets, some the internet etc.
    With adequate provision of sponsorship, farmers program producers can reach out to groups of farmers association within a given area while carrying out responsible audience research to talk on climate change with the farmers.
    Information on adaptation can come from the Federal or state ministry of agriculture.
    Information about adaptation can come from Farm Radio International in backgrounders, Bazawire etc.
    Information from print media, local and international organizations can be useful to farmers on ways they can adapt to mitigate on climate change.

  3. What information can radio stations share.
    The radio station can produce programs in Episodes dealing with various adaptation measures as it affects farmers about mix cropping, soil conservation, crop diversification, change in cropping pattern, improve irrigation efficiency, planting of trees and breeding strategy.

Jingles, testimonials, talk, documentary about adaptation can be produced and aired with support.

1 Like
#4
  1. How can farmers adapt to climate change?
    Adaptation entails taking the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change or better still to exploit the positive measures by making positive adjustments as affected by Climate Change.
    Adaptation requires a deliberate step. No farmer, society, country or organization succeeds without taking a deliberate change in salvaging any situation before it.

Farmers needs to plant drought resistant varieties of crops especially in drought prone regions examples wheat, guinea corn, cowpea, millet, tamba, soyabeans, groundnut, ginger, maize etc.

Hence there is a change in rainfall pattern, farmers needs to adapt change in cropping pattern in a slight change in the calendar of planting their crops.

Farmers should adapt to mix cropping like we have here in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria - hence planting ginger comes earlier than some crops, farmers do plant maize in the ginger farm, atimes some plant pepper, hibiscus (zobo) to enable them grow up with a maximum of required rainfall. There is also the planting of groundnut, soyabeans, cowpea etc in maize farm which adds greatly to the soil nitrates to help the maize grow.

There is need to improve irrigation efficiency. Where farmers have access to actively carry out irrigation system, it means a lot to help curb climate change.

Planting of trees, that is afforestation and agroforestry. Planting of trees seems to be one area that many looks into, in the very rural areas where sources of energy is scarce firewood becomes an avenue for financial sustainability. Farmers must be encouraged to plant trees to curb climate change and as well plant economic trees that will help the family and the society at large through its fruits e.g palm trees, borrussia trees, tamarind etc.

Farmers should be encouraged to keep local breeds of animals that are already used to the harsh nature of weather eg. goats, cows, sheep, chicken etc.

There is need for capacity building for farmers. It is one thing the media carryout a program targeted at farmers but another for the farmer to understand it in one or two broadcast. The activities of Extension workers as it were is no longer available, therefore, farmers are left alone to learn by themselves.

There is need for availability of improve varieties of crops that would yield more than that which the farmer is used to.

  1. What information do they need to adapt to their practices?
    Farmers need to have information on climate change as it affects farming.
    They need to also understand that at hand there is a challenge if they have not experienced it yet.
    The farmer needs to be informed on what to plant, when to plant, and how to plant and why they need to plant it. With testimonials and experts explanation of the topic in question, farmers will be guided.

  2. Where can they get this information?
    The radio station in the rural areas is still the available medium of interaction and information dissemination. Although some have television sets, some the internet etc.
    With adequate provision of sponsorship, farmers program producers can reach out to groups of farmers association within a given area while carrying out responsible audience research to talk on climate change with the farmers.
    Information on adaptation can come from the Federal or state ministry of agriculture.
    Information about adaptation can come from Farm Radio International in backgrounders, Bazawire etc.
    Information from print media, local and international organizations can be useful to farmers on ways they can adapt to mitigate on climate change.

  3. What information can radio stations share.
    The radio station can produce programs in Episodes dealing with various adaptation measures as it affects farmers about mix cropping, soil conservation, crop diversification, change in cropping pattern, improve irrigation efficiency, planting of trees and breeding strategy.

Jingles, testimonials, talk, documentary about adaptation can be produced and aired with support.

1 Like
#5

  1. Farmers can adapt to climate change by knowing the right plant to cultivate at each whether. They can also reduce pest by using pesticides. Prevention of pasture degradation to avoid drought.

  2. Information about climate change. They should know that it did not just start now but there is always a way out to make improvement of how to have a better plant so that they won’t be discourage.

  3. Information will be gotten from the media.

4)All information about farming, climate change preventive measures. A farmer can also be invited to the studio to share his or her experience if he/she has also done a preventive measures on climate he can relate it out to listeners.

Thank you.

1 Like
#6

@davidbawanke your contribution is exactly the same as the one for @Donjosh I have also noticed the same trend in previous weeks. We would like to hear your own opinion.

#7
  1. How can farmers adapt to climate change?

Most of the farmers world wide have been hit by climate change in one way or the other, therefore, they have come to the realization that climate change is real.
Some of the efforts that farmers need to implement in order to adapt to climate change are as follows:

  1. Farmers need to plant agroforestry trees such as Gliricidia Sepium, faidhebia albida in their fields so as improve their soils in order to reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers, maximize their crop yields and ultimately reduce climate change. For example here in Zambia, farmers have really adopted tree planting activities and every year they expand. Apparently, farmers have already established nurseries for Gliricidia Sepium and faidhebia albida (Musangu) and are just waiting for the rains for them to transplant their seedlings.

  2. Farmers need to fully adopt conservation agriculture practices such as minimum tillage (ripping,basin making), residue retention (no burning of residues), crop rotation, mulching, use of compost manure in order to adapt to climate change. Practically, most of the farmers right now in Zambia have prepared their fields using ripping or basin method, applied compost manure as the recommended CA practices.

  3. Farmers need to practice crop diversification through planting of different types of crops such as Soybeans, Cowpeas, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, rice, groundnuts, beans, varieties of vegetables so as to adapt to climate change. We have seen in some areas especially in the valley which are mostly hit by drought, our farmers have diversified into cassava, sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes etc.

  4. Farmers need to be encouraged to plant drought resistant crops, disease tolerant varieties, early maturing varieties suitable to adapt to climate change.

  5. Farmers need to switch into alternative sources of energy like the use of efficient rocket cook stoves and briquettes so as to reduce indiscriminating cutting down of trees for fuelwood and charcoal in order to mitigate climate change. These initiatives have been tried to our farmers and breweries and they are working well.

  6. Farmers need to be encouraged to adopt water harvesting technologies such as drip irrigation systems, minimum tillage, water reservoirs in order to adapt to climate change.

  7. Farmers need to adopt other alternative friendly livelihood activities such as bee-keeping, gardening, poultry production, instead of them cutting down trees for charcoal and timber and sell to earn a living.

  8. Farmers should be encouraged to obtain crop insurance from insurance service providers so as to adapt to climate change.

  9. Farmers need to follow the change in rainfall pattern to suit with the crop calendar in to adapt to climate change.

  10. Farmers or communities need to invest more into water infrastructure facilities such as boreholes for them to have availability of water throughout the year, as an adaption factor to climate change.

  11. Farmers need to have more awareness compagns and trainings on adaptation techniques to climate change.

  12. What information do they need to adapt to their practices?

Generally, farmers need information about the benefits of agroforestry, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, drought resistant crops, early maturing varieties, disease tolerant, water harvesting technologies, crop insurance, alternative sources of energy, alternative livelihood activities, rainfall pattern, crop calendar etc.
Moreover, farmers need information on climate change causes, effects, adaptation and mitigation.

  1. Where can they get this information?

Farmers can get this information from Radio stations, Television stations, Ministry of agriculture extension staff, NGOs like COMACO, Meteorological department, Forestry department, insurance companies, newspapers, magazines, books, farm radio international, research stations, inputs supplies etc.

  1. What information can a radio station share?

The radio station play a very important role in the dessimination of the information about climate change. Information that can be shared using radio stations are the benefits of conservation agriculture, agroforestry, crop diversification, drought resistant crops, early maturing crops, crop insurance, rainfall pattern, alternative sources of energy, water harvesting technologies, organic farming, alternative sources of livelihood activities, improved breed, improved seed varieties.

I submit
Isaac

2 Likes
#8
  1. Famers need to what type of crops which can thrive better in their respective enviroment. They need to learn and adapt appropriate farming techniques such minimum tilage. Farmers should also diversify in growing their crops as this is for their economical and nutritional value for their families.
  2. Farmers need to appreciate the importance of practising climate smart agriculture. They need to understand what sort of seed to plant depending on the predicted rain pattern in respective areas or regions. Farmers further need to learn to know methods of water haversting . This is essential as farmers can use rain water during dry spells not only for house chores but also for their animals.
  3. They can get this information from extension officers, lead farmers including the media. In other rare cases especially in rural farming communities where internet network is accessible, farmers can access information via mobile phones.
  4. Radio stations can share information on how some farmers are surviving despite the presence of climate such as dry spells or floods. Radio stations generally can share some of the good farming practices which in return help farmers adapt and mitigate impact of climate change
1 Like
#9

Adaptation of farmers to Climate Change can only be done as the final stage of the problem. First we must as Farm Radio Broadcasters make great effort to collaborate with the farmers. After that, the farm radio broadcasters should facilitate the process for the farmers to learn all that is required of them to adapt to new steps farming practices in an era of changing climate. After that the adaptation will come easily. So the three stages of Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation CLA must be followed if farmers must adapt to climate change. Someone said in the WhatsApp Platform that farmers find it difficult to adapt to new ways of doing things. This is true because most farm radio broadcasters, development agencies and ministry of agriculture personnel approach farmer from the perspective of “I know it all” lofty heights. They loose confidence of the farmers and ultimately the farmers reject whatever they have brought to them of they jettison the new ideas and stuck to their old ways of doing things. So farmers can adapt to climate change by working together with people who have the knowledge of climate change not on “Superior” and “Slave” basis but as collaborators. Then they shall learn from the people who have the knowledge - Farm Radio Broadcasters, Agriculture Extension Personnel, Development Agencies etc. Because they collaborated and learned together then they easily adapt to new ways of farming practices in era of climate change. Farmers adapt to any new skills or situations by learning from trusted people mostly other farmers who are like them called it peers if you like.

1 Like
#10

Farmers need the right, accurate and authentic information on climate change over time consistently. This is only way they can adapt to climate change. They (Farmers) need information on causes of climate change both human generated and nature inspired causes. Farmers need information on the 5Ws and H of climate change. What, When, Where, Why and Whom and How. What causes climate change? When did climate change began or when do we notice climate change? Where does climate change occurs? Why do climate change occurs? How do we stop, eliminate, reduce or adapt to climate change?. The farmers need information on everything related to climate change and how to adapt or what to do to adapt to climate change?

1 Like
#11

Hello everyone

Week 4 continues…

This week is all about adapting to climate change. Big up to all who have contributed so far. I am picking the same way of understanding in dealing with the climate change challenge. Indeed if farmers know the right crops or plants to cultivate depending on the weather, they will get better produce. Here are a few quotes from the contributions:

We are eagerly waiting to hear from others on this.

Happy discussing!

#12

(1) Farmers can adapt into climate changes by
(a) Changing into drought resistance crop varieties and early maturity varieties,use of such varieties can have assurance to them that they would get yields whether the rainfall will be less or no less.

(b) They should use Artificial fertilizers or Animal manure ,appropriate application of this is able to increase crop yields and also improve soil fertility with positive consequences for climate change resilience.

(c) use of Agro- chemical’s like pesticides and herbicides will increase crop vulnerability to infections and pests when weather patterns are altered.They are also present,cheapest and most effective.

(d) Farmers should practice mixed cropping and inter cropping , planting of two or more crops simultaneously in same field can increase soil fertility and help to conserve water.

(e) Farmers have to use in field water conservation like building terraces or changing the slope of field,this would slow speed of water and increase hence conserve it into the soil thus enhance infiltration close to crop roots.Also they have to construct structure like ridges and dams to store rain water for use in irrigation during dry spells so that they ensure yield stability or for planting off seasons.

(2) Farmers need a better understanding on the adaptation strategies which they are practicing to adapt to climate change,they have to be clearly explained to them in way that they can understand in order to have negative outcomes to they farm yields as they practice them,for example if some are over practiced they can results negatively to crops planted like excess use of fertilizer and manure can cause wilting of crops.

(3) They can get this information from Agricultural experts l and also expert farmers ,centers of research on agriculture practices and from media through program which entails farming practices such as from Radio and TVs.

(4) Climate change effects threaten many farmers livelihoods thus early warning by giving farmers required information about it will make difference ,Radio as it’s one of roles is to educate audience,it can educate farmers through airing research program pertaining farming and agriculture activities such as how they can adapt to climate change at this era where it’s has extremely effected them.

Radio presenters can bring expert of agriculture into their shows to have discussion on challenges facing farmers and how to overcome them.

We can discuss about Best methods of farming,types of crops varieties which can resist drought, farmers should practice agroforestry

Highlight types of crops to be planted on low land areas and on high land too ,important of considering ways to adapt to climate change, important of them attending training and workshop on agriculture

1 Like
#13

1.How can farmers can adopt to climet change?
ANS: climet change poses a real threat to farmers around the world
Where by agriculture is highly dependent on good weather including high and low temperature, rainfall,wind,intersity, and many other.
All in all farmers can adopt climet change by changing their selection of clops and the timing of their Field operations.
Integrating livestock with clip production system improving soil quality and minimizing off farm flows.
2. What information do they need to adopt their practices?

ANS: farmers need a lot of information about climet change and they need these information to come from different organization which can teach them how they can plant their clops ,when they can plant and why to plant those seeds including the type of seeds they have to plant.

3.where can they get this information?
ANS: farmers are found in different areas according to the were they are like those in rural areas they do get these information through radio station and books to those who know how to read.
Those in abarn aears they do get these information through TV station, internet, books and magazine.

4.what information can radio station share?
ANS: Radio station in rural areas they do play very important law items of farming because radio station they do farming programs which makes every famer to concentrate and and follow More expeciory in time of climet change because radio station they do inform farmers how climet is and what they have to plant.
All in all radio station inform,teach, and educate farmers on weather and climet change.
I end.
Emmanuel Mwanza

2 Likes
#14

Great,true local Radio have a better role in the community to make farmers understand on how to adapt to climate change because they give information buy focusing on audience in the area ,also they can use language which all farmers can understand well e.g local language.

1 Like
#15

Hello @Busi_Ngcebetsha Climate Change is an issue of our time and we are at a crucial moment. From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to rising in temperatures, increase the risk of catastrophic flooding; Drought at the same time. The impacts of climate change should be treated as a global concern in mitigating it

  1. How can farmers adopt to climate changes?
    Farmers have had to adapt to the conditions imposed on them by the climate of their region since the beginning of agriculture, but recent human-induced climate change is throwing them some unexpected outcome like extreme heat, floods, droughts, hail, and windstorms are some of the direct effects like unfriendly pesticides, different weed species and pressures of disease emerging, Therefore our farmers can adapt to climate change by practicing the following:
    • Farmers should adopt climate smart agriculture (Basin making, Ripping, crop rotation and crop diversification)
    • Adopt agro-forestry; Farmers need to start growing nitrogen fixisation trees like here in Zambia at COMACO to be specific we are promoting growing of grilicidia sepium etc.
    • Avoid burning of fossil fuels and fields.
    • Farmers should also start planting crops that are drought resistant like Soybeans, sorghum, cassava, Wheat etc. as will as diseases tolerant
    • Not only crops farmers should also start doing Gardening, keeping livestock, like here most farmers are also bee-keepers in short farmers has to know other live hood alternative way of surviving rather than depending n farming alone.
    • Farmers should adopt ways on how to improve their soils without using any chemicals but by using natural resources.
    • Irrigation is also a good way of mitigating or adapting climate change though most of the farmers tend to have no capital to put up irrigation equipments. Because once a farmer has a proper irrigation process he/she can plat and harvest all year round.
  2. What information do they need to adapt to their practices?
    • Like our farmers here in Zambia mostly the needed information on Climate Change, Information from Meterogic department, Seed Varieties and quality, importance of conserving natural and wildlife etc
  3. Where can they get this information?
    • Like here in Zambia farmers mostly get information from the extension officers, radio station, Ministry of agriculture, forestry department. Ministry of green economy (Meteorically department and the few farmers also access to Television, Newspaper, magazine depending from where they are doing their farming from.
  4. What information can radio stations share?
    There is a lot of information that list for the radio station to share in line with climate change eg
    • The causes of climate change and its mitigation measures.
    • Emphasizes on the climate smart agriculture (Basins making, Ripping,)
    • Importance of conserving natural and wildlife:
    • Dangers of deforestation and shifting cultivation.
    • Post harvesting handling methods. Most farmers get affected and get loss in their farming business because they don’t know how to handle their crops from the time of maturity in the field up-to the marketing process.

THANKS
Liche.

2 Likes
#16
  1. Farmers can adapt to climate change when they are given adequate information on what climate change is and how it is affecting them. Most times we take it for granted that farmers understand what climate change is and feel they are not doing enough. Farmers easily adapt to change and new technology when they are educated and informed. A deliberate attempt must be made by all stake holders to spread the word via TV, radio, print and social media.
  2. Farmers need information on better and sustainable agricultural practices. They need to have theoretical demo plots that will demonstrate that a change in farming practices helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
  3. Documentaries on TV, projectors and screens during farm visits, radio programs and printed information in local languages.
  4. Radio stations can share stories from farmers that have experienced the effects of climate change and how they have adapted by embracing sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers usually listen to fellow farmers and understand and share similar experiences. Radio dramas, radio interviews with experts who respond to the farmers and interviews with traditional and political leaders.
1 Like
#17

1.How can farmers adapt to climate change?

Well, I would suggest that even as broadcasters and experts talks about ways in which farmers can adapt to climate change, they must talk about strategies that are feasible and cost effective to small scale farmers.

Farmers can adapt to climate change by growing drought resistance crops which in most cases does not require fertilizer application. Farmers can be encouraged to grow crops such as orange fleshed sweet potatoes that are so rich in vitamin A.

Cassava and Sorghum are also drought resistance nutritional crops that farmers can consider growing than depending on maize which is highly affected by climate change.

Farmers should also be encouraged to grow cowpeas which does not require the use of fertilizer, besides cowpeas is good for soil as it fixes nitrogen. The nuts are so nutritional as well as the leaves.

The extreme weather conditions have made sources of water to dry up as such farmers should be encouraged to harvest rainwater for use in case they experience a dry spell or during the dry season.

Farmers can easily construct earth banks where rainy water can be flowing whenever it rains, by so doing, the small scale farmer can conserve water for use. The farmers can capture rainy water in dams, tanks and containers too.

As for the livestock farmers, they can also be encouraged to harvest water for their livestock in view of climate change than to walk with livestock long distance in search of sources of water. It would be good if the livestock farmers also kept fewer animals for easy management, by so doing the livestock could have adequate feed and water for all.

2.What information do they need to adapt to their practices?

The farmers need information about the effects of climate change so that they can easily venture into good agricultural practices that are environmental friendly.

They need to be told that deforestation has a negative effect on climate as it also makes sources of water to dry up.

Farmers needs information that because of climate change the rainfall pattern becomes unpredictable, they can receive too much rain which can cause flooding and they can also experience drought. Broadcasters with the help of experts as well as farmers who have ventured into climate smart agriculture should assist the farmers in implementing agriculture practices that have worked well in view of climate change.

Farmers need information about the benefits of conservation farming which will make them to achieve high yields and not cause disturbance to the soil. They need information on the importance of farming with trees which have benefits to the soil, trees like Gliricidia which COMACO in the Eastern part of Zambia is highly promoting to be planted together with the crops as it helps to return nutrients to the soil.

The tree grows very fast, brings back lost fertility in the soil, supports the growth of crops as it becomes a quick and effective source of natural fertilizer from the second year after it is planted.

3.Where can they get this information?

This information can be obtained through farmer programs from radio stations who should be featuring agricultural experts, extension officers, NGO’s and farmers.

4. What information can radio stations share?

Small scale farmers in the rural parts of the country trusts radio so much as the most reliable source of information, as such radios must live up to their ethical standards of disseminating factual and accurate information.

Radio stations can share information on climate change, its effects and ways in which farmers can mitigate the effects of climate change.

The radios can share information on how climate change has adversely affected farmers in terms of crops withering due to lack of rains or the effects of floods on their agricultural activities. The radios can share information on how deforestation affects climate, how it causes soil erosion and sources of water to dry up.

When radios share information on bad agricultural practices that contributes to climate change, adaptation to climate smart agriculture will be easy.Radio can also share information on ways in which to mitigate the effects of climate change, things like farming with trees and practicing conservation farming etc.

1 Like
#18

Q1). How can farmers adapt to climate change?

Ans: Farmers can adapt to climate change by growing drought resistance crops which doesn’t require fertilizer application. They should be encouraged to grow crops such as Sweetie Potatoes, Cassava, Bananas and Sorghum are drought resistance nutritional crops that farmers can consider growing than depending on maize which is highly affected by climate change and required fartilizer.
The extreme weather conditions have made sources of water to dry up as such farmers should be encouraged to harvest rainwater for use in case they experience a dry spell or during the dry season.
Farmers can easily construct earth banks where rainy water can be flowing whenever it rains, by so doing, the small scale farmer can conserve water for use. The farmers can capture rainy water in dams, tanks and containers too.

Q2). What information do they need to adapt to their practices?

Farmers have had to adapt to the conditions imposed on them by the climate of their region since the inception of agriculture, but recent human-induced climate change is throwing them some unexpected curve balls. Extreme heat, floods, droughts, hail, and windstorms are some of the direct effects. In addition, there are changes in weed species and distribution, and pest and disease pressures, on top of potentially depleted soils and water stress. Fortunately, there are many practices that farmers can adopt and changes that can be made to our agricultural production system to make the system more resilient to our changing climate.

Farmers and ranchers are already adapting to our changing climate by changing their selection of crops and the timing of their field operations. Some farmers are applying increasing amounts of pesticides to control increased pest pressure. Many of the practices typically associated with sustainable agriculture can also help increase the resilience of the agricultural system to impact of climate change, such as:

diversifying crop rotations
integrating livestock with crop production systems
improving soil quality
minimizing off-farm flows of nutrients and pesticides
implementing more efficient irrigation practices.

Farmers need information about the benefits of conservation farming which will make them to achieve high yields and not cause disturbance to the soil. They need information on the importance of farming with trees which have benefits to the soil, trees like Gliricidia which COMACO in the Eastern part of Zambia is highly promoting to be planted together with the crops as it helps to return nutrients to the soil.
The tree grows very fast, brings back lost fertility in the soil, supports the growth of crops as it becomes a quick and effective source of natural fertilizer from the second year after it is planted.

Q3). Where can they get this information?

Farmers can obtain information through different farm platform programs on Farm Magazines, television, farm drama series and radio programs which should featuring agricultural experts, extension officers, NGO’s and farmers.

Q4). What information can radio stations share?

Small scale farmers in the rural parts of the country trusts radio so much as the most reliable source of information, as such radios must live up to their ethical standards of disseminating factual and accurate information.
Radio stations can share information on climate change, its effects and ways in which farmers can mitigate the effects of climate change.
The radios can share information on how climate change has adversely affected farmers in terms of crops withering due to lack of rains or the effects of floods on their agricultural activities. The radios can share information on how deforestation affects climate, how it causes soil erosion and sources of water to dry up.
When radios share information on bad agricultural practices that contributes to climate change, adaptation to climate smart agriculture will be easy.Radio can also share information on ways in which to mitigate the effects of climate change, things like farming with trees and practicing conservation farming etc.
I Submit
Alfred James Mungwa

1 Like
#19

Farmers can adopt climate resilient farming methods by getting the right information that can build on their knowledge base.

The information they need is causes of climate change. Farming practices that exasperate the situation.Interveintons to curb climate change.

This information can be gotten from relevant government ministries and other private organizations as well as radio programs tailored in all languages.

Radio programs can share information on dangers of climate change and steps that can be undertaken to curb the situation such us crop rotation,minimum tillage and residual retention.Planting of fruit trees at homesteads as well planting drought resistant seeds.

Dr.Oliver Kandela Bulaya

1 Like
#20

@davidbawanke
This write up is same as mine. You may wish to get an aspect of it to throw more light than copying the whole thing.
I hope this is an error you may wish to correct.