By NOEL IYOMBWA
Farmers can take drought risks into account when they are deciding what to produce and how to produce it for a particular year, Small-scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) Director Boyd Moobwe has said.
In an interview Mr Moobwe said small scale farmers can make small but meaningful improvements in drought situation through investments and actions that enhance soil moisture-holding capacity.
He said a variety of management practices that increase soil organic matter while reducing soil-moisture loss such as no-till or reduced tillage, use of cover crops, and conservation crop rotations can help farmers to adapt to drought risks.
Mr Moobwe further said for small scale farmers who can afford investment in irrigation efficiency may also improve drought resilience.
He said High-efficiency irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation systems and Low sprinklers, whose nozzles drop low to the ground generally reduce water lost to evaporation or run-off hence small scale farmers who can afford, can go for them in cases of droughts.
Mr Moobwe further advised farmers to stop over dependence on maize but adopt other crops especially those that are drought resilient.
He observed that most small scale farmers in the country have always depended on maize without considering other crops that can do well in case of a droughts.
Mr Moobwe said there is need for farmers to be sensitized on the importance of growing other crops that are drought resilient to contribute to the food security of the country.
He noted that securing food does not only entail to grow maize but other crops.
Author
