Embrace climate resilient crops – NGOs

GOVERNMENT has a critical role in building climate-resilient farming communities across the country, says the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), a non-governmental organisation.
CTDT is a not for profit Zambian owned NGO whose work aims to build resilient farming communities in four districts – Chikankata, Chirundu, Rufunsa and Shibuyunji.
CTDT Programmes Manager, Edwin Abwino, said the organisation was responding to seed policy environments and promoting gender mainstreaming to improve food and nutrition security, while integrating climate change adaptation strategies.
Mr Abwino urged farmers to promote indigenous, climate-resilient crops in the face of growing climate challenges.
“We are working closely with institutions such as the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute to develop crop varieties tailored to specific communities,” Mr Abwino said.
And Shibuyunji small-holder farmer, Bevis Mushimba, also encouraged other farmers to accept the reality of climate change and champion the growing of local seed varieties.
“Local seeds are local solutions. They promote soil health and help us adapt to climate change,” Mr Mushimba said.
Meanwhile, when the country marked Farmers’ Day on Monday BAYER Zambia echoed calls for crop diversification.
BAYER Distributor Relationship Manager, Nchinmunya Hachilala, said the effects of prolonged dry spells over the past two farming seasons had made it urgent for farmers to adopt climate-resilient and high-yielding seed varieties.
“We need to secure food and income at the household level by growing crops that can withstand climate extremes,” Mr Hachilala said.
He made the remarks at the just ended 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show, held under the theme “Adapting to Climate Change