Climate change and natural resource management

Compared with just a few years ago, there is now much more certainty about how the climate is changing in different parts of Africa. One of the most obvious changes is the increase in extreme weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts. Such things are already having a major impact on people’s lives. In the long term, patterns of climate change could have a devastating impact of crop and livestock farming across the continent. It is clearly vital, therefore, that governments and people respond to this challenge. Farmers may be able to respond by adapting their farming practices, for example: diversifying their crops, and choosing crops that can yield a harvest even in very dry years. They can also adopt practices that will conserve water and soil fertility, and may decide to harvest rainwater. Farmers also need to learn how to access and respond to weather forecasting information, to optimise their use of labour and inputs. The interviews in this pack promote discussion and understanding of the threats posed by climate change and give farmers some practical ways of responding to the dangers.

Technical information, pack usage details, resources and full scripts (Word Format)

Understanding leads to change 4’39”

A senior agricultural extension officer for Matabeleland North province in Zimbabwe describes how the extension service is helping farmers to cope with less reliable rainfall.

Conserving soils and water 4’28”

A co-ordinator for Zambia's Programme Against Malnutrition explains methods of conservation farming which can help to conserve both soil moisture and nutrients in areas experiencing dry spells.

A clearer picture of change 4’39”

A climate expert from the UK discusses how improved understanding and information about changing weather patterns in Africa should improve the response of governments and people.

Zimbabwe’s dryland research station 3’54”

A crops specialist and a livestock specialist from the Matopos research station describe technologies being developed to support smallholder farmers experiencing drought.

Adaptive farming to reduce risk 4’00”

A researcher from an international crop research institute in Nairobi explains how new crop varieties are helping farmers to adapt what they plant to suit variable rainfall patterns.

Responding to drought in Malawi 3’39”

A senior agricultural officer describes the steps being taken by the extension services in Malawi to enable farmers overcome the challenge of drought.

Adapt or fall - the coffee experience 4’08”

A report from northern Tanzania featuring staff of a coffee estate and smallholder farmers, who describe how they are either succeeding or failing to cope with reduced rainfall.