3 districts promote climate smart agro

PLAYERS in the agriculture sector in Mkushi, Luano and Serenje have agreed to promote climate smart agriculture for better crop yield.

The consensus was made during a stakeholders’ forum organised by Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF) held at Mkushi’s Shalom lodge.

At the forum, it was agreed that accurate information dissemination to farmers was key to combat climate change and attain desired results.

To enhance climate smart agriculture, stakeholders would use the media and possible alternatives to ensure that farmers received accurate information in order for them to understand the concept and aim for high productivity.

The three districts would engage schools in raising awareness about climate change and tree planting.

As a result, children would grow up with the knowledge of the significance of conserving nature and get to know effects of deforestation amidst global warming.

The forum also agreed that stakeholders would sensitise farmers against deforestation as well promote climate smart agriculture in the prevailing changes in climatic conditions.

During the meeting. Mkushi acting senior agriculture officer Patrick Mutale advised farmers to engage in conservation farming and irrigation and not depending on rain-fed farming.

Mr Kabiti said the essence was to promote food security because farmers needed to be secured with food all-year round.

And ZRDF director, Brandy Mungaila, said the world was talking about climate change hence the decision to organise the forum in order to get various expertise and experience from stakeholders.

“The whole world is talking about climate change. This is why we have invited each one of you to come on board with bring your ideas from experience,” Mr Mungaila said.

ZRDF was founded in 2013 to support isolated Zambia rural communities escape the trap of poverty and poor life prospects.