Safeguarding futures, whatever the weather
Climate-smart agriculture gives farmers the best chance of a good harvest, despite unpredictable weather.
Across Africa, 874 million hectares of land are considered suitable for farming. However, a huge number of farmers often struggle to earn enough to make ends meet.
In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in and around Lake Hawassa, soil degradation and damage to natural resources caused by extreme weather and poor resource management means harvests are often small, or fail completely. Many farmers find earning a good living from their land almost impossible.
That's why climate-smart agriculture is at the top of Farm Africa's agenda.
With the right support, farmers can find ways to manage the risks caused by unpredictable weather, whilst making a positive contribution by using agricultural techniques that restore natural resources and reduce carbon emissions.
By working with farmers and their communities to make small changes to their traditional farming methods, for example by introducing seeds for plating drought-tolerant crops, or intercropping (growing different crops sloe together), we are increasing their chances of a successful harvest, whatever the weather.
We are also providing training where farmers can learn how to diversify their incomes by growing new cash crops such as sesame - and we link them with buyers so they can sell their harvests for the best possible price.
Climate-smart agriculture is not only changing the lives of thousands of farmers, it is helping to ensure farming is sustainable in the long term. With their livelihoods no longer completely controlled by the weather, farmers can work together to grow more, earn more and safeguard their communities' futures - whatever the forecast.
