admin | November 29, 2024
Farm Radio International recently concluded a four-week discussion on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). We engaged 320 participants in our English-language discussion and 255 in our French-language discussion. More than 70 will earn certificates for active engagement throughout all four weeks of the discussion. The discussion aimed to:
- Define NbS and their role in climate change adaptation.
- Explore ongoing NbS efforts in African countries.
- Encourage and prepare broadcasters for the production of NbS radio program episodes
African countries face environmental challenges. According to Peter Olanya, a climate change specialist in Uganda, the frequency of climatic hazards, like floods, prolonged dry spells, incidences of pest and disease outbreaks, and landslides, has increased due to human-induced climate change. Participants from many countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, identified the following climate change issues and impacts:
– flooding,
– drought,
– rise in temperatures,
– prolonged dry spells,
– seasonal weather shifts,
– water scarcity, desertification,
– deforestation,
– rising sea levels,
– reduced water levels, etc.
The impacts extend to poverty, food security, biodiversity loss, and community livelihoods.
Our discussion touched on the importance of biodiversity, which extends to wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Specific examples of threats to biodiversity include for instance, deforestation in Malawi, poaching in Kenya, and oil spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
Countries are implementing diverse strategies to combat climate change effects, but Nature-based Solutions offer sustainable alternatives that prioritize environmental restoration and community involvement. Participants shared key examples of NbS initiatives in their respective countries, as well as the challenges preventing these practices from becoming widespread.
In Zimbabwe, NGOs advocate for conversation farming, but adoption is slow. They promote drought-resistant crops like millet and sorghum, mulching, and zero-tillage to combat drought. Resistance to change among farmers remains a hurdle. Kenya has tree-planting campaigns and promotes solar energy to curb illegal charcoal burning. They have strict environmental regulations, such as plastic bag bans and tree-cutting restrictions that have been complemented by ecotourism efforts and collaborations with foreign investors to protect wildlife. In Zambia, the focus is on agroforestry and sustainable land management. Zambia boasts of the following NbS projects:
- Chongwe River Conservation Project: Restores riverbanks, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting fishing livelihoods.
- Mwachileka Forest Agroforestry Initiative: This initiative combines farming with tree planting to improve soil health, crop yields, and diversified income.
- Kafue Wetland Restoration: Enhances biodiversity, water filtration, and ecotourism.
- Chipata Village Urban Green Spaces: Develops community parks and gardens for better air quality and social cohesion.
In Malawi, mangrove restoration and agroforestry address erosion, protect biodiversity, and improve food security. In Ghana, the Weto Range Initiative promotes tree planting and agroforestry to reclaim degraded lands, restore vegetation, and boost livelihoods through sustainable forest products. In Ethiopia, the Sani Village Reforestation combines reforestation and agroforestry to improve biodiversity, water retention, and community income through alternative livelihoods like beekeeping. In Tanzania, projects emphasize tree planting and sustainable farming to address environmental degradation while creating jobs and enhancing food security.
Throughout the discussion, participants identified the benefits of NbS as restored ecosystems, improved biodiversity, soil fertility, water quality, diversified income sources, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, strengthened community engagement, and job creation. Although Nature-based Solutions have benefits, there are also challenges to their implementation. These challenges include:
- Resistance to change, particularly in traditional farming practices.
- Lack of resources for scaling initiatives.
- Persistent deforestation and environmental degradation
In conclusion, Nature-based Solutions are vital for addressing Africa’s environmental challenges, fostering resilience, and improving livelihoods. Continued education, resource allocation, and collaborative efforts will strengthen these initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability.
The discussion was supported by the following expert guests:
- Adane Kabede, Ethiopia
- Patrick Onyanga, Uganda
- Sareme Gebre, Burkina Faso
- Thomas Zulu, Zambia