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Adapt to climate change—Cepa

 

Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (Cepa) has challenged farmers in Dedza and Salima to adapt to climate change if they are to achieve socio-economic development.

Addressing farmers during a participatory scenario planning training last Friday, Cepa programmes officer for climate change Bernadettah Zimba said communities should read and interpret seasonal forecasts to boost preparedness and produce adaptive measures for the agriculture sector at the district levels.

Mtembekezeka making a presentation during the training

She said farmers should secure livelihoods and not depend on humanitarian support because climate change has come to stay.

“Accessing accurate weather forecasts will enhance adaptive capacity to climate change hazards. The developed advisories will help them grow crops to thrive in particular seasons,” said Zimba.

Participatory scenario planning expert Aldwin Mtembezeka said the initiative empowers communities as it integrates local and meteorological seasonal forecasts.

“The interpreted climate forecasts allows communities and local governments to agree on options, make decisions, develop and plan for climate-resilient livelihoods,” he said.

In his remarks, Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services meteorologist, James Pagona said participatory scenario planning will enable them deliver specific weather forecasts of districts and traditional authorities (T/As).

Saidi Chidyera, a participant from Dedza, said he will embrace the initiative to build resilience to the extremes of climatic events. n

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