Malawi shares input on agriculture in Poland
Malawi on Tuesday shared its current state of scientific knowledge on how to enhance the adaptation of agriculture to climate change impacts while promoting rural, sustainable development and productivity in Africa at the ongoing COP 19 in Warsaw, Poland.
Head of Climate Change and Research in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Management in Malawi Fred Kossam speaking on behalf of the African Group said the group has identified four priority areas that the international community could support.
Kossam said agriculture in Malawi is priority because it is key to food security, economic growth, and wealth creation.
“This makes adaptation a priority area, as climate change impacts disproportionately affect those least able to bear them.
“Thus, while the country recognises the need for adaptation in agriculture, promotion of mitigation through better agricultural practices to reduce Green House Gas (GHGs) emissions is equally acknowledged.
“However, gaps still exist in data collection, expertise to analyse the data and lack of local or regional models,” he said.
Kossam added that various policy processes in Africa have started taking shape. He cited climate resilience strategies in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya, development of National Adaptation Plans in Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda where agriculture is a significant sector.
