Malawi shares lessons on climate smart agriculture

Malawi on Tuesday shone like a beacon at the UN Climate Change Convention when it demonstrated how conservation agriculture is a promising climate smart approach practice to achieving increased food productivity.

Austin Tibu of Land Resources Conservation Department made a presentation at an event organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at the ongoing UN Climate Change Convention at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha.

Tibu shared the platform with Evans Njewa, principal environmental officer (policy and planning), among others.

He said conservation agriculture in Malawi helps farmers increase productivity through improved soil fertility and structure.

“Agriculture is the main source of employment [employing more than 80 percent] in Malawi and making agriculture more productive is essential for food security and sustainable development. Climate change will amplify the threats to food security and agricultural development,” said Tibu.

On how the poor can benefit from climate-smart approaches, Njewa said the inter-sectoral approaches and consistent policies across the agricultural, food security and climate change sectors are necessary at all levels.