December 13, 2024

 

Regional push for climate-smart livestock production in South Africa gains momentum

The Centre for the Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is collaborating with the World Bank to train farmers in Southern Africa on climate-smart livestock production, aiming to promote sustainable livelihoods.

 

The World Bank, in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), recently conducted training in Nairobi, Kenya, on designing and implementing climate-smart livestock operations. This event brought together representatives from the World Bank, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and project teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, and CCARDESA.

 

Zimbabwe is among the countries whose farmers are set to benefit from the training. Livestock plays a critical role in global food systems, supporting the livelihoods of over 1.3 billion people and contributing 30% of agricultural output in low and middle-income countries. However, the sector also accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increasing pressure on ecosystems, land, and biodiversity.

 

CCARDESA highlighted the importance of balancing livestock's role in livelihoods with its environmental footprint. The programme focuses on building capacity for sustainable livestock management and aligns with the World Bank's corporate commitments to GHG accounting, monitoring, reporting, and verification.

 

Participants explored strategies to address emissions, including improved feed formulations and enhancing animal diets to reduce methane production. They examined rotational grazing systems to mitigate soil degradation and promote carbon sequestration. Manure management systems and reducing nitrous oxide emissions through better waste handling were also key focus areas.

 

Technical sessions introduced tools such as Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACCs) and strategies for scaling Climate-Smart Livestock (CSL) practices. The training underscored the importance of tailoring interventions to local contexts and economic realities for effective implementation.

 

Field visits to Kenya's Mazingira Research Centre and Kapiti Research Station provided participants with hands-on experience. Activities included demonstrations of fodder trials, improved pasture systems, and advanced laboratory research on emissions monitoring. These practical sessions showcased innovative approaches to sustainable livestock management.

 

CCARDESA is currently coordinating the regional implementation of several World Bank-funded initiatives. These include the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), and the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa.

 

Dr Shadreck Makombe, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU), welcomed the initiative. He noted its potential to educate farmers on reducing carbon emissions and planting more trees to minimise airborne diseases. He emphasised the need for the programme to be implemented in Zimbabwe, given the presence of many smallholder farmers in the country.

 

The World Bank's support for climate-smart livestock production aims to ensure that the knowledge and tools developed during these sessions are integrated into ground-level projects. This will advance sustainable practices across the region, representing a significant step towards achieving global climate goals while addressing regional development priorities.

 

This initiative highlights the potential for collaborative, science-driven approaches to create a more sustainable and equitable future for livestock systems worldwide.

 

-      The Herald