In as much as climate change is a global phenomena that impact all aspects of life on earth, it's devastating impact is more felt in the Agribusiness sector. Therefore technology deserves credit for saving this crucial sector in the midst of the constantly changing climate.
Technological giants are manufacturing digital tools for the Agribusiness sector that are in line with keeping up with climate change. Tools that act as response tools to climate change. These include monitoring systems that are put in place to prepare for catastrophic events such as natural disasters that are now common due to climate change. Tools such as climate fieldview which is smart farming technology that does farm mapping and management.
Agribusiness as a pillar of society in ensuring food security needs prioritising by technological firms to bring about innovations in machinery, agricultural inputs, systems, ideas , products, services and applications that are custom made for the Agribusiness sector even for the less privileged agricultural societies at affordable retail prices.
Gone are the days of green revolution when agribusiness was booming with very least technological interventions and climate change was not a threat. Nowadays the previously productive agricultural based economies of the developing world are falling due to decline in funds to obtain advanced technological tools that are required for maximum productivity.
Only the developed world is able to put in place funds as a response to climate change and such funds are technology oriented towards agribusiness to ensure that nations are able to embrace technology, have food security, export surplus and grow the Agribusiness sector in the presence of climate change.
Case Studies: Zambia and the Kingdom of Eswatini
Zambia's Drought Crisis: In early 2024, Zambia faced a severe drought, declared a national disaster by President Hakainde Hichelema. This crisis highlights the urgent need for technological solutions, such as sophisticated greenhouses, to sustain agriculture even in extreme conditions.
Climate Challenges in Eswatini: The Kingdom of Eswatini is grappling with reduced rainfall and increased temperatures, impacting its staple maize meal crops and leading to significant livestock losses. The impending threat to the "Swazi Gold" sugar industry due to declining Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts further emphasizes the economic vulnerabilities tied to climate change.
Zambia's Initiatives
Zambia has been proactive in adopting technology and innovative practices to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in agriculture. The country's approach has been multifaceted, focusing on integrating climate-smart agricultural practices into national policies and investment plans. The Zambia Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, identified crop diversification, commercial horticulture, agroforestry, and reducing post-harvest losses as key practices to enhance agricultural sustainability, resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, the AICCRA (Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Zambia program has been instrumental in scaling access to climate-smart services and innovations. This initiative has focused on providing Zambian farmers with actionable climate information, de-risking investments in agribusiness, and boosting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture technologies. Notably, the program has supported various innovation bundles targeting different agricultural value chains, from solar-powered irrigation systems to climate-smart seed varieties and integrated aquaculture. This comprehensive support has benefited over 118,000 Zambian farmers, with significant emphasis on gender and social inclusion.
Additionally, the establishment of 239 farmer field schools through the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes has been a significant step towards educating farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices. These schools aim to train over 118,000 farmers, improving both environmental and economic outcomes for rural communities in Zambia's Eastern Province.
These initiatives exemplify Zambia's commitment to transforming its agricultural sector to be more resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change. By focusing on knowledge sharing, technology adoption, and community engagement, Zambia is laying a solid foundation for a climate-resilient agricultural future.
Eswatini's Initiatives
On the other hand, Eswatini has been actively employing technology and training to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change in agriculture. The implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) initiatives is a prime example of this effort. The CSA approach in Eswatini includes the installation of water-saving irrigation systems and the establishment of nurseries and cold chain facilities in rural irrigation schemes. These measures aim to improve the livelihoods of over 500 households by enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. The support includes the provision of farming implements for conservation agriculture, which encompasses practices like minimal soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, and crop rotation, all aimed at sustainable land use and increased farm output.
Furthermore, farmers in Eswatini have been trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which cover a range of sustainable farming techniques, including Conservation Agriculture (CA), Mixed Farming, Agro-forestry, Tunnel farming, and Inter-cropping. The training also focuses on minimizing post-harvest losses and linking farmers to sustainable markets both locally and internationally. The adoption of CA, in particular, is promoted to maintain the land's natural state as long as possible, which is crucial in preserving the environment and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Farming tunnels, which protect crops from adverse weather and extend the growing season, have been highlighted as a significant advancement for vegetable production in the face of climate change. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance the resilience of Eswatini's agriculture sector against climate change impacts, aiming for sustainability in food production and improved economic outcomes for farmers.
The examples of Zambia and Eswatini illustrate the broader challenge of ensuring that the fruits of technological advancement in agriculture are accessible to all, particularly those in vulnerable regions. Bridging the technological divide and fostering global collaborations are imperative to develop sustainable, inclusive solutions that bolster the Agribusiness sector against the backdrop of an ever-changing climate. The future of global food security hinges on our collective ability to innovate responsibly and inclusively, ensuring that no community is left behind in the quest for agricultural resilience.
Conclusion
The escalating challenges posed by climate change to the Agribusiness sector underscore the critical role of technological innovation in safeguarding food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The advent of digital tools and smart farming technologies offers promising solutions to enhance resilience, optimize resource utilization, and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. However, the disparity in access to these technologies between developed and developing nations highlights an urgent need for inclusive strategies that ensure equitable access to agricultural innovations. Bridging this technological divide requires concerted efforts from governments, technological firms, international organizations, and the agricultural community to develop affordable, scalable, and customized solutions for all farming contexts, especially for smallholder and subsistence farmers. By prioritizing investment in research, development, and capacity building, we can empower farmers globally to harness the power of technology, adapt to the changing climate, and secure a sustainable future for the Agribusiness sector.
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