Challenge

Extreme heat, unseasonal rains and droughts continue to wipe out entire crops. These climate change related impacts are increasing poverty with many small farmers earning less than $2/day. With overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, greater erosion of soil and increased pest and climate risks, their very livelihoods are being threatened. With increasing indebtedness and lack of sustainable income, these farmers are abandoning their farming heritage and migrating to urban slums.

Solution

The climate-smart greenhouses and training in sustainable farming significantly reduces farmers' dependence on chemical fertilisers & pesticides and increases usage of organic nutrients, safeguarding their heritage and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers grow 7 x more crops per acre, building greater climate resilience to their farming activities, and secure a reliable source of income. Hence, there is greater food security for their households and healthier food supply for their communities

Long-Term Impact

The farmers benefit from adopting more sustainable farming methods, skills and tools with which to produce healthier crops, protect natural resources and maintain their ancestral heritage. Their increased income is used on providing better nutrition, basic healthcare, schooling, and sanitation for their families. This in turn re-invigorates their communities and encourages more farmers to return to farming, thus, becoming the new champions of climate-smart and sustainable farming.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources