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Zimbabwe should put in place robust measures to address challenges posed by climate change as the country’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said. In a speech read on her behalf by the director of finance, administration and human resources in her ministry Ms Cathrine Madanha-Maveneki at the Fifth Climate Change and Development in Africa Annual Conference here, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said through adaptation, Zimbabwe would be able to protect development gains and allow vulnerable groups to cope with impacts of climate change.
“Climate change scenarios show a drying trend,” she said. “As a result, adaptation in the agricultural sector should focus on strategies to conserve moisture, promotion of conservation agriculture, improved short season seed varieties, especially for maize, increased use of drought resistant small grains is a key strategy, among others.
“Use of commercial crops such as cotton may also buffer farmers against climate change, the same applies with increasing the area under irrigation. With respect to mitigation, measures will be put in place to reduce emissions towards a climate resilient nation.” In a speech read on his behalf by the director of policy formulation, analysis and coordination in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Edward Samuriwo — Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said studies indicated that the impact of climate change would impede economic growth and efforts to reduce poverty.
They would also erode food security, prolong existing poverty traps and create new ones which may further increase the levels and dimensions of poverty.
“The vision of creating an enabling environment for a climate resilient nation ensures sustainable development and a proofed economy through engagement of all stakeholders and recognising the vulnerable nature of Zimbabwe’s natural resources and society,” said Dr Sibanda.
“The cross cutting nature of climate change, therefore, requires coordination and collaboration between various ministries, departments and stakeholders under Zim-Asset clusters. The clusters are ably coordinated by the Office of the President and Cabinet.
“The office will push for the mainstreaming of climate change across all clusters.” In a speech also read on his behalf by the France embassy cooperation attaché Mr Laurent Godefroy, French ambassador Mr Laurent Delahouse said the main conference, which starts today, would advertise all good practices of adaptation and mitigation which can make the world better.
“Agricultural adaptation is an issue you are already taking forward, for the benefits of small scale farmers, to protect their crops, to manage their practices and to adapt their methods and choices,” he said.
Online Reporter