The Zambezi Watercourse Riparian States have called for the development of creative, effective, and direct policy responses to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture.
The call was made by Botswana’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs, Dr. Kekgonne Baipoledi at a two-day Zambezi Rainfed Agriculture Investment Forum held in Gaborone, Botswana from 8 – 9 August 2023, under the theme, ‘Attracting finance to Africa’s rain-fed agriculture to build climate is befitting’.
Dr. Baipoledi emphasized the significance of partnerships in realizing the transformational potential of rainfed agriculture.
“What we do, the policies we create together, strongly affect the food we will all get on our plates, its safety, quality, and most importantly its sustainability. A lot is at stake for our nature and our planet. Farmers have indeed a huge role in protecting nature, fighting climate change, but they need financial assistance,” he said.
Smallholder farmers are considered among those most likely to suffer from climate impacts due to their limited adaptive capacity.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture in achieving prosperity, Dr. Baipoledi stated that no region in the world has developed a diverse, modern economy without first establishing a successful foundation in agriculture.
“Agriculture remains a crucial pathway towards inclusive economies and job creation, especially for the youth,” he said while urging for collective commitments from financiers to secure the future of rainfed agriculture.
Regarding the agricultural sector in Botswana, Dr. Baipoledi noted that it is primarily based on range resource-based livestock and pockets of arable farming relying on rainfall and limited irrigation.
However, he said for Botswana, like any other country in Sub-Saharan Africa, “climate change poses a challenge to the attainment of agricultural potential.
“Climate change is threatening to undo decades of agricultural development efforts in developing countries with scientific projections pointing to a warmer climate characterised by increases in both intensity and frequency of extreme climate events.”
Dr. Baipoledi stressed the need for adaptation, particularly in developing countries with higher vulnerability and dependence on rainfed agriculture.
He highlighted the importance of investment in climate resilience farming systems and the need to retool farmers and extension officers to cope with changing production contexts.
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the conveners and organizers of the forum who included the Zambezi Watercourse Commission, Stockholm International Water Institute, Global Water Partnership - Southern Africa, and the World Agroforestry.