Posted on August, 21, 2024 at 05:16 am
This extension of support, running through December 2025, marks a significant step forward in ensuring sustainable farming practices and conservation, enabling both animals and people to thrive.
Partnering with COMACO, this project has already transformed the lives of over 5,000 smallholder farmers by introducing them to climate-smart techniques, such as cultivating legume crops that enrich rather than exhaust the soil. These methods have not only improved livelihoods and bolstered food security but have also led to a visible increase in both crop yields and farmer incomes.
In a landscape challenged by illegal deforestation, mining, and poaching, these farming advancements are crucial. Additionally, farmers have embraced the planting of Gliricidia sepium—a natural soil enhancer—in their gardens, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and lessening the strain on local forests.
The introduction of boreholes and granaries for secure food storage and innovative income-generating activities like beekeeping are building community resilience. Moreover, farmers are learning effective strategies to coexist with wildlife, employing non-lethal methods such as chili ‘bombs’ to protect crops from elephant raids and adopting safe practices around large animals.
This work spans eight chiefdoms where communities live in close contact with nature and wildlife, including elephants. Thanks to the continued support from GIZ, we are making strides toward a sustainable future where communities and nature can flourish side by side. With collaborative efforts, we can enact significant environmental and social change amidst climate challenges.
Source: IFAW