Field data was collected through:
(i) a semi-structured survey administered
to 478 head households;
(ii) from focus groups through discussion
and consultation with local stakeholders by using a risk matrix.
The main agro-climatic risks for farmers in
these countries are: Increasing maximum and minimum temperatures; high rainfall
variability; and, extreme droughts and floods. We were able to work with
communities to identify and prioritize authentic climate change adaptation
measures that were deemed to be both strategic and complementary to prudent
natural resource management and enhanced agricultural production. Identified
innovative adaptation practices that may be up-scaled include: expanding
irrigation systems, adjusting crop planting times to suit localized weather and
climate forecasts, plant breeding to establish more heat-stress tolerant crops and
associated agroforestry. In dryland rainfall systems, it was acknowledged there
is a need for greater reliance on water-stress tolerant crops, better soil and
water conservation techniques associated with broad catchment management and
agroforestry, and improving soil management through prudent fertilizers in
sorghum crops. To address climate change, such practices need immediate
wider-scale implementation.
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