Climate change

Experts harvest carbon and energy ideas for land regeneration

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Many sustainable agricultural practices can complement land regeneration techniques such as FMNR. This was the conclusion by experts at a parallel discussion session that was held during the Beating Famine conference. I had the pleasure of attending a group whose theme was carbon sequestration, water and energy for land regeneration. Chairing the discussion was Stephen [...]

The baffling simplicity of FMNR

Tony Rinaudo showing an example of a tree shoot to Farmers in Kijabe.

When the pioneer of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), Tony Rinaudo held a workshop in Kijabe, Kenya, the invited participants from the Beating Famine conference were baffled by the simplicity of what they heard and saw. During the FMNR tour, the message was clear and simple.

Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa Regenerate Land to Beat Famine

Maize growing in zai pits intercropped with Jatropha trees in Yatta, Kenya

By Elizabeth Kahurani, ASB Communications At the opening of Beating Famine: Sustainable Food Security through Land Regeneration in a Changing Climate conference in Nairobi, participants heard that land degradation is a major factor responsible for increased frequency of drought spells in sub-Saharan Africa. The drivers are many and varied. For example, it was noted that [...]

Upcoming Beating Famine Conference set to encourage Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration

A farmer in West Mamprusi district near Talensi-Nabdam, Ghana. Image credit http://cic-walewale.blogspot.com/p/profile-of-west-mamprusi-district.html

I first visited the Talensi-Nabdam district in Ghana in July 2009. I was there to run a workshop with community leaders on Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), the reforestation method that I had stumbled upon while living in Niger back in 1983.

Warm and fuzzy works: communicating climate change to achieve richer public engagement

The use of informal language and approaches could prove the best method in getting people engaged in climate related activities. Images are also powerful, above image showing millet affected by failed rains. Pic: N. Palmer (CIAT)

Written by Paul Stapleton Paradoxically, a group of scientists packed into a meeting room at the Planet under Pressure conference to discuss how to communicate climate change and improve the public’s consideration of the issue.

The role of social protection in climate change adaptation

Social protection should also address ecological resilience, which contributes to long term climate change adaptation. Agroforestry, shown in the picture, is one technique that contributes to ecological resilience Pic: S. Sthapit, Ecoagriculture Partner

The most common type of “social protection” that farmers have access to either provides relief from deprivation through cash transfers or through weather indexed insurance.

The trouble with defining “Green Economy”

Green growth should address undernourishment, enhance food production, and address gender due to the feminization of agriculture, says Bina Agarwal when trying to define 'Green Economy'. Photo: N. Palmer (CIAT)

One of the biggest challenges scientists face is defining terminology. The buzzword and terminology being discussed at the Planet under Pressure(PuP) conference taking place in London at the moment is “green economy”. Based on some of the sessions I have attended, I have put together a list of possible definitions as to what “green economy” could mean [...]

CGIAR launches landmark project to radically transform ecosystem management by 2022

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Today Tuesday 27 March 2012, the CGIAR has taken a bold step towards addressing the global issue of food security. It has launched a 10-year research program on water, land and ecosystems. The project, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), will seek to radically transform the way land, water and natural systems are [...]

Smart landscapes to feature in Rio+20

Director General Tony Simons with Ambassador Olaniran Yaya (Chair, Committee on World Food Security) Center with other conference participants

The key to poverty alleviation and food security is integrated land management says Kwesi Atta-Krah from Bioversity International. Kwesi and around 150 other experts have gathered in Kenya for the first international conference of Landscapes for People, Food and Nature Initiative taking place at the World Agroforestry Centre 6-9 March 2012. The conference has been [...]

Putting multifunctional landscapes into climate negotiations

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Climate Change will have an impact on every person in the world. It is well documented that it will impact smallholder farmers the most because of the effect on their crops. On the other hand, the effects of climatic change on trees within landscapes are often not considered. However, a recently released book by World [...]