Creating ecological resilience in Mozambique
This project makes the case for a fundamental rethink of economic development policies in Mozambique in the context of climate change. Core activities include research into climate change projections for Mozambique and relevant Southern Africa policies; the development of likely scenarios of climate change impact on Mozambique, and recommendations for policy and strategy development at regional, national and local level – with particular reference to agriculture; the establishment of district-level pilot programmes of adaptation through organic agriculture, community ecological governance and learning for sustainable living; and production and dissemination of learning materials.
The first in-depth study of available data on climate change projections for Mozambique has been completed, bringing together reports and scientific analysis and focusing particularly on a range of scenarios. Research reviewed all national policies and international commitments entered into by Mozambique in relation to climate change and adaptability and found major discrepancies between national and international statements of intent and practical policy measures being pushed through Ministries. For instance, the Government’s new Green Revolution strategy pays very little attention to climate change adaptability, and further reserch at Manica Province level confirmed that agriculture officials have little idea how to promote adaptability beyond testing ‘drought resistant’ crops.
The Africa Biodiversity Network has researched permaculture philosophy and approach, and created direct links with a permaculture project across the border in Zimbabwe. Its agricultural team will be trained in permaculture techniques and establish a small pilot project within the ‘Feeding the family – feeding the community’ programme in 2010.
A link has been established with the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Gardens, UK, and in 2010 focussing on improving seed collection, drying and storage with a view to assisting farmers maintain seed sovereignty particularly with regard to heritage seeds.
Funds have been secured to support ‘Enterprising Youth’ a project focused on helping young people in rural communities explore the potential for diversifying local economies including organic markets and products within agriculture.
The main outcomes are projected to be a significant increase in awareness of, and debate about, climate change impact particularly on food production, and establishment of practical work on adaptability that will produce an evidence-based case to support policy recommendations.
