Page 40 - Presbyterian Connection

40
PRESBYTERIAN
SPRING 2023
presbyterian.ca
Connection
PRESBYTERIAN WORLD SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT
Dry Spells:
A Climate Change Issue that Stings
Ennelesi Charles from Balaka dis- trict in Malawi practices conserva- tion agriculture in her maize field.
Communities receive train- ing in conservation agriculture, which fosters resilience to climate change. This technique uses “cli- mate smart” agricultural initiatives that focus on minimal soil distur- bance, to reduce soil erosion, and promote soil cover with crop resi- dues for moisture retention. Soil condition is improved by plant- ing diversified crops that include nitrogen-fixing plants. The project is also helping people plant trees and (re)establish forests through natural regeneration of trees.
Participants also receive fast- maturing and drought tolerant varieties of crops (for example, sorghum) to ensure that families will have something to harvest even if rainfall is inadequate. Seeds for highly valued crops are also provided to further diversify income streams. Training on how to market the crops is provided. To address the significant water concerns in Balaka, the project is supporting existing irrigation schemes with equipment like water-distribution pipes and mini- irrigation drip kits.
Capacity building in communi- ties has helped develop a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation by establishing initi- atives that require minimal exter- nal support. Because of this, peo- ple are adopting climate-smart agriculture and shifting away from conventional farming. As a result, participants have higher crop yields, a source of income and a better diet.
This project receives sup- port from PWS&D and Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Dyson Mwamadi, at his home, reflects on how the changing climate has af- fected farming in his community.
Advocating at Hunger on the Hill
PWS&D Champion Patricia (second from right) met with MPs during Hunger on the Hill, a learning and advocacy event in Ottawa.
By Kennedy Ngalawesa, Project Assistant at Churches Action for Relief and Development, Malawi
Balaka District, Malawi
Malawi is situated in south-eastern Africa and, given the country’s geography, has specific climate zones throughout. In the nor th, for instance, temperatures are less extreme and the region generally enjoys more regular and plentiful rainfall. Conversely, the south is hotter and drier. This is where his- torical climate-induced dry spell occurrence is the highest.
Balaka, a district in the south- ern region, is more affected by drought than many other parts of the country. Rains that support planting in Balaka usually fall from late November to mid-December. The rains are erratic, associated with prolonged dry weather con- ditions and intense heat, both of which negatively affect germina- tion and crop growth.
Impact
Dry spells result in too little water to support food crops through ei- ther natural precipitation or irriga- tion using reserve water supplies. Too little water for plants results in increased soil temperatures, leading to smaller plants, delayed growth and lower yields. Limited soil moisture leaves plants unable to generate essential nutrients. In some cases this means that crops wilt permanently, a situa- tion that leaves farmers with low yields from a large piece of land, frustrating efforts that farmers put into their fields.
With so many households re- liant on agricultural production to meet their daily needs, this situation is not sustainable. Some farmers are only left with enough food for household consumption, with no surplus to sell for income, exacerbating poverty. Addition- ally, without income from cash crops, access to a balanced, nu- tritious diet becomes a challenge that eventually leads to rising cases of malnutrition.
Changes
Looking into the distance, where he can see the next village, Dyson Mwamadi reflects that, “Ten years ago we used to receive good rains because there were more trees—so many that we could not see that village over there. But all those trees were cut down to make charcoal. Rainfall is more erratic and stops earlier, before crops have matured.”
Climate change issues have changed rainfall and planting pat- terns. Because of limited oppor- tunities to generate income, com- munities have opted to cut down trees for charcoal production. The charcoal—a common means of cooking energy in Malawi—is sold to generate a small amount of funds.
Population growth has also meant that trees have been cut down to open up new farms. The area, which used to have thick forests, is now bare, with only patches of trees and tree stumps. Gullies have formed due to poor ground soil cover, resulting in the erosion of topsoil and leaving soil nutrients exhausted.
Supplementary fertilizer be- comes essential then to ensure crops grow, as illustrated by Dy- son Mwamadi. “Ten to 15 years ago, I was not applying fertilizers in my crops because my field was very fertile, and I was harvesting 20 to 25 bags of maize on a one- acre field. But now, the fertile top- soil has been washed away and I harvest 15 to 17 bags of maize on the same piece of land,” he said.
Response
Responding to dry spells cannot be overemphasized. The Strength- ening Production and Marketing Capacity of Small-holder Farmers project is responding with both immediate and long-term actions. The project engages 750 partici- pants in water, soil, and environ- mental conservation in several ways, with a consistent focus on sustainability beyond the lifespan of the project.
By Patricia Grainger, PWS&D Champion at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kars, Ont.
Hunger on the Hill is an event that takes place over four days every autumn and spring season in Ottawa. Organized by Canadian Foodgrains Bank, its focus is on education and advocacy. In Octo- ber 2022, I attended the in-person event, after receiving online train- ing on Canadian government poli- cy, climate resilient food systems and advocacy.
It was a very worthwhile expe- rience with a remarkable group of about 30 people from across the country.
I was invited to speak about my own experiences in Malawi, as well as elaborate on my ob- servations of the lives and chal- lenges of the Malawian people, drawing on all that I have learned from PWS&D over the past many years. It was apparent that we are a strong, collaborative partner with the Foodgrains Bank.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is currently advocating for $500 million dollars from an approved $5.3 billion climate finance package that Canada commit- ted to at the 2021 G7 Summit. The Foodgrains Bank is asking that this money be set aside to support climate-resilient food systems and in particular, small- scale farmers, especially women
in the many countries in which the number of people in need of food is steadily increasing.
I found myself in the offices of Members of Parliament speaking about the needs and determina- tion of Malawian women. Another in our small group spoke of his similar experiences in Ethiopia, and another person spoke of being a farmer herself here in Ontario. The fourth member of our group was Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Foodgrains Bank. All of us learned a lot from him. I think we were a good team and it was exciting to see the response we received from MPs.
PWS&D Director Guy Smagghe also spoke at the Parliamentary Reception on Tuesday evening. I felt humbled to be a PWS&D rep- resentative as he thanked the MPs and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank employees and volunteers for their work. The Hunger on the Hill activity opened new doors for me, and I feel very privileged to have spent four days with such informed, motivated, dedicated and simply lovely people.
Hunger on the Hill is just one of the ways passionate Cana- dians advocate for a more just world. To learn more about be- ing a PWS&D Champion or to express interest in a future Hun- ger on the Hill event, contact eclarke@presbyterian.ca.