Transforming Lives Through Climate-Smart Agriculture.
100% of farmers we support are planting at least three varieties of drought-resistant crops, while 50% of other farmers plant just one. Drought resistant crops are providing protection for families in the face of climate change.
89% of farmers we support are planting trees on their farm, compared to a national average of 50%. Trees are vital for conserving soil and water; restoring degraded lands and providing vital foods, fuel and medicines.
88% of farmers are practicing intercropping while only 50% of other farmers have adopted this practice. Intercropping helps farmers make the most out of limited resources and protects against crop failure from disease.
100% of farmers we support store and manage water for agriculture through sand dams. Only 10% of other farmers have begun trying to store or manage agricultural water.
95% of farmers we support terrace their land. Terracing dramatically reduces the loss of water and soil. Only 16% of other farmers have introduced soil management techniques.
33% of farmers we support are using manure from livestock to fertilise their land, compared to 25% of other farmers who are using manure or compost.
In drylands all over the world, people, especially the rural poor, are changing their lives to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Recent research by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on climate change, agriculture and food security, found a link between farmers' food insecurity and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques.
Many smallholders have started to practice climate-smart farming methods, such as using improved seed varieties, planting trees and better managing soil and water. But other approaches, that would transform lives, have yet to be widely adopted.
Here we show in pictures how our strategic partners, Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) are working with farmers in Kenya on climate-smart agriculture, and how the adoption rate of of these new practices among farmers we support compare to the regional results.
ASDF has trained me on inter-cropping, crop rotation and farm terracing and I have measurable results...this year I have harvested twice what I had planted.
Mwanthi Nuvi, Wikawtyo wa Kiambani Self Help Group.
