How technology, innovation can help mitigate climate change

Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
CLIMATE change is a global phenomenon that has far-reaching effects on the environment, economies, and societies of countries around the world.
Climatic disturbances — extreme temperatures, storms, droughts and floods — are becoming more frequent and severe in Manicaland, with experts noting a northern expansion of these high hazard risks, reducing the extent of suitable production areas and productivity of remaining ones.
Rain-fed agriculture is no longer suitable in southern and northern zones, as recurring droughts wipe out crops and cause livestock casualties and clean water sources to dry up.
Since rain-fed agriculture is practiced by smallholder farmers that account for the larger portion of the planted area in the province, it means a large population is vulnerable as the alternative route of diversification — livestock production — also gets crippled by reduced precipitation and pastures, high temperatures, as well as pests and diseases.
This was not the case decades ago as the northern and southern zones were synonymous with abundant rainfall, fertile soils, good pastures and overflowing water points for livestock.
One of the most noticeable effects of climate change in the province is the increase in temperatures.
Over the past few decades, temperatures in the region have been steadily rising, leading to more frequent heatwaves and prolonged periods of drought. This has had a significant impact on agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for many people in the province.
Crops are failing, livestock are dying, and water sources are drying up, leading to food insecurity and economic hardship for many communities.
Another consequence of climate change in Manicaland is the increase in extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding.
These events have become more frequent and intense in recent years, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, livestock and crops.
The flooding has also led to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, further exacerbating the health challenges faced by the population.
National University of Science and Technology (NUST), lecturer, Dr Arther Mavisa said the northward shift in high drought risk in Manicaland was noted between 2014 and 2021.
“The number of vulnerable households are increasing in Manicaland because the shocks and food insecurity are going up. The situation has deteriorated in Chipinge, while Buhera has been persistently categorised in the worst category in terms of food insecurity and vulnerability to drought and floods.
“The areas are persistently food insecure and experience increased frequencies of drought, hence preparedness is critical, given its potential to enhance institutional capacity to deal with shocks,” said Dr Mavisa.
Dr Mavisa added: “We need to cushion the province from the threats and vulnerability associated with climate change by mitigating the impacts. They say an animal that does not evolve or adapt gets extinct. If we fail to evolve as Manicaland, climate change will devour us.”
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change in Manicaland, it is essential to promote sustainable agriculture practices, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Agriculture is becoming increasingly tech-driven and farmers need to be equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills to use emerging technologies to help grow their farming enterprises.
Thus, farming is undergoing technological transformation that should help farmers improve sustainability, efficiency and profitability of their businesses.
The recent acquisition of drones by Government is an inherent desire to shift from traditional to precision farming.
By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, the province can improve the efficiency of irrigation systems, reduce water waste, and adapt to the changing climate.
One of the key ways technology can revolutionise irrigation is through the use of precision agriculture techniques.
Precision agriculture involves using data and technology to optimise the use of water, fertilisers, and pesticides in agriculture.
By using sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, farmers can monitor soil moisture levels, crop health, and weather patterns in real-time.
This allows them to make informed decisions about when and how much to irrigate, leading to significant water savings and increased crop yields.
Another innovative technology that can revolutionise irrigation is the use of smart irrigation systems.
These systems use weather data, soil moisture sensors, and crop water requirements to automatically adjust irrigation schedules and amounts.
By using smart irrigation systems, farmers can reduce water waste, improve crop health, and save time and labour.
These systems can also be integrated with mobile apps and cloud-based platforms, allowing farmers to monitor and control their irrigation systems remotely.
In addition to precision agriculture and smart irrigation systems, there are other technologies that can help revolutionise irrigation and mitigate climate change. For example, the use of drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the roots of plants, can reduce water usage by up to 50 percent compared to traditional flood irrigation methods.
Similarly, the use of soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation controllers can help farmers optimise water use and reduce water waste.
Furthermore, advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology can also play a role in revolutionising irrigation.
By developing drought-resistant crops and improving crop water use efficiency, scientists can help farmers adapt to the changing climate and reduce the impacts of water scarcity on agriculture.
Rural development expert, Professor Joseph Kamuzhanje said some challenges currently bedevilling agriculture can be eliminated with the adoption of technology.
He said technology can also help address issues of double allocation of land, multi-farm ownership, boundary disputes and derelict land.
“Agriculture should be done scientifically. It is a science involving rainfall, temperature, soil profiles, texture and acidity, etcetera; all these need a scientific opinion. The use of science and technology is therefore a key ingredient in farming. Agriculture is moving towards precision, and the days of generalising interventions and developing generic solutions are over. The use of satellites, GPS, GIS is now the new normal. With these technologies, it is possible to isolate a problem and deal with it exclusively,” he said.
Professor Kamuzhanje said in some countries, drones are being used to supply inputs and carry out diagnostics for both crops and livestock.
“The technology is completely dependent on accuracy and precision of location.
This can also help on debt recovery and dealing with delinquent behaviour among farmers. You can also support farmers who are doing well by giving them targeted assistance.
This technology is part of, not only making agriculture scientific, but also precise. Daily there are new advancements.
We need to have the necessary infrastructure, from electricity, mobile phone connectivity, good roads and a reliable transport system to make it work,” said Professor Kamuzhanje.
Mr Simon Nyabadza of Rusape, who was recently earmarked for sponsorship at the SADC Innovation and Rural Transformation Fair for his strides in finding tech-driven solutions to propel food security among smallholder farmers and boost rural development, said technology has the ability to uplift the lives of small-scale farmers.
Mr Nyabadza was nominated for sponsorship of his iFarm software application.
iFarm has Artificial Intelligence technologies that carry out remote sensing for climate change and risk mitigation, and also allows for early warning for diseases, adverse weather conditions like hail and optimal irrigation scheduling, among other things.
“We are passionate about the role that ICT can play in boosting agricultural productivity, hence our effort to reach out to our fellow undervalued small-scale farmer base. ICT and technology has the ability to uplift the lives of small-scale farmers.”
He said they also provide tech products and services to farmers in the form of agri-yield sensors, weather stations and soil moisture sensors, as well as lab services for soil analysis and fertiliser advice.
“Small-scale farmers constitute over 75 percent of the farmer base, and it is critical, in the development of agriculture, that this category of farmers be more productive, have access to fair markets, make informed decisions, have business acumen and be aware of health implications. iFarm Zimbabwe strives to create long term meaningful relationships in the private and public sectors, on a local, regional and international basis.
‘‘The objective is in line with the 10-Point Economic Recovery Plan — revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value chain, focusing on infrastructure development, particularly in the key energy, water, transport and ICTs subsectors, among others,” said Mr Nyabadza.