Nearly 60% of Africa’s population of 1.2 billion face food insecurity and often deal with livelihood challenges. The situation is exacerbated by climate change, which directly impacts food production systems. Smallholders in Africa who typically engage in rainfed subsistence farming are at the centre of this challenge.
To address this, the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) partnered with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to start the Transforming Investments in Africa’s Rainfed Agriculture (TIARA) programme. The objective of the programme is to increase attention to and investment in enhanced rainfed agriculture across the Watercourse. While the current focus is on Southern Africa, lessons learned and experiences will inform the development of an Africa-wide TIARA programme.
ZAMCOM’s Strategic Plan for the Zambezi Watercourse includes a livelihoods support pillar, which incorporates the development of investments into enhanced rainfed agriculture in the Watercourse. This strategy aims to increase water availability for smallholder farmers through improved rainfed agriculture practices.
This session aims to facilitate the mobilization of finances from public and private sources for activities to enhance rainfed agriculture in the Zambezi Watercourse. Ultimately, the communities will benefit from food security, improved climate resilience, improved water and land management, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
CIFOR-ICRAF speaker
Agenda
Moderator: Xanani Baloyi, Programme Officer, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Setting the Scene
Xanai Baloyi, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Welcome Remarks
Karin Gardes, Chief Operating Officer, SIWI
Opening Remarks
- Felix M. Ngamlagosi, Executive Secretary, Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM)
- Professor Catherine Muthuri, Kenya Country Director and Regional Convener for East Africa, CIFOR-ICRAF
Presentations
Transforming Investments in African Rainfed Agriculture (TIARA) Initiative
Kasonde Mulenga, Programme Manager SIWI
Zambezi Strategic Plan (ZSP), A framework for climate-smart investments into rainfed agriculture in the Zambezi Watercourse
Evans Kaseke, ZSP Programme Manager ZAMCOM
Q & A interactive session
Moderator, Xanani Baloyi, Programme Officer SIWI
Presentation
Global experiences and responses on landscape management,
Professor Catherine Muthuri, Kenya Country Director, and Regional Convener for East Africa, CIFOR-ICRAF
Q & A, panel discussion
- What financial mechanism can be used to enhance rainfed agriculture in Africa?
- Perspectives from development finance institutions, climate finance, public and private sector etc.
- Open discussion with the audience to clarify key issues and identify the opportunities for action.
Panelists
Lydie Menouer, impact funding advisor
Evans Kaseke Zambezi, Watercourse Commission
Kasonde Mulenga, SIWI
Professor Catherine Muthuri, CIFOR-ICRAF
Summary and Closing Remarks
Robert K.M. Sunday, Zambezi Watercourse Commission Riparian State
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