The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare in MAZOWE
INTENSIVE research and innovation have great potential to bring in new technology needed to build resilient livestock production in the wake of climate change.
This observation was made by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri while officially opening the three-day National Climate Action in Livestock Conference in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, on Tuesday.
He was represented by the chief director in the Department of Research and Specialist Services, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo.
“The Government has committed to invest in research and development of new technologies, tools and practices that lead to more sustainable livestock systems.
“This involves funding research on reducing emissions, improving animal genetics and enhancing feed efficiency,” said Prof Jiri.
The Government, in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has committed resources in research and innovation in coming up with the recently concluded Zimbabwe’s Tier Two Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Cattle.
“I am pleased to report that the inventory was key for us to realise how we can adapt to the effects of climate change while strengthening the resilience of agricultural value chains through scaling up climate-smart agriculture solutions such as switching to adapted livestock breeds, improving livestock management, fodder production and good livestock feeding strategies,” added Prof Jiri.
“The project is in sync with our national blueprint, Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, that is underpinned by the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, among other blueprints.”
Government, he said, will also ensure farmers get education and training to raise awareness on climate-smart practices.
FAO livestock and climate change specialist (policy) expert Ms Saskia Reppin said livestock farmers need to follow the guidelines from research results to engage in sustainable production.
“Farmers need to adopt climate-smart methods in livestock production to strike a balance in ensuring food and nutrition security while protecting the environment for future generations,” she said.
Government has the Henderson Research Institute in Mazowe and Makoholi Research Station in Masvingo, whose core business is to develop and disseminate viable, practical and sustainable livestock and pasture production technologies that meet the needs of the livestock industry in Zimbabwe.
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