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Climate Smart Agriculture Key to Increase crop yields

  Quality Agriculture Extension services key to attaining Climate Smart Agriculture. By Raphael Banda In most African countries and beyond, farming is a lifeline. This is owing to the fact that it feeds families, supports local economies, and preserves cultural identities passed down through previous and current generations. However, the past few decades, this sustenance has come under increasing threat from something beyond any farmer’s control known as climate change. Its effects have made rainfall unpredictable; seasons commence late or not at all in some parts of the continent. Crops that once thrived now struggle. For millions of smallholder farmers including the over 2.5 million registered farmers in Zambia, the impact has been demoralizing. Despite the setback, a new wave of hope has emerged in the form of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) which is a practical, proven, and people-centered approach that is helping farmers fight back and attain maximum crop yields. ...
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The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no. 18 2024- Progressive Legislation

  The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18  2024- A focused piece of legislation. By Raphael Banda January 23 rd , 2025. Environmental protection wise, the ''Eco-friendly curtains of 2024 brightened their colours on Zambia on December 26th as evidenced by the zeal and determination showed by government and parliament to enact a progressive law which strives to attain Zambia's vision 2030 and United Nations's Sustainable Development Goal number 13.'' On December 26 th , 2024, Zambia enacted the Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18 of 2024. This progressive Act provides for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, low emission development, green economy and related actions. The Act also provides for regulation of carbon markets; provides for environmental and social safeguards in climate change actions; establishes the Climate Change Fund; domesticates the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate...
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Climate Financing and loss and damage payments are a timely solution.

  Climate Financing and loss and damage payments are a timely solution. By Raphel Banda Considering the forth coming 29 th Conference of Parties in Baku from Nov 11 th  to 22 nd 2024, discussions around climate financing and loss and damage payments should take centre stage if we are to address adverse effects of climate change. Delegates from both blue and green zones and the over 500 accredited media houses should advocate for more funding towards climate change fight especially by countries in the global south such as Zambia. Despite the scarce funds currently available for adaptation, some Parties to the UNFCCC have suggested prioritization between eligible countries based on their vulnerability to climate change and to develop a vulnerability index for doing so. Iam alive to the fact that Article 4.4 of the Convention commits developed countries to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting costs of ...
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The Law as critical tool for Climate Change fight

It’s time to enact and implement climate - focused legislation. By Raphael Banda October 3rd 2024.   The climate change effects have continued to cause shocks on several economies of developing countries in sub-Sahara Africa and beyond with Zambia not being exception. Momentarily, officials say 87 of Zambia’s 116 districts have been hit hard by the drought caused by the prolonged dry spell in the previous rainy season. Sectors such as Agriculture and Energy, among others, have suffered severe shocks. To cushion this, government and other like-minded organisations such as the UN, AU and the EU among others have joined hands in putting various strategies in place such as cash for work, relief food and other social incentives to the most affected. In as much as we appreciate these efforts, it’s time to " Take urgent action" to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy" as stipulated by the United ...
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Understanding Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Zambia

  Understanding Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Zambia By Raphael Banda. Over the years, we have been hearing words like climate adaptation and mitigation, but have these terminologies played any role in the fight against climate change in Zambia or elsewhere in Africa? By definition , climate adaptation means the process of adjusting to the effects of climate change and climate mitigation means decarbonization or an   action to limit the  greenhouse gases  in the atmosphere that cause  climate change . These terminologies play a huge role in the quest to embrace climate resilience. I (as an environmental journalist and media trainer) feel that these terminologies have not helped very much to fight climate change effects here in Zambia. Writers ,advocates and   journalists must use such terminologies when addressing policy makers or making presentations at high level meetings like the forth coming COP 29 for possible policy shift. But for a ...
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The Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries and Aquatic lives

  By Raphael Banda The Impact of Climate Change on Aquatic Life needs concerted efforts. The impact of climate change has had devasting effects on both human and aquatic lives in the recent past. Zambia and two of her neighbouring countries are grappling with the climate change effects that have resulted in drought and food insecurity in the affected regions. We ( environmental journalists/media development trainers ) and other environmental enthusiasts should give close attention and action on climate change impact on fisheries and aquatic lives too. According to reliable statistics, over 58 million people globally are employed in the primary fish sector and 600 million in the secondary fish sector. This sector has, however, been harshly affected by climate change. According to (IPCC 2021) report, 90% of the excess heat generated by global warming is absorbed by the ocean/rivers which are home to fisheries/aquatic lives. This has major implications on animals that live in ...
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The 2024 World Refugees Day Recommendations and Commendations

  The 2024 World Refugees Day Recommendations and Commendations. In the picture, World Vision/UNICEF Zambia representatives handing over the borehole at Meheba Refugees settlement a few years ago.   By Raphael Banda Over the years, Zambia has continued to host refugees, asylum-seekers and other people of concern and the number currently stands at   about 105,000.     Hence embarking on a journey of resilience and compassion towards comprehensive refugee protection and integration in refugees’ settlements such as Maheba in Northwestern Province, Mantapala in Luapula and Mayukwayukwa in Western province.   Rooted in humanitarian principles and enshrined within the National Refugee Policy, Zambia’s vision go beyond borders to foster social cohesion, economic development, and safeguard the fundamental rights of all individuals. This monumental journey began in 2019, with the inception of a pioneering Refugee Policy by the Office of the Commissioner ...
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