Adaptation of Agriculture to climate change

projekt beendet

ContextThe farming sector in northern Benin is dominated by rainfed agriculture. As a result, only about 0.5 percent of agricultural land is cultivated using small irrigation schemes in meadowlands. Climate forecasts for this region predict an increase in extreme rainfall and drought conditions as well as a more variable rainy season. The negative impacts of climate change in Northern Benin have been further aggravated by the unsustainable management of natural resources, and present a risk to agricultural production. This is endangering the harvest and the associated nutritional needs of the population.Benin's agricultural development strategy has taken the impacts of climate change into consideration and therefore aims to improve water and soil management, increase agricultural productivity and preserve ecosystems.ObjectiveMeasures aimed at sustainable management of natural resources, in particular of water and soil, help those agricultural areas of northern Benin most affected by climate change better adapt to these changes.ApproachThe project is to be implemented in three selected communities bordering on the Pendjari and W National Parks in northern Benin, which are areas especially affected by climate change. It concentrates on the following fields of action:1. Standardised procedures are used for needs assessments and prioritisation in the water catchment areas.2. Investment in the irrigation infrastructure as well as sustainable water and soil management across the water catchment areas are better adapted to the impacts of climate change.3. Relevant stakeholders and decision-makers use the available knowledge and experience to sustainably manage those areas particularly affected by climate change.A range of consulting and advanced training measures enable the stakeholders, such as state partner organisations, local governments, the private sector, civil society and local producers, to plan and implement climate sensitive measures to ensure sustainable management of water catchment areas. These measures will be executed at regional, municipal and national level. Women and marginalised groups in particular will be actively involved in planning and decision-making processes to ensure that their interests are taken into consideration.The aim of this project is to improve the resilience of agricultural systems and the individual farms in the water catchment areas to climate change. The implementation of the protection and usage regulations in the management plans will reduce the pressure on the natural resources of the neighbouring national parks. In this way, the project also contributes to preserving biodiversity in the region.The project is carried out by GFA Consulting Group by national and international personnel.

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