The Durban University of Technology hosted a successful Agriculture and Rural Development Day at the Ritson Campus, in an aim to analyse whether the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) is considering agriculture as part of the climate change solution….

6 December 2011
Moving Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Durban University of Technology hosted a successful Agriculture and Rural Development Day at the Ritson Campus, in an aim to analyse whether the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) is considering agriculture as part of the climate change solution.

In a media conference the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Petterson said there are positive signs that government is willing to support climate-smart agriculture.

“Before agriculture was not considered to be part of the economic solution or socio-economic solution but now we see a positive shift in this regard. The perception about farming has to change and South Africa must see itself as part of Africa” said Joemat-Petterson.

Rachel Kyte, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development and GGIAR Fund Council Chair said they have provided $19 billion to support agriculture, when developing new technology, techniques, and regulations. She said they know funding poses a major stumbling block but assured that the money will set many projects in motion.

Sir John Beddington, Chair of the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change had strong words of caution saying the time of doing business as usual is over if the call to protect the planet is genuine.

“More than a billion of people are in poverty already, another billion doesn’t have access to clean water. In business as usual temperatures will rise, business as usual won’t work. Scientists can only advise and the people with power should make those calls,” said Beddington.

He however believes agriculture can be part of the solution. It just needs optimistic role players to work towards an agriculture that would provide food security and employment at a time when these two are inseparable. He said it can develop skills and a positive step towards a Zero Hunger world.

Nqobizizwe Zwane