Indonesian Farmers Weather Climate Change with Conservation Agriculture
31 March 2017
According to Mark Smulders, FAO representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, conservation agriculture is a win-win situation. “On one hand, we conserve the soil, which means we protect the soil from the sun, preserve the moisture, bring in organic materials, and on the other hand, farmers boost production and at the same time are better protected against climate change,” he said.
http://www.ipsnews.net/2017/03/indonesian-farmers-weather-climate-change-with-conservation-agriculture/
Researchers examine how supporting pollinators helps agriculture
29 March 2017
When agriculture helps pollinators, pollinators help agriculture, according to a research review published by an international group of experts, including a University of Idaho researcher.
https://phys.org/news/2017-03-pollinators-agriculture.html
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CLIMATE CHANGE
UAE’s fragile reefs will be under more strain: climate change report
28 March 2017
The UAE’s fragile natural habitat and animal life are likely to be put under more strain by climate change, leading to economic losses for the growing tourism sector.
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/uaes-fragile-reefs-will-be-under-more-strain-climate-change-report
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DROUGHTS
Government confirms El Nino drought likely this year
Johannesburg, 31 March 2017
Drought conditions associated with an El Nino weather pattern are likely to reoccur in a few months time, the South African government said. "Recurrence of El Nino drought conditions likely ... The next summer season has increased the likelihood for the development of El Nino conditions which are often associated with drought and water scarcity as seen recently in South Africa," the government said in a statement.
http://ewn.co.za/2017/03/30/government-confirms-el-nino-drought-likely-this-year
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FLOODS
Red Cross Develops Innovative Mechanism To Predict & Prepare For Flood Risks
28 March 2017
The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre has revealed a new and innovative mechanism which will help at-risk communities predict and prepare for flood risks, and help mobilize resources to support those communities. The difference with this idea of forecast-based financing is that, currently, most flood relief funding is only available once disaster has struck a region or community — after people have already died and suffered tremendous loss. This new method opens up the idea of funding in advance of a potential disaster, using scientific forecasting and flood risk management
https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/28/red-cross-develops-innovative-mechanism-predict-prepare-flood-risks/
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FOOD SECURITY
Kenya: Experts - Indigenous Seeds Best for Kenya's Food Security
29 March 2017
Kenya should come up with policies that will secure the sovereignty of her seeds in a bid to enhance food security and conserve the indigenous seeds variety. Systems should also be put in place to identify and document all Kenyan seed varieties to protect sovereignty, history and boost food security.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201703290733.html
Food security sharply deteriorated in Middle East: UN
28 March 2017
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa have sharply deteriorated food security and reduced nutrition levels, leaving approximately 30 million people unsure of their next meal.
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/03/28/515911/Middle-East-conflicts-food-security-nutrition-hunger-Iran-Yemen-Syria
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IRRIGATION
How Smart Irrigation Can Tackle Challenges of Water Scarcity and Improve Sustainability
27 March 2017
Smart sprinklers & irrigation controllers help farmers to reap high quality crops, reduce water consumption and simplify garden care & home lawn. Instead of fixed timers, smart irrigation systems harness data from sensors, plant-care databases and weather forecasts in order to determine watering needs and provide right amount of moisture at the right time. Moreover, smart irrigation systems help in water bill reduction and monitoring plants from any corner of the world using web & mobile apps
http://www.tgdaily.com/enterprise/how-smart-irrigation-can-tackle-challenges-of-water-scarcity-and-improve-sustainability
Why irrigation canals are not used to alleviate flooding
31 March 2017
Moving water into irrigation canal could cause flooding in other places.
http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/why-irrigation-canals-are-not-used-to-alleviate-flooding/427374632
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WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Dominica and Brazil Network for Improved Water Resources Management
28 March 2017
“The issue, however, is not whether our region is fresh water rich; it is the institution of a raft of policies that result in a situation where all citizens including the poor have access to clean water and sanitation at a reasonable cost. It is about realizing Sustainable Development Goal number 6- ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Not only in terms of meeting current demand but also meeting the needs of generation to come,” said Honorable Minister for Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Francine Baron.
http://news.gov.dm/index.php/news/4300-dominica-and-brazil-network-for-improved-water-resources-management
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS
68th IEC and 23rd ICID Congress on Irrigation and Drainage, 8-14 October 2017, on the theme: Modernizing Irrigation and Drainage for a new Green Revolution, Mexico City, Mexico, 8-14 October 2017.
Website: http://www.icid2017.org/
69th IEC & Regional Conference, 12–17 August, 2018, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on the theme: Innovative and Sustainable Agri-water Management: Adapting to a Variable and Changing Climate.
Website: http://www.icid2018.org/
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LATEST PUBLICATION(S)
National Agriculture Policy, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, September 2016.
Agriculture remains the mainstay of Malawi’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, economic growth, export earnings, poverty reduction, food security, and nutrition. It also plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. All of these pose a threat to food security and nutrition in the face of a growing population, increased land pressure, and climate change. In trying to address these challenges in the past, Malawi has over-concentrated on maize self-sufficiency for food and tobacco as a cash crop, at the expense of other agricultural commodities, including livestock and fisheries. Moreover, the sector remains predominantly subsistence-oriented. In response, the NAP seeks to sustainably transform the sector from subsistence to a market orientation in order to increase agricultural production, marketed surpluses of commodities, and real incomes.
http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/NAP_Final_Signed.pdf
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