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Seed banks help Zimbabwe's farmers tackle climate change

Sally Nyakanyanga

November 07, 2017 |

The New Humanitarian (formerly IRIN) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Zimbabwe

Many indigenous crops in Zimbabwe have been replaced with cash crops that sell without worry. However, farmers still need the indigenous small grains in order to feed their families when maize - the main crop in the country - is out of season. In order to increase the availability of such seeds, community seed banks are being considered after seeing success in other areas.

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In the Southwest, a sustainable breed of cattle

Anthony Moreno

November 02, 2017 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Mexico

A breed of cattle that is uncommon in the Southwest is making a comeback and increasing sustainability for ranchers. The criollo cow can withstand the increasing dry spells, even thriving in hot and dry conditions. Cattle ranchers often resort to selling off cattle when droughts result in water and grass shortages, causing economic hardship. Criollo cattle are less likely to catch and spread disease, improve grasslands, and require less food and water.

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Making it Work: Agriculture in India and Kenya

Angela Saini

October 22, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: India, Karnataka

Farmers play a vital role in the health of people around the world, yet often are not financially compensated in a sustainable way to survive. Entrepreneurs in India are attempting to shift this reality by introducing start ups that help low income farmers bring in a consistent income.

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Hemp Farmers Face Rocky Road in Diversifying Eastern Kentucky's Economy

Rachel Cramer

October 06, 2017 |

West Virginia Public Broadcasting |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pikeville, Kentucky

Appalachia, a region put on the map due to coal mining, is now facing a time of declining coal mining jobs. As this persists, however, there is slowly growing movement to turn to hemp farming as a way to bring both jobs and money back into Eastern Kentucky. Although much is still unknown about the future of this crop, it's still standing as a beacon of hope for the community as a means to helping both the people and the region in their fight for increased economic stability.

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These Solar Farms Have A Secret Hiding Under Them: Mushrooms

Adele Peters

September 22, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Japan, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

As populations urbanize and the disparity between city and country grows, farmers in Japan are facing increasing economic challenges and a shortage of new farmers to work the land. But a new scheme may help farms to be more profitable by creatively doubling the productivity of their land. New projects allow farmers to grow produce or graze livestock beneath large swaths of solar panels, generating income from both energy sold to the grid as well as more traditional agricultural means.

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Farming in Alaska is increasingly possible

Krista Langlois

September 18, 2017 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Homer, Alaska

Historically, farming has been very difficult in Alaska, making certain food products very expensive, and leading to a lack of locally grown food. However, due to climate change and new technology, farming is increasingly possible.

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This Tiny Country Feeds the World

Frank Viviano Luca Locatelli

September 15, 2017 |

National Geographic |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Netherlands, Wageningen

By using new technology and shared knowledge, the Dutch have become global leaders in agricultural innovation and solutions to fight famine. Work being done at Wageningen University & Research has allowed farmers in the Netherlands to grow crops year-round and in all kinds of weather, while eliminating the use of chemical pesticides and reducing the dependence on water by as much as 90 percent at some farms. Exporting these techniques to other countries has its challenges, but international graduate students are working to implement these programs in their home regions to help people experiencing hunger.

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Malawian Farmers Adapt in the Face of Climate Change

Deogracias Benjamin Kalima

August 31, 2017 |

Earth Island |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Malawi, Lunzu

Malawian farmers have been hit hard by climate change over the last two farming seasons, and have thus seen a drop in agricultural production. To combat these losses, agriculture experts have begun implementing climate-smart farming practices that allow them to "sustainably increase productivity, enhance resilience (adaptation), reduce greenhouse gas emissions where possible, and help with achievement of national food security and development goals" according to the Food and Agricultural Organization.

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Madagascar skirted famine – barely. Now, it's boosting resilience before drought returns.

Peter Ford

July 25, 2017 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Madagascar, Ambovombe, Androy

Drought in Madagascar grows worse each year as its minimal public infrastructure and extensive poverty slow efforts by the UN and various NGOs for food and water distribution. But in recognizing the severity of the cyclical water shortages, organizations are piloting new approaches. These include solar pumps from portable groundwater sources; distribution and cultivation of drought- and rot-resistant seed strains for staple crops; cash-stipends for "productive goods," delivered by phone to bypass the problem of damaged roads -- which are building newfound resilience among residents.

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How Mongolia's nomads are adapting to climate change

Jacopo Pasotti

July 24, 2017 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Mongolia

Mongolia’s nomadic, pastoral families are banding together to strengthen their resilience in the face of climate change. With their economic livelihoods dependent on livestock production, they feel the effects of warming temperatures more than many. By combining their resources and communally managing their pastures, they’ve been able to be less vulnerable to severe weather.

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