In a collaborative effort to build climate resilience and foster sustainable agribusiness in Africa, ENABLE TAAT recently partnered with the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and Zambia Youth Agripreneurs (ZYA) to deliver an intensive training program aimed at empowering smallholder farmers and youth. Held from August 13th to 16th, 2024, at IITA’s Ngwerere offices in Zambia, the program provided practical, hands-on learning to equip participants with essential climate-smart farming techniques and profitable agribusiness skills.
The four-day training covered vital topics designed to empower farmers to overcome climate-related challenges and enhance their agricultural practices. A key focus was helping farmers adopt a business-oriented approach to their operations. Participants were trained to view farming as a profitable, sustainable venture by mastering essential business skills such as identifying investment areas, planning and budgeting, and strategic decision-making. They also learned the importance of profit and loss analysis, cash flow management, and accurate financial record keeping, using tools like cash books and ledgers. By addressing these essentials, the program prepared farmers to manage their operations with a keen eye on profitability and longevity.
Additionally, the training introduced participants to practical techniques to adapt to climate variability and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Innovative practices were shared to help farmers manage climate-related risks, including resilient farming methods, environmental protection, and weather forecasting to inform crop and livestock management. Conservation agriculture practices, such as minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and soil cover maintenance, were also highlighted as vital strategies to maintain productivity, secure livelihoods, and promote sustainable land use.
This training initiative exemplifies ENABLE TAAT’s dedication to supporting smallholder farmers and youth by building a resilient, climate-smart agribusiness sector in Africa. The knowledge and skills gained enable farmers to not only thrive in their current agricultural landscape but also create new pathways for economic growth through agribusiness ventures that contribute to food security and national development.
Through this hands-on program, participants gained tools to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, equipping them to thrive in an evolving climate. ENABLE TAAT’s commitment to partnerships like these reflects a bold vision for a sustainable, resilient agricultural future across Africa.
Stay connected for further updates as ENABLE TAAT continues to advance climate-smart agriculture and empower the next generation of African agripreneurs.