Latest news with #climate resilience
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Zimbabwe: New irrigation plots expand climate-smart farming in Chisumbanje
More than 220 newly irrigated plots have been handed over to smallholder farmers in Chisumbanje, Zimbabwe, as part of an ongoing land and water development initiative aimed at increasing climate resilience and improving rural livelihoods. The project, led by bioethanol producer Green Fuel, has seen the development of 1,300 hectares of irrigated land to date, benefiting over 2,300 families. Farmers are now able to grow food and cash crops year-round, even during periods of extreme drought, thanks to drip irrigation systems, soil conservation practices, and reliable water infrastructure. Each of the newly allocated 0.5-hectare plots comes with access to irrigation, technical support, and inputs such as fertiliser and seed. The programme forms part of a broader goal to allocate 10% of all sugarcane development land to smallholder production. Sugarcane, staples and horticulture Of the irrigated land, 700 hectares are under sugarcane for biofuel production, while the remaining hectares are used for staple crops like maize and beans, as well as horticultural produce aimed at improving food security and household income. Drip irrigation systems, installed in collaboration with global irrigation firm Netafim, have led to an increase in maize yields from 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes per plot, with an additional 182 hectares earmarked for expansion. No-cost water access for smallholders The irrigation water is pumped and maintained at no cost to the farmers. In addition, Green Fuel has restored over 1,700 hectares of irrigation schemes in surrounding areas, including Middle Sabi and Mutandahwe, benefiting more than 2,300 farmers. Upgrades have included rehabilitating canals, installing new boreholes, and reconstructing pumping systems, with a dedicated water engineering team overseeing ongoing maintenance. Commercial diversification taking root Some farmers have begun cultivating bananas under contract for export markets, demonstrating the potential for diversification and commercial growth. The programme is underpinned by the WaterWise farming approach, promoting sustainable water use, soil management, and long-term infrastructure maintenance to adapt to the region's challenging climate. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
How Water Companies And Architects Can Lead The Way On Sponge Cities
TOPSHOT - Residents walk on a flooded street in Morocco's Ouarzazate city on September 7, 2024. When ... More powerful thunderstorms hit Morocco's arid south, they brought deadly floods but also provided some relief to farmers as the country grapples with its worst drought in nearly 40 years. (Photo by Abderahim ELBCIR / AFP) (Photo by ABDERAHIM ELBCIR/AFP via Getty Images) As various parts of the world continue to experience extreme weather events, many authorities must now grapple with how to make cities more climate resilient. One of the leading climate resilient concepts is the sponge city, where a variety of technological and nature-based solutions can be used to absorb water flooding and future-proof developments. Urban designers and infrastructure experts are playing a key role in the debate around sponge cities, but other organisations, such as utilities also have a role to play. Earlier this year, Bentley Systems published a white paper, which highlighted how water companies could take more of a lead to develop plans to reduce surface water flooding and create more sponge cities in the process. The paper warned the cost of surface water flooding incidents in the U.K. and beyond shows how climate change is impacting towns and cities. It said it was 'essential' water management plans for towns and cities are integrated, and focus not just on the management of water, but on land and the built environment as well. Bentley Systems' vice president of infrastructure policy advancement, Mark Coates said it is important for people to know that while floods are the world's most common natural disaster, the largest flood risk people and places face in many developed nations is surface water flooding, in a statement. Coates added the U.K's Environment Agency now estimates 4.6 million properties are now at risk from surface water flooding in England, around 1.4 million more properties than in 2018. He said it is a similar situation in the U.S. One analysis shows around 18 million residents live in surface-water related floodplains in the US mainland, which is more than three times the 5.2 million residents living in floodplains caused by rivers and streams. Adam Boucher, was the operational lead operational lead for Severn Trent Water's £76 million Mansfield sustainable flooding resilience project, which was the largest retrofit profit of its kind in the U.K. Boucher said the scheme aimed to make the town of Mansfield more resilient to extreme weather events, like flooding, by providing the equivalent of 31 million liters of additional water storage through nature-based solutions. He added Mansfield was selected for a number of reasons, including issues with surface water not draining away, being in a flood risk area. Boucher added Mansfield also had the right ground conditions to ensure water could be infiltrated into the soil if properly managed. As part of the project, Severn Trent developed basins designed to separate surface water from entering the combined sewerage network during heavy rainfall and to capture water by providing additional storage capacity before entering the sewerage network. Permeable paving was also installed in carparks, walkways, and other hard surfaces to allow water to pass through and soak slowly into the ground beneath. And small rain gardens on the verges alongside local roads were also installed. These mini gardens use plants and soil to retain and slow the flow of rainwater from surrounding hard surfaces. 'This is the first time a water company has put these interventions directly into a street under its own kind of scheme,' he told me. 'So far, we have increased flood resilience for 96 households, which are now better protected. In addition, a further 128 households assessed to be risk by 2040 have been moved to a lower risk category.' And Marion Baeli, principal for sustainability and transformation at 10 Design, said other cities like Dubai are also investing in new drainage systems and retrofitting cities with the infrastructure they need to survive extreme weather events, in an interview. Baeli added while it is difficult to prepare every building and city around the world for the eventuality of an extreme weather event, it is important to carry out risk assessments and put mitigation measures in place. 'The future is going to be quite random, and it's going to be quite extreme,' she told me. Baeli added planners and decision makers will also have to rethink where the habitable zones in the future will be, as the climate changes. She said that many seasonal residents in the south of France are now temporarily relocating towards the north during the summer months, as temperatures in the south are regularly reaching 40 degrees Celsius, and on occasion going over 45 degrees. Baeli added it is also important to educate the architects of the future about resilient design, and how overheating, low energy and decarbonization go hand-in-hand. And 'Climate mitigation and good design are not just for the good of the planet. There is actually a business case you need to consider, so you can carry on benefiting from these buildings and infrastructure in the future when you know the conditions are changing.'
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Fund supports climate-resilient rice value chains across West Africa
The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) ( the concessional funding window of the African Development Bank Group ( on 17 July 2025 approved a $9.44 million grant for the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) to strengthen the climate resilience of rice value chains across West Africa. Funded through ADF's Climate Action Window ( the project will support rice producers and processors in 13 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The initiative, part of the Regional Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Project in West Africa (REWARD), and specifically its adaptation component (REWARD-Adaptation), aims to scale up the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies throughout the rice production and processing sectors. "The strategy for this project is to reduce the vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of rice value chains, from production to processing and marketing, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions through the dissemination and adoption of climate-smart practices and technologies," said Marwan Ladki, Senior Irrigation Engineer at the African Development Bank, who is responsible for the project. Key project interventions include the distribution of climate-resilient rice seeds to 11,000 farmers, including 4,950 women and 6,600 young farmers. It will train 12,600 farmers and processors, support 65 small and medium-sized enterprises with equipment and improved access to business networks, and facilitate the provision of climate services and early warning systems through digital platforms and radio broadcasts, reaching up to 2 million beneficiaries. The project will also deploy four automatic weather stations per country to improve spatial coverage and climate monitoring. It is projected to create 47,000 employment opportunities, including 8,000 permanent and 39,000 seasonal jobs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media contact: Alexis Adélé Department of Communication and External Relations media@ About AfricaRice: The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), based in Côte d'Ivoire, is a pan-African centre of excellence for rice research, development and capacity building. It contributes to reducing poverty, ensuring food and nutrition security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and other actors in the rice value chain in Africa by increasing the productivity and profitability of rice-based agri-food systems, while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information:
The Guardian
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Britain's forests need help to adapt to the changing climate
Your article paints a bleak picture of the challenges facing reforestation in the UK (In some UK woodlands, every young tree has died. What's going wrong? 10 July). The failure of natural regeneration – driven by drought, heat, disease and deer grazing – is not just a crisis for ancient woodlands, it's a stark warning for the future of all UK forestry. This ecological breakdown reveals a fundamental flaw in our current approach: we are too focused on the number of saplings in the ground and not enough on their long-term resilience. Whether through natural regeneration or new planting schemes, tree survival must be the priority. With mortality rates increasing by 90%, as the article highlights, it's clear that traditional methods are no longer fit for purpose in a changing climate. To build forests that can withstand future conditions, we must invest in resilience from the outset. Research into techniques that improve sapling survivability is essential to protecting ancient woodlands and establishing new ones. Innovative approaches – such as vertical farming to produce climate-adapted saplings and biochar-enhanced substrates to improve soil health – are already showing promise. These methods can yield stronger, faster-growing trees with significantly higher survival rates. Our ancient woodlands are among the UK's most treasured natural assets. If we are to protect and restore them – while ensuring they continue to absorb carbon and support biodiversity – we need a new approach to UK forestry, one with resilience and survivability at its CollierChief research and development officer, A Healthier Earth I was really interested to read that saplings weren't thriving in ancient forests. It is quite the opposite in my garden. I'm not much of a gardener, but every time I am moved to tidy up, most of my efforts go into pulling up, if I can, and cutting back if I can't, little ash, sycamore, oak, yew, lime, holly and even the occasional chestnut tree. This is both from flowerpots and flowerbeds. When I cut them back they seem to grow back even stronger. What is happening that a south London garden seems desperate to become a forest and ancient forests are giving up?Martin CooperBromley, London
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank and Partners Launch a $263.8 Million Infrastructure Project to Transform Urban Development in Abia State
The African Development Bank ( in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria's Federal Government and the Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernize urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development over the next five years. The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State. The African Development Bank is contributing $115 million to the project, including $100 million from its ADB window and $15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF). The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125 million, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8 million in counterpart funding. The project will rehabilitate more than 248 kilometers of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, restore two erosion sites, and catalyze private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships. Abia State, like many rapidly growing regions, has faced mounting infrastructure challenges driven by urban expansion, environmental pressures and limited investment over time. Cities such as Umuahia and Aba are contending with aging roads, erosion threats, and strained waste systems. This project signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alex C. Otti, Governor of Abia State, said the initiative marked a defining moment in the State's infrastructure renewal agenda: "The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision. We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact.' The project is expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 percent reserved for women, and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase. A key feature of the project is its focus on youth employment and skills development: 50 percent of the permanent roles will go to young people, who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—a cadre of local engineers drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State. Dr. Akande Oyebola, Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, reaffirmed the Government's support: 'This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to drive economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Abia State.' Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank's Nigeria Country Department, commended the leadership of the federal and state governments. 'This project is rooted in partnership, ambition and long-term impact,' he said. 'At its core, this project is about lives, it is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive.' Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive social and environmental safeguards. These include training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement support, HIV/AIDS and STI awareness campaigns, and strengthened systems for procurement and financial management. Otumchere Oti, Abia State Commissioner for Works, reaffirmed the State's commitment to accountable delivery. 'Today we reassure all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions, that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability. Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity,' he said. The African Development Bank will provide technical support, capacity building, and close implementation supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams. The launch of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project marks a key milestone in the Bank's commitment to advancing Nigeria's development priorities through inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Nkiruka Henrietta Ugoh Nigeria Country Department media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
