Climate Change Adaptation

Much of the land around PORET has been degraded as a result of livestock and human activity like deforestation. The effects of Climate Change on the area aggravates the poor conditions of the farmers living here. There is a need for urgent intervention. This is something that PORET offers in collaboration with CPC members.

The Chimanimani lowveld semi-arid region where PORET operates is incredibly vulnerable to climate change. Increasing temperature and droughts have a devastating effect on a landscape already characterised by low rainfall. Livestock and crop loss is very high when there are any shifts in weather patterns. We feel an urgent calling to create a Demonstration and Learning Centre that farmers can visit and learn about climate change resilience practices. In addition to this, PORET works with the communities to support the development of projects and learning sites to inspire farmers to adopt good practices on their lands.

We know that the consequences of climate change cannot be avoided. Therefore, it’s vital that we work towards climate change adaptation and, together with stakeholders, develop and strengthen adaptive capacity to help farmers, communities, and natural systems to be resilient. To this end, PORET is engaging farmers in practical actions to manage risks and climate impacts, protect communities and strengthen the resilience of the land, these include:

Educating the farmers about climate change and its impending effects, and offering courses, such as our Permaculture Design Course, that offer practical solutions of climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Slowing down runoff and sinking rainwater into the ground by constructing watershed management schemes such as dams, swales, catchment pits and gabions. This creates and prolongs supply of water in the land for crops and natural vegetation to grow. The constructed watershed management schemes developed and encouraged by PORET would hold over 9 million litres when full.
Holistic Land and Livestock Management creates a controlled grazing on the land, and there is mutual benefit from the herds placed in kraals on farmers’ land.
Developing farmer seed systems with a focus on small grains, and organising village and district seed fairs and festivals. It is PORET’s plan that every homestead has a seed bank of indigenous seeds.
Encouraging the establishment of household level and community tree nurseries and planting of trees.
Introducing the use of fuel-efficient stoves like the tsotso stove to reduce the amount of wood used for cooking.
Including school children as “Climate Heroes” and ensuring youth involvement in Agroecology through football tournaments.

In response to the threats climate change imposes, PORET is engaging key stakeholders; particularly traditional leaders, women and youths. Support of women is critical considering their traditional responsibilities in our societies. The Government and local authorities recognise the work of PORET and have included us in climate change adaptation processes.