How sustainable farming could help Ethiopian farmers

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on DW or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Ethiopia faces its worst drought in 40 years, exacerbating food security issues in the Tigray region
• Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, like agroforestry and conservation agriculture, are being considered as solutions to improve resilience and sustainability in farming

🔭 The context: Many Ethiopian farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable to climate change
• The recent conflict in Tigray and economic crises have further diminished food availability, pushing millions into hunger and malnutrition
• CSA practices, blending traditional methods with modern techniques, aim to address these challenges directly

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Implementing climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia not only addresses immediate food security needs but also contributes to broader environmental goals
• Techniques like agroforestry enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and help combat desertification, offering a model for sustainable farming practices that can mitigate climate change impacts

⏭️ What's next: Efforts to promote CSA in Ethiopia face challenges from ongoing conflict and financial constraints
• However, initiatives from organizations like the UN World Food Programme, focusing on long-term sustainability and resilience through early warning systems and support for improved agricultural practices, indicate a path forward for Ethiopia and similar regions facing climate change-induced food security challenges

💬 One quote: "It's fundamental that we help to build the resilience of people in Ethiopia," (Claire Nevill, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme in Ethiopia)

📈 One stat: 16 million people in Ethiopia are currently facing food insecurity, with hundreds dying from starvation in the Tigray region over the last six months

Click for more news covering the latest on environmental sustainability