· 2 min read
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
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