vue - Conservation Agriculture gains ground in Africa

"Conservation Agriculture works", says Villa Kulild, director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, in her greeting to the First African Congress for Conservation Agriculture in Lusaka. Greeting in full text: Warm greetings from Oslo, Congratulations on convening this landmark congress on conservation agriculture. The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation is partner to the African Conservation Tillage Network, and we are proud sponsor of this the first African Conservation Agriculture Congress in Lusaka. I have previously visited farmers in Zambia that have adopted conservation agriculture technologies. I have seen the difference it makes for the farmer and her family, especially in years of erratic rainfall. Conservation agriculture works! African economies are growing. Increased urbanisation of the continent provides the farming community with new market opportunities that can drive rural economic development. At the same time, past, unsustainable farming methods have depleted African soils to the extent that "business as usual" is no longer an option. Conservation agriculture is no quick fix, but a systemic change that increases productivity of the land while gradually rebuilding soil fertility. Protecting the soil is not only good for the crops, but it helps contain CO2 in the soil. Converting to conservation agriculture helps reduce carbon emissions. A productive African farming sector must build on this foundation, to feed the growing African population, as well as global markets. Norway has supported conservation agriculture programs in Zambia for more than 14 years. This partnership now includes a number of countries and regional African organizations promoting conservation agriculture. The support is provided under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program. One of these programs - implemented by NEPAD - addresses the role and responsibility of women in agriculture. Women I meet in the field are often innovators, trying out new farming methods. They need to increase productivity of land and labour, and not least ensure family food security even in periods of climatic stress. So women are your best Conservation Agriculture champions! Farmers in the tropics and sub-tropics embrace conservation agriculture as the farming system of the future. It is heartening that you are mobilising for African farmers to join this global trend. African policy makers now agree that climate resilient agriculture technologies must be part of national agriculture development program. Less than 1 percent of African farmland is currently farmed in this manner -- I am looking forward to watching that figure rise. This Congress brings together farmers, policy makers, the private sector and researchers. Your presence reflects a determination to provide the African farmer with relevant conservation agriculture technologies supported by sound policies. I would have very much liked to be with you today at this important event, but I am sure you are in good hands. I want to wish the organisers and participants a productive congress and the best of luck in the promotion of new, climate smart and productive farming techniques in Africa.