120 stakeholders came together to explore the transformative potential of agroforestry systems, in addressing climate change challenges facing Southern Africa and Namibia at the Agroforestry Conference, earlier this month at the Windhoek Country Club.
The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) said the conference served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange among experts from Namibia and the African region. “The conference is a key activity of the HSF Global Project for Mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC), that supports and connects actors for dialogue, knowledge transfer and co-creation of innovative solutions. Participants engaged in insightful discussions about sustainable agroforestry that can thrive in arid conditions, ultimately leading to climate resilient food systems.”
They said the conference featured a diverse range of expert presentations, covering topics such as agroforestry as climate-resilient response, improved livelihoods through sustainable agroforestry, food forests as agroforestry systems as well as case studies from different African countries including Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Senior Policy Advisor at the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry and President of the International Union of Agroforestry, Patrick Worms shared insights on how policy and governance can promote agroforestry. He highlighted positive and negative examples from different African countries on the correlation of governance and restoration of landscape through agroforestry.
Director of Programmes at the NNF, France Chase said they should use this opportunity to collaborate and share actionable strategies that can transform the landscape and livelihoods. “Together we are committed to exploring and promoting agroforestry as a sustainable and climate resilient practice in Namibia,” said Chase.
Capricorn Foundation Coordinator, Veripura Muukua said by integrating agroforestry into Namibia’s farming methods, we can enhance our capacity as a nation to withstand the impacts of climate change. “But we cannot do it alone. We need the private sector, government and the civil society to collaborate and support innovative, climate resilient solutions,” added Muukua.
Head of GMACC at the HSF Namibia, Dr Lara Beer said the sessions underscored the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, government, private sector, NGOs and local communities. “By adopting agroforestry strategies, participants are optimistic about transforming the landscape of food production in the regions,” concluded Dr Beer.