Integrating urban agriculture and forestry into climate change action plans –...Lafir Mohamed
A new CDKN case study, Integrating urban agriculture and forestry into climate change action plans – Lessons from Sri Lanka by Marielle Dubbeling of RUAF Foundation, illustrates how the Western Province is promoting urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry as a strategy to reduce vulnerability to climate change, while at the same time enhancing urban liveability and livelihoods.
5. Bhungroo: Water Management solutions to support diversified cropping syste...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
5. Bhungroo: Water Management solutions to support diversified cropping systems for men and women in northern Ghana (Presented by Paa Kofi Osei-Owusu of Conservation Alliance International) presented at #AASW7 Kigali
Soil erosion is one of the major challenges of Ethiopia deteriorating the productivity of land. Soil and water conservation (SWC) is the only practice to reverse the threat and protect the land. Over the last three decades, different soil and water conservation activities have been undertaken. However, soil erosion still persists and become major threats of Ethiopian farmers. Despite the massive mobilization of resources for SWC, only very few farmers have been practicing integrated soil and water conservation measures for restoration of degraded agricultural land. In addition, there is lack of information among farmers on the impact of SWC on soil fertility improvement and soil nutrient content dynamics. This study was conducted in Kofele district, which is one of AGP district, in West Arsi Zones of Oromia. The study was aimed to demonstrate the impact of integrated Soil and water conservation measures in restoring degraded agricultural land. Dasho and Elephant grasses were planted on graded soil bund as an integration measures at four farmers field. Farmer’s field visit was arranged two times in two years to share practical experiences among the farmers and DA. It was also identified that soil nutrient contents in terms of total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and soil organic carbon content showed an increasing trend since establishment (2016). On the other hand, this kind of soil and water conservation practices on agricultural land showed promising way of carbon sequestration as the climate change mitigation strategy. The study recommended the use of integrated soil and water conservation measures as strategy of rehabilitating degraded agricultural land as apart of integrated water shed management.
Watershed/Landscape Management for Multiple Benefits and Climate Resilience ...CIFOR-ICRAF
Learn how watershed and landscape management can be made climate resilient and be designed for multiple benefits. This presentation by Sally Bunning, Senior Land/Soils officer of the FAO Land and Water Division focuses on the principles of integrated watershed management, experiences, strategy and lessons learned based on the experiences from East Africa.
Integrating urban agriculture and forestry into climate change action plans –...Lafir Mohamed
A new CDKN case study, Integrating urban agriculture and forestry into climate change action plans – Lessons from Sri Lanka by Marielle Dubbeling of RUAF Foundation, illustrates how the Western Province is promoting urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry as a strategy to reduce vulnerability to climate change, while at the same time enhancing urban liveability and livelihoods.
5. Bhungroo: Water Management solutions to support diversified cropping syste...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
5. Bhungroo: Water Management solutions to support diversified cropping systems for men and women in northern Ghana (Presented by Paa Kofi Osei-Owusu of Conservation Alliance International) presented at #AASW7 Kigali
Soil erosion is one of the major challenges of Ethiopia deteriorating the productivity of land. Soil and water conservation (SWC) is the only practice to reverse the threat and protect the land. Over the last three decades, different soil and water conservation activities have been undertaken. However, soil erosion still persists and become major threats of Ethiopian farmers. Despite the massive mobilization of resources for SWC, only very few farmers have been practicing integrated soil and water conservation measures for restoration of degraded agricultural land. In addition, there is lack of information among farmers on the impact of SWC on soil fertility improvement and soil nutrient content dynamics. This study was conducted in Kofele district, which is one of AGP district, in West Arsi Zones of Oromia. The study was aimed to demonstrate the impact of integrated Soil and water conservation measures in restoring degraded agricultural land. Dasho and Elephant grasses were planted on graded soil bund as an integration measures at four farmers field. Farmer’s field visit was arranged two times in two years to share practical experiences among the farmers and DA. It was also identified that soil nutrient contents in terms of total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and soil organic carbon content showed an increasing trend since establishment (2016). On the other hand, this kind of soil and water conservation practices on agricultural land showed promising way of carbon sequestration as the climate change mitigation strategy. The study recommended the use of integrated soil and water conservation measures as strategy of rehabilitating degraded agricultural land as apart of integrated water shed management.
Watershed/Landscape Management for Multiple Benefits and Climate Resilience ...CIFOR-ICRAF
Learn how watershed and landscape management can be made climate resilient and be designed for multiple benefits. This presentation by Sally Bunning, Senior Land/Soils officer of the FAO Land and Water Division focuses on the principles of integrated watershed management, experiences, strategy and lessons learned based on the experiences from East Africa.
Presented by IWMI's Ian Makin (Lead Specialist – Revitalizing Irrigation) at the 4th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID), on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt.
Presented as the keynote presentation of the first plenary session (Tools and techniques for improving land and water productivity - I) at the side-event on "Improving Salt and Water Management in the Nile Delta", session 2:
Presentation by Claudia Ringler, Hartwig Kremer and Cheikh Mbow at the UNEA Science Policy Interface, May 19-20
Presentation focuses on the concept of the water, food and energy nexus and its importance within the development context. It also provides a number of cases highlighting nexus issues.
Get your quality homework help now and stand out.Our professional writers are committed to excellence. We have trained the best scholars in different fields of study.Contact us now at http://www.premiumessays.net/ and place your order at affordable price done within set deadlines.We always have someone online ready to answer all your queries and take your requests.
A review of the Ethiopian context
Presented by IWMI's Gebrehaweria Gebregziabher at a Roundtable on Building Resilience to Climate Change through Community Dialogues held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 20, 2016
Timothy O. Williams
Director, Africa
Background on LSLAs in WA
Framework for analysis of LSLAs & impacts
Summary of unethical and inimical practices
Economic, social and environmental impacts
Factors responsible for negative practices
Strategies for improving integrity in LSLAs
The Effects of Shifting Irrigation on Community Livelihoods and Environmental...CrimsonpublishersMCDA
This study sets out to investigate the effects of shifting irrigation on community livelihoods and environmental quality along the Ewaso Nyiro Basin of Isiolo County in Kenya. The study uses longitudinal data collected between 2006 and 2015 through participatory research techniques, case studies, observation, key informant interviews and questionnaire survey. Results from the study show that the lower EwasoNyiro basin has nine operational irrigation schemes which households along the basin depend to practice irrigation farming. Irrigation has diversified the means of livelihood of the people and is an important source of food in the lower EwasoNyiro basin. Due to irrigation practices, environmental degradation has been experienced. These include, soil erosion, deforestation, salinity and water logging. However biocide and chemical fertilizers use is low in these irrigation schemes. Environmental conservation practices are rarely practised in the irrigation schemes with minimal cases reporting soil erosion control, afforestation, soil fertility management and safe use of agro-chemicals. The study recommends portable means of lifting water from the river schemes and environmental conservation at the household level and at the scheme level in the short term. We also recommend policy measures that will ensure flood control at the catchment level as this will enablesetting up of permanent irrigation schemes in the study area as a long-term solution.
https://crimsonpublishers.com/mcda/fulltext/MCDA.000545.php
For more open access journals in Crimson Publishers please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com
For more articles on international journal of agronomy impact factor please click on below link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/mcda/
Presented by IWMI's Ian Makin (Lead Specialist – Revitalizing Irrigation) at the 4th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID), on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt.
Presented as the keynote presentation of the first plenary session (Tools and techniques for improving land and water productivity - I) at the side-event on "Improving Salt and Water Management in the Nile Delta", session 2:
Presentation by Claudia Ringler, Hartwig Kremer and Cheikh Mbow at the UNEA Science Policy Interface, May 19-20
Presentation focuses on the concept of the water, food and energy nexus and its importance within the development context. It also provides a number of cases highlighting nexus issues.
Get your quality homework help now and stand out.Our professional writers are committed to excellence. We have trained the best scholars in different fields of study.Contact us now at http://www.premiumessays.net/ and place your order at affordable price done within set deadlines.We always have someone online ready to answer all your queries and take your requests.
A review of the Ethiopian context
Presented by IWMI's Gebrehaweria Gebregziabher at a Roundtable on Building Resilience to Climate Change through Community Dialogues held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 20, 2016
Timothy O. Williams
Director, Africa
Background on LSLAs in WA
Framework for analysis of LSLAs & impacts
Summary of unethical and inimical practices
Economic, social and environmental impacts
Factors responsible for negative practices
Strategies for improving integrity in LSLAs
The Effects of Shifting Irrigation on Community Livelihoods and Environmental...CrimsonpublishersMCDA
This study sets out to investigate the effects of shifting irrigation on community livelihoods and environmental quality along the Ewaso Nyiro Basin of Isiolo County in Kenya. The study uses longitudinal data collected between 2006 and 2015 through participatory research techniques, case studies, observation, key informant interviews and questionnaire survey. Results from the study show that the lower EwasoNyiro basin has nine operational irrigation schemes which households along the basin depend to practice irrigation farming. Irrigation has diversified the means of livelihood of the people and is an important source of food in the lower EwasoNyiro basin. Due to irrigation practices, environmental degradation has been experienced. These include, soil erosion, deforestation, salinity and water logging. However biocide and chemical fertilizers use is low in these irrigation schemes. Environmental conservation practices are rarely practised in the irrigation schemes with minimal cases reporting soil erosion control, afforestation, soil fertility management and safe use of agro-chemicals. The study recommends portable means of lifting water from the river schemes and environmental conservation at the household level and at the scheme level in the short term. We also recommend policy measures that will ensure flood control at the catchment level as this will enablesetting up of permanent irrigation schemes in the study area as a long-term solution.
https://crimsonpublishers.com/mcda/fulltext/MCDA.000545.php
For more open access journals in Crimson Publishers please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com
For more articles on international journal of agronomy impact factor please click on below link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/mcda/
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Presentation by Vinay Nangia, Ph.D., ICARDA at The International Conference on Sustainability in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, meeting in Bonn, Germany on May 19th and 20th 2014,
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - (June 5) NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)NET Africa
NET Africa launches the weekly wetlands sustainability report to raise awareness about the holistic value of wetlands as well as the importance of improving environmental management and auditing. Each week the wetlands sustainability report will feature different aspects of the value of wetlands across Africa, focusing on a wide range of environmental, social, cultural, economic, political and sustainable issues.
This is a general presentation on WLE made by Andrew Noble for his trip to visit partners and donors in July 2014. Provides an overview of the WLE program and a number of examples of its work.
Effectiveness of drip irrigation in enhancing smart farming: a micro-study in...AkashSharma618775
This study aims to examine the effectiveness of drip irrigation in enhancing smart farming in the midnorth of Uganda. A descriptive review was adopted targeting one smart farm in the district. Data was gathered by
means of an interview guide and a farmers’ observation guide, and it was analysed using content analysis
correspondingly. The outcomes suggest that drip irrigation does not represent a large fraction of irrigation systems
in mid-north Uganda and the world in general; however, a number of new drip irrigation systems are being set-up
notwithstanding the very slow pace. Further revelation suggests that farmers can benefit from drip irrigation
through gaining knowledge and skills from visits and advises from the frequent visits; being a source of income
when the produce are sold; as well as providing food security for families, the adjacent community and the district
as a whole. Nonetheless, drip irrigation faces challenges of dearth of commitment by some members of the family,
untimely delivery of agro inputs, over cultivation of the land and very expensive inputs. It is obvious that drip
irrigation technologies are essential in enhancing smart farming in Oyam district, mid-north Uganda and the
country as a whole. The outcomes of the study can be useful as a source for scaling out drip irrigation in the region
and beyond especially when mounting a parameter on integration of drip irrigation on community development
agendas for small-holder farmers as targeted by the government’s agricultural cluster development programme.
This article contributes to the budding body of information on smart farming by emphasising obtainable
prospects, which can generate more pro-active small scale drip irrigation technologies.
Uganda Country Experience Ecosystem-based Approaches to Climate Change Adapta...NAP Events
Presentation by: Muhammad Semambo
4a. Experience with ecosystem-based approaches under the Convention on Biological Diversity
The session will present findings from a synthesis report prepared by the CBD Secretariat on experiences with ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation (EBA) and disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR). It will provide opportunities for countries to share experiences and discuss ways to mainstream EBA and Eco-DRR into NAPs and other plans and strategies. Participants will be invited to take part in a group exercise to identify gaps and needs, as well as entry points and opportunities for integrating EBA.
Water Land and Ecosystems (WLE): Building resilience in food production systems FAO
http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/afns/en/
Presentation from Fabrice De Clerck (Bioversity International) describing CGIAR’s Water Land and Ecosystems (WLE) research program and outlining its relevance to sustainable intensification and ecosystems preservation. The presentation was prepared and delivered in occasion of the International Symposium on Agroecology for Food Security and Nutrition, held at FAO in Rome on 18-19 September 2014.
Why disaster risk reduction is all our businessLafir Mohamed
presentation used in a training programe for the Development planers to understand the multi stakeholder responsibility towards Disaster Risk reduction.
UPAF a solution to urban development issues; Climate Resilience Lafir Mohamed
This presentation features the 4 major city level issues of urbanisation and discuss the role of UPAF to mitigate those.
a presentation for school students of advanced level.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
1. UrbanAgriculturemagazine • number27 • March2014
20
www.ruaf.org
PromotingUrbanAgriculture
asaClimateChangeStrategy
inKesbewa,SriLanka Lafir S. Mohamed
Jayantha Gunasekera
The Western Province in Sri Lanka is the first
provincial government starting to include urban
agriculture in their provincial climate change
adaptation action plan. Rehabilitation of flood
zones through their productive use is promoted as
an important strategy to enhance storm water
infiltration and mitigate flood risks.Home garden-
ing is supported as well to improve local food secu-
rity and livelihoods.
Kesbewaissituatedabout 21kmsouthofColombo,
in the Colombo District,Western Province of Sri Lanka.With
close to 6 million people, the Western Province is the most
urbanised province in Sri Lanka, home to about 25 % of the
total national population on only 5 % of its surface area.
Urbanisation of agricultural areas
Historically,Kesbewahasbeenanagriculturalareaendowed
with the excess water resources of the bordering Bolgoda
lake. A relatively large area of paddy lands can still be found
in its lower-lying zones. However, as a result of the continu-
ous growth of Colombo and expansion of the urban bound-
aries of Colombo Metropolitan Region, Kesbewa Urban
Council became an attractive residential area for commut-
ers, now hosting over 244,000 inhabitants (2012 census) on
49km2
ofland.Manyoftheagriculturalareasweregradually
converted to non-agricultural areas,resulting in about 60 %
of the land now being used for residential purposes and
related amenities (2011 land use map).
A recent study by the national NGO Janathakshan, imple-
mented in the context of a UN Habitat- and RUAF-supported
programme, confirms this trend and shows that between
2000and2010,14 %ofagriculturallandshavebeenconverted
to residential areas (Kekulandala, 2012). Of this converted
land,4.7 % is paddy lands in low-lying areas.
Paddy cultivation
In the ancient land use system in Sri Lanka, low-lying lands
are kept free from construction for drainage of rainwater
and/or are utilised for paddy cultivation. In 2011, Kesbewa
still counted over 600 hectares of paddy lands (see green
areas on the 2011 land use map). However, the rapid filling
and conversion of these lands to residential and commercial
lands has significantly altered the natural water flow and
drainage in the area.This,coupled with increases in rainfall,
has made recurrent flooding a common sight in some parts
ofKesbewaarea(UniversityofMoratuwa,2011).Thisproblem
is aggravated in areas were paddy lands are abandoned and
drainage systems not maintained. In 2011, 32 % of the total
paddy lands were abandoned (Kekulandala, 2012) because
paddy cultivation in this part of the country is less economi-
cally profitable in comparison to production in the north of
thecountry,wherelabourcostsarelower.Furthermore,there
is an increasing problem with salt water ingress,resulting in
lower crop yields and incomes to paddy farmers.
Promotingurbanagricultureasaclimatestrategy
The Western Province Ministry of Agriculture realised that
well-maintainedanddrainedpaddyareasfunctionasbuffer
zones, where water is stored and drainage regulated, thus
reducingfloodriskinnearbyareas.Theministryalsorealised
that, as a result of the land use changes, Kesbewa increas-
ingly has to rely on food supply from other provinces. Large
amounts of food are brought into the city from distant
Flood risk map Kesbewa Urban Council Source: University of Moratuwa
2. UrbanAgriculturemagazine • number27 • March2014
21
www.ruaf.org
production centres and sold in wholesale and retail markets.
This has resulted in longer transporting distances and stor-
age,increasedrefrigeration,andairconditioning,allleading
to higher Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.Finally,and as a
resultofprojectedclimatechangeanddecreaseinlushvege-
tation, a significant increase in extreme hot-temperature
days is predicted for the area,with projected severe impacts
on energy demand for cooling and heat-related illnesses
(University of Moratuwa,2012).
Since 2005, the Western Province has already promoted
home gardening and urban agriculture as part of the coun-
try’s policy to achieve food sovereignty for the country and
promotedomesticfoodproduction.This,however,wasnever
donefromaclimatechangeperspective.In2012,theMinistry
of Agriculture from the Western Province asked RUAF — in
partnership with the International Water Management
Institute (IWMI), UN-Habitat, Wageningen University-PPO
and the School of Forestry-University of Florida and with
funding from the Climate and Development Knowledge
Network (CDKN) — to make an assessment of the potential
impacts of urban and periurban agriculture and forestry
(UPAF) on climate change adaptation,mitigation and devel-
opmental benefits.
Basedonthisassessment,Janathakshanconductedafurther
diagnostic study: to identify appropriate UPAF models that
fit well within the present and future land-use patterns in
Kesbewa, and to identify the wider context within which
these UPAF models could be replicated and guided by rele-
vant policies and interventions. The diagnosis and assess-
ment included five interrelated studies to identify the most
feasible UPAF models: vulnerability mapping, land use
mapping, food flow mapping, policy scan and a feasibility
scan.
Two pilot projects
Supported by RUAF and UN-Habitat, the Western Province,
Kesbewa Urban Council and Janathakshan then selected
and financed pilot projects on two promising urban agricul-
turemodels that wereconsidered tohave thehighest poten-
tial (a) to reduce GHG emissions associated with transport-
ing food into Kesbewa from distant sources, distribution,
andstoring;and(b)toreducevulnerabilitytoclimatechange
and increase city liveability and livelihoods. The land-use
patternstudysuggestedthathomegardensandabandoned
paddylands(inlow-lyingfloodzones)arethemostappropri-
ate and promising spaces to be preserved for urban agricul-
ture.The food flow mapping identified five vegetable variet-
ies and two fruit varieties that can be locally grown in
Kesbewa but are at present imported from distant locations.
The first project included the promotion of more salt-resis-
tant varieties of paddy, alongside the cultivation of vegeta-
blesinraisedbunds,andinvolved47farmersinfourdifferent
locations in Kesbewa. Altogether, 43 acres (17.4 Ha) of paddy
field have been put into cultivation, including 13 acres (5.2
Ha)ofabandonedfieldslocatedinmedium-tohigh-riskflood
zones,that have been abandoned for more than 20 years.
The second project looked at the intensification of home
gardening units, coupled to promotion of rainwater
harvesting and organic waste composting. The 2011 data
Rehabilitated paddy areas with vegetables growing on raised bunds Photo: Janathakshan
3. UrbanAgriculturemagazine • number27 • March2014
22
www.ruaf.org
show that in total 410 ha are cultivated with home gardens
in Kesbewa, while another 285 hectares are still available
forcultivation(Kekulandala,2012).Homegardeningisprac-
tised by around 30 % of the population for both home
consumption of food and income generation. In view of
future urban development and increasing competition
over land, home gardens were to be designed with a view
towards future space restrictions.The vegetables and fruit
varieties to be promoted in home gardens were selected
with regards to their potential to replace food imports, as
identified by the food flow analysis mentioned above
(Gunasekera, 2012).
Space-intensive home gardening
150Homegardenersfrom10divisionsareactivelyparticipat-
ing in this second project, with a high participation of the
elderly community (57 %). Space-intensive techniques like
biointensive farming, vertical structures and certain irriga-
tion methods, like solar drip irrigation and micro irrigation
methods,were introduced.The gardeners are provided with
technical training on space-intensive farming and business
planning,seedmaterialsandhomegardeningkitstoactively
take part in the project.
A demonstration home garden plot was established at the
Agrarian Services Centre and successfully attracted the
public, government officers, politicians and school children.
A series of six television programmes was broadcast at this
demonstration plot, on one of the national channels. More
demonstration plots are now being established to further
enhance awareness raising and uptake of the practice.
In both projects, the participation of project stakeholders
has been high, with governments, agricultural institutions
and the urban council taking a leading role.
Monitoring data
Preliminary impact monitoring data, collected and analysed
bytheUniversityofMoratuwaandtheUniversityofColombo,
shows that households involved in production and sale of
urban agriculture can increase income or reduce expendi-
tures on food and improve food security and dietary diversi-
fication. Flooding incidences and impacts are lower when
paddylandsarepreservedandwellmanaged,as theyplayan
importantroleinstorm-waterinfiltrationandmanagement.
Reducing the transport of vegetables over longer distances
by increasing local production of vegetables (specifically:
gourd, cucumber, eggplant, okra, chilli and capsicum) in
home gardens, while at the same time improving organic
waste reuse, can reduce GHG emissions by 4133 tons/year.
(This amount was calculated, computing the difference
between the amount of GHG released during the production
and transportation of a ton of a specific food commodity to
Kesbewa and the amount of GHG emitted when that ton of
foodwasproducedlocally.)EmissionsofGHGcouldbefurther
reduced if home gardens were used more intensively, yields
increased and nutrient management improved (as only low
quantities of compost are used),which would require exten-
sion and technical support (University of Colombo,2013).
Intensification of home gardens Photo: Marielle Dubbeling
Preserving low-lying lands
for urban agriculture has
both climate change as well
as food security benefits
Promoting Urban Agriculture as a Climate Change Strategy in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka
4. UrbanAgriculturemagazine • number27 • March2014
23
www.ruaf.org
Policy uptake
In parallel to project implementation and monitoring, policy
review revealed three levels of policy where intervention was
neededifuptakeandupscalingofthesemodelsweretofollow:
• At the local level: promoting the integration of urban
agriculture into the Kesbewa Urban Development Plan
(preserving low-lying lands for urban agriculture and
designing such areas based on the results of the pilot
projects)and,inthemunicipalprogrammesandbudgets
for example,providing financial incentives for rainwater
harvesting in home gardens or for rehabilitation of
drainage canals in paddy areas.
• At the provincial level: development — with contribu-
tions from all stakeholders — of a provincial climate
changeadaptationactionplanthatwillprepareWestern
Province to better live and cope with climate change.The
Western Province is currently elaborating such a plan
that seeks to integrate UPAF in each of the 5 sectors to be
covered: food security, biodiversity, health, water and
human settlements.
• At the national level: a revision of the “Paddy Act”, regu-
latedbytheDepartmentofAgrarianServices,Ministryof
Agriculture,that previously only allowed for paddy culti-
vation in assigned areas. This revisionwas effected in
order to promote and support new models and forms of
production of mixed cultivation of rice and vegetables
that will increase income, promote and revalorise agro-
ecologicalformsofproductionandtraditionalsalt-water
resistant rice varieties, and maintain natural drainage
functions of the areas. Based on the project results, a
recent circularaddsvalue to thispolicy,andsupports the
promotionofshort termcropsasanalternativetopaddy.
However,adoptionof thenewpracticeislaggingbehind.
A clear implementation plan will be developed in the
coming months, alongside further awareness-raising
and information provision for interested farmers, and
leverage of financial support for rehabilitation of drain-
age systems.
A review session with farmers Photo Janathakshan
References
Bhathiya Kekulandala, Nandana Ajith and Vajira Hettige (2012). Land
Use Mapping for Promoting Urban and Periurban Agriculture and
Forestry in Kesbewa Urban Council Area. Janathakshan Gurantee
Ltd, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Report prepared for RUAF Foundation and
UN-Habitat.
Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa (2012). Vulnerability
Mapping- Kesbewa Urban Council Areas, Sri Lanka. Report prepared
for RUAF Foundation and UN-Habitat.
Jayantha Gunasekera (2012). Food Flow Mapping. Janathakshan
Gurantee Ltd, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Report prepared for RUAF
Foundation and UN-Habitat.
University of Colombo (2013). Report on Food Miles, Kesbewa
project. Report prepared for RUAF Foundation and CDKN.
Climate change adds to the existing challenges faced by
cities. For example, the increased levels of risk of flooding
induced by climate change, comes on top of already serious
deficiencies in provision for storm drainage in many cities in
developing countries. Experiences in Sri Lanka have shown
that urban agriculture can help reduce the vulnerability of
the urban poor and enhance their coping capacity:by diver-
sifying food and income sources, and keeping low-lying
zones free from construction so that floods have less impact,
storm water run-off is reduced, and excess water is stored
and infiltrated in the green open spaces. At the same time,
local production may contribute to reductions in urban
energyuseandGHGemissions.Itmaythusbealow-costand
appropriateadaptationstrategy,bringingwithitpotentially
significant co-benefits in the form of food security and job
creation.
Lafir S. Mohamed
Project Manager,Janathakshan (lafir@janathakshan.lk)
Jayantha Gunasekera
Team Leader,Janathaksan