With climate change disrupting weather patterns and jeopardising food security, scientists are equipping themselves with knowledge and skills to leverage advanced crop models and climate data. These models serve as digital simulations, enabling researchers to assess potential climate impacts and develop tailored adaptation strategies for various scales, from individual fields to entire landscapes writes Barbra Sehlule Muzata.
Crop modelling has evolved beyond being merely a research tool; it now empowers farmers with timely, climate-smart information. Picture farmers receiving personalised advisories on planting times, crop choices, and management strategies in response to changing weather patterns. This represents the transformative potential of crop modelling in agricultural decision-making.
These models are game-changers and, when well-adapted, can assist farmers in making crucial decisions about resource use efficiency (water and nutrient management), agronomic operations (planting dates, weeding, harvesting), and even anticipating potential pest and disease problems, ultimately aiding in navigating the challenges posed by a changing climate.
“The application of crop models is still a developing field, but it holds immense potential for empowering farmers,” explains Professor Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“By understanding the specific risks their crops face due to climate change, farmers can make informed decisions about planting dates, crop choices, and water management, ultimately enhancing their resilience and ensuring better yields.”
Professor Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
The recent advancements in crop modelling offer a transformative approach to addressing the ever-evolving challenges in agriculture, particularly with looming climate uncertainties.
One such groundbreaking initiative is the Growsmart advisory service, developed by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Excellence in Agronomy Initiative, in collaboration with research centres and partners in Southern Africa.
Related stories
- Climate change: African nations face 30% loss in crop revenue
- Collaboration and fighting climate change are key to quality seed
What sets Growsmart apart is its robust framework, which integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and crop models. This fusion of cutting-edge technologies provides farmers with actionable insights, not just information, to navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
Tailored for farmers and extension agents in both English and Chinyanja, Growsmart utilises existing data to offer insightful agronomy support with a specific focus on El Niño. This climatic phenomenon disrupts agricultural landscapes. This collaborative effort aims to empower farmers by disseminating vital El Niño information through diverse platforms, including tailored messages for various stakeholders.
Other collaborations include the Agricultural Model Intercomparison Project (AGMIP), a major global initiative linking the climate, crop, and economic modelling communities of practice to develop improved crop and economic models, as well as the next generation of climate impact projections for the agricultural sector.
While acknowledging the complexities of downscaling climate data and improving the comparability of models, the practical impact resonates deeply with farmers. Mrs. Mkhize, a beneficiary of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison Project, shares her experience:
“The SMS alerts are crucial for my family and me to prepare for upcoming weather conditions. Recently, I received a warning about heavy rainfall, allowing me to store rainwater for future irrigation, as advised,” she said. Mkhize’s experience underscores the empowerment farmers gain through these agro-advisory tools.
Holistic approach beyond technology
Aligning crop modelling initiatives with global sustainability goals exemplifies a comprehensive approach, tackling immediate concerns while also contributing to the broader discussion on global agricultural sustainability.
The innovations highlight the tangible advantages of providing farmers with dependable information from well-adapted models. In regions where agriculture is paramount, these innovations serve as essential tools for survival. The customised messages act as beacons, guiding farmers through the intricacies of climate change.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on these technology-driven agro-advisory services reveals their far-reaching impact. The transformative shift in how farmers approach their work, from anticipating rainfall for irrigation to navigating El Niño, showcases the potential of crop modelling to reshape agriculture.
These agro-advisories represent a symphony of innovations, leveraging diverse technologies and collaborative partnerships to address farmers’ unique challenges. Refining and expanding such innovations remain paramount as we look to the future. Through this intersection of technology, collaboration, and community engagement, we can nurture resilient agriculture and ensure a sustainable future for rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
We have a moral responsibility to leverage every tool available to build the resilience of our agricultural systems. The food security of millions of people depends on proactive solutions. Let’s embrace crop modelling, not as a replacement but as a powerful supplement to navigate the unpredictable world of climate change. Investing in crop model development and training for farmers and advisors is an investment in our collective future.
In conclusion, the call to continue research and development is more than just an academic pursuit. It’s a commitment to empowering the backbone of our food systems – the farmers. Crop modelling signifies a paradigm shift towards resilient and climate-smart agriculture that leaves no one behind. It is a call to action for sustained investment, collaboration, and innovation.
- Barbra Sehlule Muzata is a prominent figure in the field of global communications and brand leadership, with a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of agronomy and agriculture, Barbra currently holds the position of Communications Lead for the CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy Initiative. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research endeavours and practical implementation, ensuring that significant agricultural innovations are accessible to those who can benefit most from them. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Food For Mzansi.
ALSO READ: African Agri Council champions sustainable food security solutions
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
