SG Ingabire: The problem pertaining to climate change alarms
A meeting for African farmers, Caribbean and the Pacific Region representatives convened in Kigali, so as to discuss about different problems they encounter, as well as finding their solutions. The three-day meeting started on 16th May 2023 and concluded on 18th May 2023.
During the press conference with the media, Kolyang Palebélé, who is also the President of PAFO (Organe représentatif des Organisations Paysannes Africaines) which is an Organ that represents farmers from the above mentioned Regions, said that some of the problems which farmers face result from climate change, the issue about loans to farmers from different countries, and lack of political will.
He emphasized that if there happens to be political will and cooperation from different actors and a sustainable solutions to the existential threats, the problems would be addressed.
Kolyang Palebélé the President of PAFO
He had this to say, “If there was cooperation, we would register tangible development, thereby rendering the African citizens to enjoy improved livelihoods, hence acquiring reliable and sustainable development.”
The climate change issue isn’t only an African, it’s a global phenomenon, Kolyang reiterated.
In an interview with the media, the Director General in charge of planning in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal husbandry Chantal Ingabire said that the problem regarding climate change is alarming, because it has given rise to un reliable rainfall patterns, whereby some parts receive little rain, whereas others experience droughts , and other parts characterized by diseases, caused by climate change .
She said that climate change was one of the main problems which Rwandan peasant farmers face. She said, “Though our country invests heavily in agriculture to mitigate farmers’ problems, and for the sake of assisting them, we still face challenges about climate change. Another problem is about is about the peasant farmers who can’ easily access loans, thus crippling them in terms of getting money to utilize in crop husbandry”.
During the meeting was about empowering the farmers with knowledge which was the main theme of the meeting to, so as to improve farming, through utilizing it.
African farmers, Caribbean and the Pacific Region representatives
Participants in the meeting
Christopher Karenzi
Photos: By Janvier
