Botswana and Zambia continue to make strides in their concerted efforts to tackle the impact of climate change, President Advocate Duma Gideon said yesterday at the opening of the 97th Zambian Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Zambia.
President Boko said the two nations have been working together to align to climate change effects. Boko stated that the theme spoke to an existing change in climatic conditions.
Held under the theme “ Adapting to Climate Change” Boko said the show resonates with the challenges faced by the two nations surrounding climate change. Moreover, he noted that climate change does not respect borders and, therefore, a collective effort towards reducing emissions and other environmental impacts are needed.
“Climate change is not just a distant menace it is a present reality that calls on our nations and all nations of the world to take practical steps to mitigate its devastating effects,” said Boko.
Boko noted that the gathering is aimed at renewing commitment and that Botswana has joined the framework for cooperation around climate change action policy through Southern African Development Community (SADC). He indicated that the two countries’ collaboration is fortified by the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) in livestock and crop production, agricultural research, and climate smart technologies.
Additionally, Boko stressed that the signed MoU by the two nations are not just mere papers but instead pathways for shared survival and prosperity. “Together we are harmonising seed systems, investing in early warning platforms. We are also jointly expanding agricultural research and confronting cross boundary pests and diseases. Botswana is scaling up research and development, climate smart practices, and mordeniding irrigation,”he noted.
