Zambulugu farmer complains about effect of climate change

Accra, May 10, GNA - Mr Yakubu Adam, a farmer from Zambulugu in the Northern Region has blamed the effects of climate change on his inability to produce large quantity of food.

“Trees are depleting and wildlife is almost extinct in the Zambulugu community,” he noted.

He said farmers in the community find it complicated to plan for the agricultural activities because of the erratic rainfall pattern.

Mr Adam made this known during a week workshop, organised by Care International, a non-governmental organisation at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District of the region.

The workshop was aimed at enhancing new knowledge on the Adaptation Learning Programme (ALP) strategy for journalists, staff of Care International and local community members.

ALP was launched by Care International for Africa in 2010. The programme is supported by the UK Department for International Development, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Austrian Cooperation.

Its overall goal is to increase the capacity of vulnerable household in Sub- Saharan Africa to adapt to climatic variability and change.

Mr Adam noted that cutting down of trees for fuel and rafters for roofing of houses, were some of the causes leading to the extinct of forests and endangered animal species.

“Another reason is that people set fire indiscriminately to the forest for farming and hunting purposes,” he added.

Mr Adam observed as a result of the destruction of the ecology the Zambulugu community are finding it difficult to harvest herbs they use to treat aliments locally.

“The soil; has become infertile, food production has reduced and fruit trees in the forest are depleting.

“This is causing acute hunger in many families and leading to tensions between couples,” Mr Adam noted.

To mitigate the situation, he said the community would hold a meeting with stakeholders like Care International to discuss issues such as reafforestation to improve the environment and also raise their income.

Journalists at the workshop used digital photo storytelling as a process to help the community members to prioritise and share their climate change adaptation strategies.

GNA