CHAPTER 1
PROJECT
TOPIC: Climate Change in food security in ward 7 Tsholotsho District
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: The community of Tsholotsho Ward 7 is facing challenges of food
security due to climate variability which negatively impact food security which leads to hunger
and [Link] is my responsibility to come up with best solutions on climate change.
OBJECTIVES
To identify causes of climate change in ward 7 of Tsholotsho District
To investigate the effects of climate change in ward 7 of Tsholotsho District
To suggest possible to minimize the impacts of climate change in Tsholotsho District of
ward 7
AIMS
This project aims to highlight climate change impacts in food security and provide solutions to
mitigate climate change on food security.
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CHAPTER 2
Climate change is a pressing global issue with far reaching consequences for the environmental,
human health and the economy.
2.1 CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Numerous studies have identified human activities as the primary cause of climate. The burning
of fossil fuels, deforestation and land use changes are significant contributors to green house
gas emissions (IPCC, 2013; Hansen et al 2016). Agricultural activities especially meat production
also play a substantial role in emitting green house gases (Fearnside 2000)
Human activities has a great impact on climate change through deforestation ,combustion and
green house gases which damages ozone layer leading to global warming finally climate change.
Agriculture activities including cattle ranching causes emission of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere which bores the ozone layer which increases earth’s temperatures causing heat
waves and climate change. Overgrazing cause to bare grounds which reflects heat to the
atmosphere leading to global warming and finally climate change occurs.
2.2 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change has severe consequences including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense
heat waves, drought and storms (Church et al, 2013; IPCC, 2012). Changes in precipitation
patterns and increased risk of water scarcity also pose significant threats to human societies
(Schellahuber et al, 2016). Climate change also has devastating impacts on ecosystem leading
to loss of biodiversity and extinction of plant and animal species (Parmesan and Yohe, 2003).
Climate change has threats to human life by causing droughts and floods which affect human
societies. Climate change causes death of animals and plants in a ecosystem which leads to
reduction in biodiversity and extinction of endangered species which causes ecosystem
imbalances.
2.3 SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power is critical to mitigating
climate change (Jacobson et al 2017). Improving energy efficiency, electrifying transportation
and carbon capture and storage are also essential strategies for reducing green house emission
(IPCC, 2014). Sustainable land use practices such as reforestation and agroforestry, can also
help sequester carbon dioxide (Lal 2004).
Climate change can be mitigated by use of renewable energy source such as solar which is a
clean source of energy. Carbon capture through use of filters on industries to trap carbon
dioxide emitted to the atmosphere. Afforestation, reforestation and agroforestry can help by
fixing carbon into the ground and this reduces the impact of climate change.
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CHAPTER 3
3.1 EXISTING SOLUTIONS
Transition to renewable energy
Use of solar panels and solar forms to generate electricity. Solar is a clean source of energy that
do not emit gases to the atmosphere. Installation of wind mills and turbines to generate
electricity and extract water. Building of bigger dams to install hydro electric power plants to
generate electricity which is a clean source of energy.
Energy efficiency
Substitution of engine vehicles by electric vehicles which does not release green house gases.
Carbon capture and storage
lmplementation of carbon technologies in power plants and industrial processes to prevent
carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere. Carbon storage facilities to capture carbon dioxide.
Sustainable land use
Reforestation by planting of more trees to restore lost forest by deforestation or by wildfires
and absorb carbon dioxide. Sustainable agriculture practices to reduce synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides. Sustainable agriculture practices such as conservation tillage which reduce soil
erosion which causes carbon emission to the atmosphere and improve food security.
Agroforestry practices to reduce intergrate trees into agricultural land scapes.
International cooperation
Global climate governance should be strengthened through international agreements. Mobilize
climate finance to support developing countries in their climate change mitigation and
adaptation efforts. Promote technology transfer to support the development and deployment
of climate friendly technologies.
3.2 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Invest in solar system to reduce deforestation. Burning of trees and grasses during land clearing
for agriculture should be prevented to reduce carbon emission to the atmosphere. Reduction in
burning of fossil fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere. Introduction of
polluter pays principle (PPP) to reduce emission of green house gases to the atmosphere.
Practice of afforestation and reforestation to restore lost forest to increase carbon capture
which will aid in carbon sequestration. The use of climate smart agriculture or sustainable
agriculture conservation tillage to minimize soil erosion and to maintain good soil structure.
Destocking to reduce overgrazing and carbon emission to the atmosphere through respiration
and methane gas from cow dung which threatens the atmosphere increasing earth’s
temperatures (global warming). Water conservation by closing tap leakages, pot holing and
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irrigation using used water. National tree planting day to plant more trees. Valuing of IKS to
minimize the impact of climate change.
3.3 CHALLENGES
People of Tsholotsho ward 7 encount many challenges to mitigate climate change. These are
the challenges they face when mitigating climate change. Transmission to renewable energy
sources require significant investments. Shifting away from fossil fuel can disrupt industries and
lead to job losses to local community. Renewable energy sources need to be scaled up to meet
local community energy demands hence most community members are from low income
families. Encouraging individuals to adopt climate-friendly behaviors such as reducing energy
consumption can be difficult. Climate policies may disproportionately affect vulnerable
populations such as low income house holds or indigenous communities. Raising public
awareness and educating people about climate change and its impacts is essential for building
support for climate policies and there is lack of cooperation. Balancing the need for land use for
renewable energy, agriculture and conservation is challenging. Water scarcity can impact
energy production through HEP, agriculture, human consumption and loss of biodiversity which
have a negative impact on ecosystem. Undervaluing of IKS by local people due to influence of
western culture. Cultural practices and beliefs in drought tolerant crops such as sorghum which
is believed to be recommended to unhealthy people. Poor international relationship is a
challenge in mitigating climate change due to lack of funds from national countries.
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CHAPTER 4
This project was done by conducting of interviews to local people of Tsholotsho ward 7 to
choose the best methods of mitigating climate change. These interviews were done in a
random selection of homes to gather for information. I used a table to record the number of
people who agreed to use the best method of their choice to reduce impacts of climate change.
I interviewed 50 people gather information on the effects and stating the best solution method
of climate change. The table below represent the data that was collected from the local people
in Tsholotsho ward 7.
Table 4.1 showing respondents to mitigation measures to climate change
Measures used to mitigate climate Number of people
change
Transition to renewable energy 10
Energy efficiency 2
Carbon capture and storage 1
Sustainable land use 17
International cooperation 5
Individual actions 15
COMMENTS
The most favored measure to reduce climate change was sustainable land use and individual
actions which only uses locally available resources to mitigate climate change. The least favored
measure to reduce climate change was energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage which is
expensive to install because the local community is financial unstable due to unemployment
and lack of skilled labor.
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CHAPTER 5
A pie chart showing number of people who different measures used to mitigate climate change
Mitigation to climate change
20%
30% Transition to renewable energy
20%
Energy efficiency 4%
4% Carbon capture and storage 2%
Sustainable land use 34%
2% International coperation 10%
Individual actions 30%
10%
34%
COMMENTS
Carbon capture and storage, and energy was suggested by less people because they lack
knowledge are they are financial unstable because of unemployment. The lack of cost-effective
and efficient energy storage technologies hinder the widespread adoption of intermittent
renewable energy sources. The development and deployment of carbon capture and storage
technologies face significant technical and economic challenges. International cooperation have
challenge to achieve climate change which is a global problem and may have poor international
relations within nations. Transition to renewable energy which are expensive to purchase and
install which require significant investments.
Individuals actions such as reduced carbon foot print by reducing energy consumptions using
public transport significantly reduce. Increased energy efficiency actions like simple switching to
energy efficient light bulbs, turning appliances and insulating homes can reduce energy
consumption. Individual actions such as reducing water usage, recycling and composting can
conserve natural resources. Individual actions can inspire others to take similar steps, creating a
ripple effect that can lead to significant positive change. Reducing meat consumptions,
increasing physical activity and improving air quality can have numerous personal health
benefits. Sustainable land use practices like reforestation, afforestation and agroforestry can
sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It also support rural livelihoods and improve
food security. Sustainable land use and individual actions practices have economic benefits
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such as cost savings, job creation and increased productivity to improve food security.
Conservation tillage, cover cropping, potholing and crop rotation can reduce soil erosion and
improve soil health which will boost food security. Habitat restoration, ecological corridors and
wildlife conservation can protect and restore biodiversity. Buffer strips, wetland restoration and
efficient irrigation systems can improve water quality and improve crop yields during dry
seasons to ensure food security.
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CHAPTER 6
Conclusion
Combustion, deforestation and land use changes are causes of climate change. Climate change
has led to reduced biodiversity, imbalanced ecosystem and threatened human societies.
Sustainable land use is the best mitigation method to reduce the impacts of climate change
because it uses locally available resources, it is cheap and affordable to improve crop yields and
food security in climate friendly environment.
Recommendations
I recommend local people of Tsholotsho ward 7 to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy
sources like solar. Implement sustainable land use practices like reforestation and crop rotation
to improve food security. Implement climate smart agriculture practices like conservation
tillage and crop diversification. Develop and implement disaster risk reduction strategies like
early warning systems, emergency preparedness and evaluation plans. Promote climate
education and awareness to build a climate literate society.
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