Journal of Global Resources
Volume 5
July 2017
ISSN: 2395-3160 (Print), 2455-2445 (Online)

Page 66-70

09
PUTTING INNOVATION (S) AT THE CENTRE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, AGRICULTURE
AND FOOD SECURITY IN ZIMBABWE
Raymond Erick Zvavanyange
Country Representative
Young Professionals for Agricultural Development, Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: zvavanyanger3@gmail.com
Abstract: This article puts innovation (s) at the center of climate change, agriculture andfood security in Zimbabwe within the concept of opposing forces to innovation espoused byresearchers and practitioners. The article traces the global actions in climate change,agriculture and food security, and what this means for the country. The main disquisition iswhether the human species settles for (more-, less-, and non -) knowledge or ignorance
when presented with a problem such as climate change which is global in nature. Thearticle also addresses the rejection of ideas such as climate-smart agriculture, and what thismeans in the context of innovation. I also discuss the innovation opportunities in and related
to climate science for young agripreneurs in Zimbabwe. At the heart of this article is thesuggestion that Zimbabwe should address its nation’s development and related challenges
at the very basic and fundamental levels and not dodge such when called to action. The
adoption of innovations partly requires daring, visionary, and playful minds and change
agents. I establish that rejection, acceptance, and restraint are orthodox positions thehuman species appears to adopt when faced with decisive moments in innovation (s). The
article recommends for dissection, in an apolitical and non-partisan manner, all evidence,
facts, and reason presented by researchers, practitioners, and policy makers when dealing
with urgent country problems, including, climate science.
Key words: Agriculture, Climate Change, Food Security, Global Warming, Innovation.
Introduction
When faced with problems such as climate change where will the human species turn to inorder to comprehend how the Earth’s climate system functions and impacts on food andagriculture? The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)(1992) defines climate change as “a “change of climate which is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which isin addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.” Theresubsist valid arguments and counterarguments on climate change. The times periods showthat “global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide haveincreased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750 and now far exceed preindustrial levels”. 1 Climatic changes also impact on Zimbabwe, and make the call forinnovation (s) in climate change, agriculture and food security. Furthermore, the UNFCCC(1992) observes that, “[T] he ultimate objective of the Convention and any related legal
instruments that the Conference of the Parties may adopt is to achieve, in accordance withthe relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in
the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with theclimate system.” This article puts innovation (s) at the center of climate change, agriculture,and food security in Zimbabwe. By putting into context the concept of opposing forces toinnovation within Zimbabwe, the article, broadly advocates for dissection, in an apolitical and1

https://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/spmsspm-human-and.html

66

non-partisan manner, all evidence when dealing with urgent development issues in thecountry.
ANALYSIS
Overview of Climate Change and its Impacts in Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2016) acknowledges
that a sustainable future rests on supporting smallholders in adapting to climate change.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation is indispensable in addressing the rapid changes
in the world’s climate (FAO, 2016). FARA (2015) states that continental and regional
development policies and programs recognize climate change and its impacts, but there arelimited climate change and adaptation considerations in national agricultural sector policies.
Even where policies exist, implementation is hampered by the low priority given to funding
adaptation as compared to natural resources e.g. forestry (FARA, 2015).
Table 1summarises the observed climate impacts and where innovation (s) can come in.
Table 1: Observed climate impacts and areas where innovation (s) comes in
Observed climate impacts
Unexpected changes in precipitation andtemperature, changes in length of growing
seasons, carbon uptake, and loss of soilfertility.
Increased frequency of extreme events such as
droughts and floods in all regions.
Increased pressure on resources, leading tofood deficits and local conflicts.
Disruption of ecological interactions that are thebasis of insect dynamics in nature.
Changes in prevalence of human diseases andplant pests.
Changes in availability of drinking water.
Glacial meltdowns.
Shocks on the sustainability of community
livelihoods.

Areas where innovation (s) comes in
Improved climate modeling systems, researchcollaborations, and use of scientific advice bygovernments.
Robust early warning systems; disaster
preparedness and emergency responsesystems.
Participatory approaches and governance incommunity development.
Monitored
ecologicalinteractions
anddevelopment programmes and plans.
Improved health care monitoring systems andglobal databases.
Planned human and animal settlements.
Reduce major economic and commercialactivities in affected regions.
Capacity building and training programmes thatbuild resilience among community members.

Source: Author’s imagination and various research findings
Institutional and Policy Platforms Addressing Climate Change Issues in Africa
FARA (2015) identifies a number of institutions and platforms that address climate change
and related issues across Africa as: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Food Security; African
Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services; Consultative Group on International Agriculture
Research (CGIAR) – New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
Collaboration to Support Vision 2025; Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture; African
Union - NEPAD-INGO Alliance for Scaling Up Climate-Smart Agriculture Alliance in Africa or“Africa Climate-Smart Agriculture Alliance”; Economic Commission of West African States
High-Level Forum on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA); Common Market for Eastern andSouthern Africa CSA Country Programs; Southern African Confederation of Agricultural
Unions CSA Program; African Youth in CSA Alliance; and Country-based committees andplatforms.
Innovation in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
According to the United Kingdom Government Office for Science (2014), “Innovation is aboutchanging the way we do things. It is about pushing the frontier of what we know in the hopeof generating new and useful ideas, and then putting them into practice. Successful
innovation raises productivity and living standards, expanding the range of goods andservices available for individuals and society as a whole, and allowing us to live longer,
67

healthier lives.” Innovation can be useful to Zimbabweans as it cuts across policies,
programmes, projects, approaches, and research and scientific evidence (cf. UNESCO,2014). The appointment of a state scientific adviser/officer – as argued for by experts - isone suggestion to Zimbabwe. FARA (2015) states that the restoration of degraded lands,
Zai pits, new drought tolerant maize and wheat varieties which target smallholder farmers
are examples of climate-smart approaches. FARA states further that to support climatechange adaptation planning, comprehensive policies and strategies across health, urban,and agriculture sectors, and the mobilization of scientists and researchers to create an
informed evidence base within the continent are innovative actions in climate change,agriculture and food security.
Opposing Forces to Dynamics in Earth’s Climate System and Climate Change
The main criticisms on climate change and global warming are a consequence of aconvergence/divergence of business, political, ideological interests among parties
concerned. This has also been prompted by the rush for new thinking and action inaddressing the effects of climate change, especially reducing agricultural emissions (e.g.
climate-smart versus climate-informed). Some critics have argued that climate change is“not real”, and that it is a “hoax”. Dyson (2005:5) argues that “the [climate] models solve theequations of fluid dynamics, and they do a very good job of describing fluid motions of theatmosphere and the oceans. They do a very poor job of describing the clouds, the dust, thechemistry, and biology of fields and farms and forests.” Other researchers caution climatechange proponents on the complexity of the Earth’s system in self-regulation (Wielicki et al.,2002). The statements above means that changes in the climate itself can reverse the gains
made in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Concerning climate-smart agriculture2, critics claim that the concept is vague and notproperly defined. They argue that certain large bodies and institutions have sinister
motivations and objectives. Essentially the claim is that they seek to “control and perhaps,wipe out” the smallholders and their means of production. Agro-ecology, some critics argue,
is a better approach than climate-smart agriculture. There are also concerns about “climatesmart” financing of agriculture, for example, how do we quantify soil carbon and the soilcarbon market. It appears from all the critique that these are legitimate concerns on anumber of fronts, chief among them how food production can be increased on the finite land
resource and in recognition of the increasing global population (cf. Rosenstock et al., 2016).
Juma (2016), on the examination of societal forces that equivocate problem-solvingtechnologies, observed that innovation can separate people from nature or their sense of
purpose – two things fundamental to human experience. The study also noted that newtechnologies generate uncertainty about the future – and when making decisions under
uncertainty, potential losses loom larger in people’s minds than potential gains (Juma, 2016).
This observation was described by Steve Orvely3 in a Washington Post on his commentaryon some of the fears associated with new technologies. Steve stated that people sometimes
oppose innovation even when it seems to be in their best interest, and that humans makedecisions about new innovations with their gut rather than evidence.
The humanexperience, therefore, decisively gives rise to an array of standpoints in any examination ofinnovation (s).
Climate Resilience and Young Agripreneurs in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe must hasten to address its development challenges at the very basic andfundamental levels. The Office of the President and Cabinet with the guidance of theMinistry of Environment, Water and Climate leads many programmes and initiatives in2

http://www.climatesmartagconcerns.info/rejection-letter.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2016/07/21/humans-once-opposed-coffeeand-refrigeration-heres-why-we-often-hate-new-stuff/
368

climate change, agriculture and food security (Government of Zimbabwe, 2015). Effective
use and adaptation of innovations to local contexts requires a variety of actors, and aconsideration of what they offer in debates and dialogues (Table 2). According to theCGIAR Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security Program 4 , the six ways in which
resilience can be built among farmers in areas at risk of climatic impacts are: (i) Put the righttechnology into the farmers’ hands; (ii) get farmers insured; (iii) deliver climate forecasts
directly to farmers; (iv) enhance the national enabling environment; (v) inform global policies
and processes; and (vi) scale up investments in climate-smart agriculture. The above-statedways can build resilience and create innovation opportunities for agripreneurs in the country.
Table 2: Innovation Opportunities for Young Agripreneurs in Zimbabwe
Category
TheoryPolicyPractice

Innovation Opportunities in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
Collaborate on research and innovation projects focused on climate science.
Assess critically the benefits of social networking.
Align with the critical mass of scholars and practitioners in climate change.
Critique available concepts, frameworks, paradigms, and strategies used as evidence
to inform climate science and action in Zimbabwe.
Enroll in online classes in climate change, agriculture, and food security.
Contribute to leadership and agricultural development programmes.
Add your voice to discussions on climate change, agriculture and food security.
Enhance understanding on biotechnology and biosafety issues.
Present one’s requests to policy and decision makers.
Consider seriously and act on any political risks in one’s quests.
Develop research and communication tools and products.
Improve one’s communication skills.
Get involved in policy debates, dialogues, and discussions.
Lobby for financial resources and investments in climate-smart approaches, practices,and technologies.
Listen with intent to opposing forces to innovation (s).
Volunteer for a social cause you believe in.
Participate in the work of the Country Branch, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation For Food
Security Assembly.
Contribute to knowledge production and new curriculum (educational) development.
Interrogate knowledge and ideas on Agricultural Coordination and Working Groups.
Engage with rural advisory service providers.
Create intelligence systems for use along the agricultural value chain (e.g. intelligent
use of Big Data and Internet of Things).
Craft clear “messages” as media practitioners and science communicators.

Source: Author’s imagination
Conclusion
This article has pondered on the problem of climate change and its impacts on food andagriculture, and the suggestion that this daunting challenge ought to actuate the humanspecies to pursue knowledge and ignorance, and shun inaction. In doing so, the article hasargued for a consideration of a variety of actors in matters concerning basic country’sdevelopment, with special reference to climate change, agriculture and food security in
Zimbabwe. The article has also argued that the concept of opposing forces to innovation
should be fastidiously managed as it illuminates the human experience, and standpoints.
The continuous examination of opportunities across all spectrums – theory, policy, andpractice – can uncover surprises in what the human species can do to address problems
such as climate change. The article establishes that rejection, acceptance, and restraint areorthodox positions the human species appears to adopt when faced with decisive moments
in innovation (s). In sum, I recommend for dissection, in an apolitical and non-partisan
manner, all evidence presented by researchers, practitioners, and policy makers when
dealing with country problems, including, climate science.
4

https://ccafs.cgiar.org/research-highlight/step-step-guide-climate-resilience-agriculture69References
1. Dyson, F. (2005) Heretical Thoughts about Science and Society: Frederick S. Pardee
Distinguished Lecture, November 1, 2005. Boston: Boston University.
2. FAO, (2016) The State of Food and Agriculture: Climate Change, Agriculture and Food
Security. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
3. FARA, (2015). Continental Conference on Research Evidence and Research-Policy
Linkages for Adaptation to Climate Change in Africa: Conference Proceedings, 10 – 12March, 2015, Nairobi, Kenya. Accra: Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa.
4. Government of Zimbabwe, (2015) Zimbabwe’s Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution (INDC), Submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC). Harare: Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate.
5. Juma, C. (2016) Innovation and Its Enemies: Why People Resist New Technologies.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
6. Popper, K.R., (n.d). The Logic of Social Sciences, Tübingen symposium.
7. Rosenstock, T.S., Lamanna, C., Chesterman, S., Bell, P., Arslan, A., Richards, M.,
Rioux, J., Akinleye, A.O., Champalle, C., Cheng, Z., Corner-Dolloff, C., Dohn, J., English,W., Eyrich, A.S., Girvetz, E.H., Kerr, A., Lizarazo, M., Madalinska, A., McFatridge, S.,
Morris, K.S., Namoi, N., Poultouchidou, N., Ravina da Silva, M., Rayess, S., Ström, H.,
Tully, K.L., & Zhou, W., (2016) The scientific basis of climate-smart agriculture: A
systematic review protocol. CCAFS Working Paper no. 138. Copenhagen, Denmark:
CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
8. UK Government Office for Science, (2014) Innovation: Managing Risk, Not Avoiding It:
Evidence and Case Studies, Annual Report of the UK Government Chief ScientificAdviser. London: United Kingdom Government Office for Science.
9. UNESCO, (2014) Mapping Research and Innovation in the Republic of Zimbabwe: GOSPIN Country Profiles in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Volume 2. Paris:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
10. UNFCCC, (1992) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
New York: United Nations.
11. Wielicki, B., Wong, T., Allan, R.P., Slingo, A., Kiehl, J.T., Soden, B.J., Gordon, C.T.,
Miller, A.J., Yang, S-K., Randall, D.A., Robertson, F., Susskind, J., & Jacobowitz., H.,(2002) Evidence for Large Decadal Variability in the Tropical Mean Radiative Energy
Budget. Report, Science, Vol. 295, pp. 841 – 844.
Additional Information
This article is an expanded version of the invited plenary presentation at the Zimbabwe
Youth Agripreneurship Summit 2016, organized by the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, and held
at ZESA Training Centre, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe, on the 24th – 26th August, 2016.

70