Journal of Food Processing & Technology

An assessment of climate resilience innovation labs towards enhancing innovation capacities for rural livelihoods and natural resource management in semi-arid Areas of Zimbabwe

International Conference on Food Technology & Beverages

July 23-24, 2021 | Webinar

Eness P Mutsvangwa Sammie

University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: jfpt

Abstract:

Farmers in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe face multiple risks, such as natural resource degradation and growing population pressure, in addition to impacts of current and projected climate change including extreme events. The impacts of climate change including extreme events are already being felt among the 1.5 million smallholder farmers whose livelihoods are dependent on agriculture. There are some general political and strategic initiatives on climate change adaptation in the country, but smallholder farmers especially women and children continue to be insufficiently prepared for the risks and challenges associated with climate change. Innovations have made a huge difference in addressing urgent and pressing development challenges such as by responding to climate change including disasters. Globally, are now witnessing the emergence of a variety of new innovations and alliances that point to a whole new way for development practitioners to inform their work with evidence and forge new partnerships with academia, the private sector, think tanks and citizens. Innovation is not new to rural communities in Zimbabwe. However, how to operate in such a dynamic and often challenging context requires foresight, innovative thinking and agile solutions. The study interrogated the establishment of climate resilience innovation labs at community levels towards enhancing innovation capacities for rural communities in Buhera, Bulilima and Gutu districts in Zimbabwe. Strategic research on pioneering innovation labs was conducted through systematic review and focus group discussions in collecting and analyzing data. The results were instrumental in recommending innovations and strategies in the establishment of the innovation labs in the study area.

Biography :

Eness has completed her PhD at the age of 34 years from University of Zimbabwe and current doing her postdoctoral studies from the University of Pretoria. She is a senior lecturer at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. She has published more than six papers in reputed journals.