Fighting water scarcity with innovation – Episode 44

This month we are focusing on water scarcity. First, we delve into agrobiodiversity and look at how it can contribute to better water use, as well as reducing chemical pesticides and fertilizers. We explore how IFAD-funded innovations are helping farmers in Jordan and discuss the urgent need for water conservation in the Near East and North Africa, where climate change is taking its toll on agriculture. We bring you inspiring stories of new water-based and sustainable technologies, like aquaponics and hydroponics. Finally, we take a look at how IFAD is working hand in hand with Italy’s Serie B football division to support rural communities and sustainable agriculture.

 

 

Episode content

• Dina Saleh on adapting to water scarcity – part 1
• Karim Ismail and the importance of adaptability
• Zaid Al-Nsour on how climate change impacts the Middle East and North Africa
• Dinah Saleh on adapting to water scarcity – part 2
• Grace Kyarimpa and the future of insects
• Chef-Doc Colin Zhu and the importance of organic produce
• Charles Miller on how hybrid potatoes can improve the lives of farmers
• The importance of giving back, with Mauro Balata
• Summing Up
• Similar Episodes to Enjoy

 

Dina Saleh on adapting to water scarcity – part 1

Dina Saleh, Regional Director, Near East, North Africa and Europe Division at IFAD

Dina Saleh is IFAD’s Regional Director for the Near East, North Africa and Europe Division. She talks to us about the communities across the region affected by poor access to water and how farmers have adapted to the problem – from new irrigation systems to buying drought-tolerant seeds and even changing crop patterns.

 

Karim Ismail and the importance of adaptability

Karim Ismail, SAIL Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Karim Ismail manages the Sustainable Agriculture Investments and Livelihoods Project (SAIL), an IFAD-funded project that helps small-scale farmers in Egypt. From the field, he tells us about the innovative ways in which farmers in the region are adapting to water scarcity.

 

Zaid Al-Nsour on how climate change impacts the Middle East and North Africa

The Director of Jordan's Rural Economic Growth and Employment Project (REGEP), Zaid Al-Nsour, discusses the impact of climate change across the Middle East and North Africa and highlights the lack of rain and how it affects agriculture, livelihoods and food security.

 

Dina Saleh on adapting to water scarcity – part 2

Dina Saleh

We go back to chatting with IFAD’s Dina Saleh, who tells us more about water management in the Near East, North Africa and Europe region and the need to adapt to the world’s new climactic realities.

 

Grace Kyarimpa and the future of insects

Grace Kyarimpa, CEO of Agro Diverse Limited, Kenya

Grace Kyarimpa, the CEO of Agro Diverse Limited in Kenya, sheds some light on insect farming and all it can do for the world, including providing a sustainable source of animal protein and promoting biodiversity.

 

Chef-Doc Colin Zhu and the importance of organic produce

Dr Colin Zhu

Dr Colin Zhu is more than a doctor, he’s also a chef and a nutritionist. He tells us about the many benefits of organic produce, including their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. A better choice for optimal health!

 

Charles Miller on how hybrid potatoes can improve the lives of farmers

Charles Miller, Director of Business Development at Solynta, The Netherlands

Charles Miller is the Director of Business Development at Dutch biotechnology company Solynta. He tells us about the company and their expertise: hybrid potato breeding and how it helps farmers increase their yields and income.

 

The importance of giving back, with Mauro Balata

Mauro Balata, President of Italy’s Serie B football league

Mauro Balata, president of Italy’s Serie B football league, tells us about the organization’s partnership with IFAD and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and the world.

 

Summing up

Join us next month as we take a look at Small Island Developing States and how they are being impacted by climate change and food insecurity.

Many thanks to our producer here in Rome, Francesco Manetti. And to the rest of the team: Nour Bona and Michelle Makena Mwimbi in Nairobi. Your hosts are Brian Thomson and Michelle Tang.

To you, our audience, thanks for listening to the Farms.Food.Future podcast brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Remember, we want to hear from you – what do you think about our stories and the issues discussed, and who do you want us to talk with – get in touch at [email protected].

Also. don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast via your favourite podcast platform and rate us.

 

Previous episodes to enjoy

• In Podcast 41, we celebrate International Women’s Day.
• In Podcast 42, we talked about innovations in agriculture.
• In Podcast 43, we spoke to the head of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity with a special report on the Duchy of Cornwall’s eco credentials in the UK.