Bio:

Stephen Twomlow currently works for the International Fund for Agricultural Development as the Regional Climate and Environmental Specialist for East and Southern Africa.  He holds a PhD in Agricultural Hydrology from the University of London and has worked for more than 25 years as an agricultural and environmental scientists with a strong interest in smallholder dryland agriculture.  Prior to working with IFAD he spent three years with the United Nations Environmental Programme leading their GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Programmes, and before that with ICRISAT leading their Global NRM work.  He's published widely with more than 100 peer reviewed publications.

Abstract:

Environmental and Climate Chnage Issues in eastyern and Southern Africa (ESA)– What is the International Fund for Agricultural Development Doing?

The negative effects of climate change are already being felt, especially in food- insecure regions of East and Southern Africa. Environmental degradation and climate change are affecting nutrition through their impact on food security, sanitation, water and food safety, health, maternal and child health- care practices and socio-economic factors.

To address these emerging challenges the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has enhanced its approach to rural development in the context of these evolving environmental threats, including climate change. Projects in Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands are introducing simple water and land management techniques that prevent damage to soils from flooding and help conserve water. Across the region, IFAD is pioneering and testing payment for environmental services, income diversification, value chain development and more sustainable and profitable management systems.  To ensure earmarked climate and environmental finance is channelled to these smallholders through IFAD supported programmes, in 2012 the organization established the, ‘Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme’ (ASAP).  ASAP provides a new source of co- financing targeted specifically at scaling up and integrating climate change adaptation in 'regular' smallholder development programmes through climate resilient interventions in agriculture, rural infrastructure and the natural resource base/multi-benefit approach. 

Examples of climate change and natural resource management activities in IFAD loans and grants in East and Southern Africa are presented.

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