Southern Africa launches new climate-resilient farming initiatives

New agricultural initiatives have been launched in Southern Africa to combat climate change and improve food security. In Lesotho, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has introduced the Building Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Food Systems (ReLiF) project. Running from April 2026 to April 2029, the program will initially target the Leribe, Maseru, Mohale’s Hoek, and Quthing districts. The project focuses on strengthening climate-smart agriculture through improved water management and natural resource conservation to support vulnerable rural communities.

Simultaneously, the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched the EUR 14 million Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones (ATHAZ) programme. This initiative aims to support smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana by developing more resilient and profitable horticulture systems. The program intends to reach approximately 15,000 farming households, focusing on efficient water use, resilient seed systems, and improved market access to help farmers adapt to increasing climate pressures and water scarcity.