Location: African Enterprise, Pietermaritzburg
Date: 29-30 May 2023
Organised by: Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA)
The PACDR training, conducted by the Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA) in Pietermaritzburg, aimed to empower small-scale farmers from peri-urban areas and privately owned commercial farms within the uMgungundlovu District to assess and respond to climate and disaster risks. This initiative was part of the Adaptation Network’s three-year Civil Society Organisation Skills Enhancement and Excellence Development (CSO Seed) project, funded by the Government of Flanders through SANBI.
The training covered modules on climate change, hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, adaptation strategies, and community development planning. Participants, including farm dwellers and peri-urban small-scale farmers, engaged in mapping resources, identifying hazards, and developing seasonal calendars. They also created community-specific adaptation strategies and action plans.
Key outcomes included an enhanced understanding of climate change impacts and the identification of major hazards such as heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme cold. Adaptation strategies developed included the use of greenhouses, solar panels, and improved infrastructure. The training emphasised the need for early warning systems and better engagement with local government.
The workshop encouraged solidarity and mutual support among participants, leading to plans for future collaboration and learning exchanges. Participants committed to reducing carbon emissions and improving their adaptation responses. The training highlighted the diverse challenges faced by different communities and the need for better service delivery and support from local government.
Overall, the PACDR training was successful, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to better respond to climate change and disaster risks. AFRA plans to replicate this work in other project areas.
“I didn’t know there is a better way of planting crops, the trench bed system shared by Sweethill is something to do in our community because it will help during heavy rains which normally leaves our crops damaged” Farm Dweller participant
