Ariful Islam : Is our climate changing faster than we can adapt? The recent flood in Sunamganj makes us reflect on this question once again as the once predictable monsoon rains now arrive with unpredictable intensity, inundating everything in its way. Global temperatures are rising, weather patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, and extreme weather events like floods are more frequent and severe. This volatility jeopardizes not just livelihoods but also the very food security of millions. From the flood-prone plains of Bangladesh to the drought-stricken lands of sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change on their agricultural practices everywhere. According to a Cornell-led study, climate change has already led to a 21% reduction in global farming productivity, equivalent to losing seven years of agricultural progress since the 1960s.

Across Bangladesh, specially in the flood-prone northern regions where communities are particularly vulnerable to such events, the impact on agriculture and livelihoods is profound, and farmers endure the brunt of climate change. Erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, and more intense cyclones disrupt agricultural cycles, leading to reduced crop yields and economic losses. For decades, these communities have struggled with inadequate agricultural practices that fail to withstand the onslaught of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive strategies.

So, how will our agricultural systems adapt to the escalating challenges of climate change? 

In response to these challenges, Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) emerges as a pivotal strategy for building resilience and sustainability in farming systems. It's not just a buzzword but a strategic approach to safeguarding crops against climate variability, resilient and sustainable agricultural practices that can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. CSA practices like flood-tolerant rice varieties, drip irrigation systems, and integrated pest management are gaining traction worldwide. Countries across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are adopting similar strategies tailored to their local contexts. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations promotes CSA as a cornerstone of sustainable development, urging countries to integrate these practices into national agricultural policies.

In Northern Bangladesh, climate-smart agriculture has become vital for farmers, evolving beyond mere practice to a lifeline. Nearly every household is now engaged in establishing homestead gardens, locally known as 'PUSTIBARI'. Each farmer prioritizes climate-smart techniques, introduced and promoted by SONGO (Sustained Opportunities for Nutrition Governance). This initiative, funded by the European Union and executed by Cordaid and RDRS Bangladesh, began in 2018 with the goal of uplifting socio-economic conditions in disadvantaged regions of Gaibandha and Kurigram Districts. SONGO collaborates with 112,000 households across 6 sub-districts and 18 unions, emphasizing crop diversification, precision irrigation, and soil conservation tailored to local needs. Central to its efforts are Farm Business Advisors (FBAs), who educate farmers on adopting climate-resilient agricultural technologies and practices. These include innovative practices such as sack and tower gardening, flood-resistant rice varieties, vermicomposting, and the use of organic fertilizers and sex pheromone traps instead of chemicals. Let’s have a look at some of these CSA practices that enhance productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.

In densely populated regions and limited arable land areas of Bangladesh, innovative farming techniques like tower gardening and sack gardening are life-changing. Tower gardening involves growing crops vertically in stacked layers, optimizing space utilization and resource efficiency. This method ensures year-round production and stabilizes food supply, critical amidst unpredictable weather patterns. Similarly, sack gardening empowers communities by enabling them to grow vegetables in sacks, conserving water, and adapting to localized conditions. So, even in heavy floods, the vegetables grown in sacks remain intact. Also, flood-tolerant rice varieties, like Swarna Sub1 and BRRI dhan51 developed through breeding programs, withstand submergence and waterlogging during monsoons, ensuring stable yields and contributing to food security and farmer livelihoods. These varieties exemplify Bangladesh's proactive approach to climate adaptation in agriculture, securing food production systems against climate uncertainties sustainably. Vermicompost, using earthworms to compost organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, is another crucial factor in CSA practices. It enhances soil health, moisture retention, and plant nutrient uptake. This sustainable practice addresses soil degradation issues in Bangladesh, restoring fertility and supporting crop resilience to climate stresses. Vermicompost also reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting environmental sustainability in agriculture. These innovations not only address current agricultural challenges but represent a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, integrating sustainable management techniques that enhance productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh. As Bangladesh navigates the challenges of climate change, initiatives like Project SONGO demonstrate that sustainable solutions are within reach. Just not in the Northern region, by embracing CSA practices, we can empower every farmer in Bangladesh and evolve into a resilient model for others. After all, farmers are the powerhouse of the whole world, and why should just the whims of climate take it all from them?