BUILDING RESISTANCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

ECO Bounty Park can employ several strategies to aid small farmers to develop a food supply that is more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Here are some potential approaches:

Agroecology

These are practices which involve using natural processes and biodiversity to increase resilience.

This can include practices such as diversified cropping systems, agroforestry, plant tissue cloning integrated pest management.

These methods can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and changing pest and disease patterns.

Diversification of crops

Growing a diverse range of crops can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.

By cultivating a variety of crops, farmers can spread their risk and ensure that they have some yield even if certain crops are affected by climate-related challenges.

Water management

Given the potential for changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change, small farmers should invest in water management techniques such as:

• Rainwater harvesting,
• Drip irrigation, and
• Water-efficient farming practices.

These methods can help ensure a more reliable water supply for crops, even in periods of drought.

Soil health management

Healthy soil is essential for resilient agriculture.

Small farmers can use practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage to improve soil health and increase its ability to withstand climate-related stresses.

Use of local and traditional crop varieties

Local and traditional crop varieties are often better adapted to local environmental conditions and may have built-in resilience to certain climate challenges.

Small farmers can preserve and promote these varieties to enhance the resilience of their food supply.

Community Collaboration

Small farmers in eco parks can collaborate with each other to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for climate-resilient agriculture.

This can include forming cooperatives, sharing equipment, and participating in local knowledge-sharing networks.

Access to climate information and financial support

Small farmers should have access to climate information and financial support for implementing climate-resilient practices.

This can include access to weather forecasts, early warning systems for extreme weather events, and financial assistance for investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.

By implementing these strategies, small farmers in ECO Bounty Park can work towards creating a more resilient food supply that can better withstand the impacts of climate change.