COTTON EXPANSION AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN AFRICAN SAVANNAHS

TOPICS

• COTTON FARMING - COTTON CASH CROP IN AFRICA
• THE IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURE ON BIODIVERSITY
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION AND DIFFUSION OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is widely perceived as the greatest threat to biodiversity, particularly in developing countries where the growing human population requires increasing amounts of food and cash crops.

COTTON FARMING - COTTON CASH CROP IN AFRICA

• Conventional farming practices by small farmers lead to rapid soil deterioration of organic matter and soil fertility that can drive agricultural expansion. The development of cash crops, such as cotton, can lead to major habitat changes

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• Cotton has a particularly negative image, as it is considered one of the most polluting crops and is said to have a significant impact on freshwater resources.

The impact of agriculture and the loss of biodiversity is not limited to agricultural fields but extends to adjacent landscapes that can be protected areas.

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• Unprotected areas can also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, for example by providing food and water sources or breeding grounds during part of the year for animal species.

Species loss alters the ecosystem, as there is no natural pest control and there will be an imbalance in the ecosystem.

The cotton crops generate
removal of native spices

THE IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURE ON BIODIVERSITY

Africa is home to a rich variety of animal, plant and marine biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services, boosting the economy of the continent and serving as a damping mechanism of climate change.

However, the continent is experiencing a dramatic loss of biodiversity. It is estimated that by 2100, climate change alone could cause the loss of more than half of Africa's bird and mammal species

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Zambia produces about 55,000 metric tons of raw cotton each year. But it exports most of the raw fiber without adding any value to it and imports most of its absorbent cotton products, such as ear buds and cotton swabs.

This cash crop for export, threatens Africa's biodiversity by degrading natural habitats especially due to agricultural expansion), encouraging the clearing of ecosystems and the spread of certain invasive non-native species.

This loss of biodiversity affects livelihoods, water supplies, food security, and decreased resilience to extreme events, particularly for people who live in rural areas and are often the poorest.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Evaluation at plot level of various technologies using conservation agriculture shows its potential to increase crop productivity, reduce negative environmental effects and improve sustainability

In another words application of technology in all plots its a way for conservation and increase the productivity. but adoption rates are modest because pushing these technologies into smallholders’ farms its so expensive

Using conservation technologies to show potential and increase crop productivity

TECHNOLOGY=

• Labor reduction.
• Environmental risk mitigation.
• Higher yields and income

Improving environmental sustainability



To develop new technologies for conservation and higher productivity

Sustainable support for significant donor investment in agricultural conservation.

Access to and exchange of knowledge, through the creation of innovation networks that include agrochemical companies and equipment manufacturers.

thank you!