How Ripple Effect’s work contributes to the aims of this year’s World Environment Day
It is not only organisations and individuals that directly work on reducing plastic pollution who contribute to this year’s important theme of solutions to plastic pollution, says Ripple Effect’s Regional Farm Systems and Sustainability Coordinator, Meshark Sikuku.
The impact of plastics on farming
"Globally, it’s documented that 3.8% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the production, distribution and decomposition of plastics. That makes the plastics industry a key contributor to the climate crisis which the farmers we work with are experiencing first and worst. The results for them of this pollution is unpredictable rain seasons, floods and droughts, and pest infestations driven by climate shocks.
"On a very local level, plastics interfere with physical soil structure. They inhibit free flow of water in the soil and limit its ability to retain moisture for plant growth. When plastics are ingested by livestock such as cows, and donkeys (which may forage on waste rubbish) the undigestible plastics stay in the rumen and affect digestion. This can lead to the death of a valuable animal.
How sustainable farming reduces plastic use
“The whole aim of our agroecological farm systems approach is to support sustainable farming. Our work builds on knowledge and resources that farmers already have, and only introduces new approaches that are locally appropriate and sustainable - for the farmer, and the environment.
“We encourage use of organic materials that are locally available, such as biodegradable tree sacks instead of synthetic plastics bags in tree seedlings production. This means farms aren’t polluted by plastic waste and our work isn’t supporting the damaging plastics production and distribution processes.
"And our work doesn’t involve expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are extremely damaging to the wider environment and also shipped in plastic containers. These products are so toxic that the containers can never be re-used.
Agroecological farming helps to heal the environment
“Instead we train in organic compost-making, and biological pest control techniques such as "push-pull" companion planting like we are doing in Kyotera in Uganda. With practical learning, and by seeing with their own eyes how effective these low-cost, on-farm organic alternatives can be, farmers make informed decisions about the inputs they use.
“The aim of all our work is to enrich and protect the environment, soils, harvest rainwater, plant the right trees in the right places, promote climate-resilient seed and plant varieties, and ensure that families can leave land in good heart for their families and future generations."
Want to hear good news stories from Africa, get involved in fantastic fundraising and be part of exciting events? Fill out your details below and we will keep you updated by email.