By Maile Matsimela
At the prestigious Agri-Expo 2025 in Tzaneen, Professor Elliot Zwane delivered a powerful presentation on tackling climate change through innovative agricultural practices. His message: We created this “monster” and we have the power to tame it.
With 24 years of experience in agricultural extension at the University of Limpopo, Professor Elliot Zwane doesn’t mince words when describing the climate crisis facing global agriculture.
“I see climate change as a monster,” Prof. Zwane declared to the rapt audience at Agri-Expo 2025. “If suddenly you wake up and, in your house, you see there is a monster, what are you going to do? Are you going to run away from your house? Or you will find ways to fight the monster?”
His metaphor resonated deeply with the gathered agricultural stakeholders as he laid bare the stark reality facing farmers worldwide: intensifying heat waves, unpredictable precipitation patterns, growing water scarcity and declining agricultural productivity.
Taking Responsibility: We Are the Cause and the Solution
But Prof. Zwane’s message wasn’t merely cautionary. It was a call to action grounded in personal responsibility.
“The cause of this climate change is us, human beings,” he emphasised. “Can you kill yourself? No, you cannot kill yourself. But we can slow down the pace of climate change through our actions.”
Drawing from his extensive field experience, Prof. Zwane outlined concrete adaptation strategies for farmers facing climate uncertainty.
“We must develop and adopt drought-resistant crop varieties,” he advised. “These varieties can withstand the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring food security even under difficult conditions.”
Zwane shared an innovative example from his research travels: “In Uganda, I observed farmers using sensor technology to monitor livestock health and track their movements. This technology helps farmers respond quickly to animal health issues and manage grazing patterns more efficiently.”
Local Innovation: Grassroots Solutions Making a Difference
Local innovation featured prominently in his presentation, with a particular praise for grassroots solutions.
“Right here in our communities, we have innovators like Ms. Nkatsana, who developed methane digesters that convert gas emissions into cooking fuel,” Prof. Zwane noted. “This is the kind of knowledge transfer we need – practical solutions that address both climate adaptation and everyday needs.”
Reducing Agriculture’s Carbon Footprint
Prof. Zwane’s presentation shifted seamlessly from adaptation to mitigation, highlighting practices that can actively reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint.
“No-till farming and cover cropping improve soil health while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he explained. “By integrating livestock and crop systems, such as using manure as fertiliser, we create circular agricultural models that minimise waste and emissions.”
He emphasised the comprehensive framework of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) as an organising principle for these efforts.
“Climate Smart Agriculture combines sustainable crop, livestock and ecological practices to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience,” Prof. Zwane stated. “It’s a holistic approach that addresses both the causes and effects of climate change.”
The Human Cost: Real Stories Behind the Science
Perhaps most moving was Prof. Zwane’s account of climate disasters he has witnessed firsthand.
“During severe flooding in Mozambique, I learned of a mother who gave birth while taking refuge atop a tree,” he recounted solemnly. “This is the human reality of climate change – not just crop failures or livestock losses, but human lives fundamentally disrupted.”
Such stories underscored the urgency behind his technical recommendations, grounding scientific solutions in human experience.
As Prof. Zwane concluded his presentation, he returned to his monster metaphor with a message of empowerment. “We have the power to work toward its reduction,” he assured the audience. “Always remember, there is a giant in our houses. And we are feeding this giant. But we can reduce the power of this giant if we adapt and do something right.”
