Zimbabwe and Senegal Farmers Ditch Old Ways, Turn to Fish to Save Shrinking Harvests

Farmers in Zimbabwe are adopting aquaponics and rainwater harvesting to keep food production alive during severe drought linked to El Niño, while farmers in northern Senegal are combining fish farming with rice growing using an old method that feeds the soil and cuts pests. [1][2]

In Zimbabwe, communities have turned to aquaponics — a system that combines growing plants in water with raising fish. The fish waste feeds the plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish. [1]

Other farmers are harvesting rainwater to reduce their dependence on scarce supplies as the country prepares for El Niño-driven dry conditions. [1]

The techniques aim to keep food production alive as Zimbabwe braces for another difficult growing season. [1]

In northern Senegal, farmers are mixing fish farming with rice growing. They use an old method that feeds the soil, cuts pests, and brings in extra money. [2]

This climate-smart approach is getting new attention as communities face growing environmental pressures. [2]

Both countries are turning to water-based farming methods as climate change makes traditional agriculture increasingly difficult. The approaches offer farmers a way to diversify income while protecting their primary crops from drought and pests. [1][2]