CAR-iSMa Project – Advancing Climate Adaptation and Soil Management in Africa
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
The CAR-iSMa (Climate Adaptation and Resilience – Improved Soil Management) Project is a pan-African initiative focusing on sustainable soil management in Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Zambia. The project aims to enhance climate resilience, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen knowledge exchange among smallholder cotton farmers. In 2023, CAR-iSMa focused on farmer training, soil assessment, and regenerative agricultural practices, supporting the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) program.
Key Findings
The CAR-iSMa project has significantly contributed to soil health improvements and farmer education across Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia. In 2023, over 100,000 farmers were trained in climate-smart soil management techniques, while 270 extension agents received specialized capacity-building support. To ensure widespread adoption, the project developed a user-friendly soil assessment guide in English, French, and Portuguese, enabling farmers to monitor and enhance soil fertility. This knowledge-sharing approach has strengthened farmers' ability to combat soil degradation and implement sustainable land management practices.
Farmer Training and Soil Management Improvements
100,000 farmers trained in improved soil management practices.
270 extension agents received specialized training to enhance their capacity in supporting farmers.
A simple soil assessment guide was developed in English, French, and Portuguese to support farmers in identifying soil health indicators.
The introduction of regenerative agricultural techniques has increased seed cotton yields by 10% per hectare, demonstrating the direct benefits of improved soil health. Farmers have successfully integrated organic composting, crop rotation, and legume intercropping to restore nutrients and improve land productivity. Key industry partners, including JFS Mozambique, CIDT Côte d’Ivoire, and LDC Zambia, have implemented region-specific soil management techniques, ensuring that best practices are adapted to local conditions. These advancements provide a scalable model for increasing cotton productivity while minimizing environmental degradation.
The project also pioneered climate resilience initiatives, including a carbon feasibility study to explore carbon credit incentives for sustainable farming. Remote sensing technology was introduced to monitor soil conditions and climate risks, providing real-time data to guide agricultural decisions. As CAR-iSMa enters its final year in 2024, the focus will be on scaling successful interventions, strengthening farmer networks, and reinforcing cross-country knowledge exchanges to ensure long-term sustainability in soil and climate adaptation effort.
The CAR-iSMa project has demonstrated tangible progress in improving soil management and climate resilience among African cotton farmers. By expanding farmer education, integrating regenerative practices, and exploring carbon market opportunities, the project enhances long-term sustainability in cotton production. Continued investment in climate-smart agriculture, cross-country learning exchanges, and financial incentives will be essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring the long-term benefits of soil health initiatives.
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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CAR-iSMa project is linked to several SDGs:
The SDG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
