Mareen Zeitelhofer, Advisor for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Photo: Cardoso Malango Jemuce, Stael de Fátima Mendes Henriques and Mareen Zeitelhofer in Mangunde

Strengthening capacities by introducing new agriculture techniques and supporting them by developing and implementing projects in climate-resilient agriculture.

Mareen Zeitelhofer studied agricultural sciences and then completed her master's degree in agri-environmental management. She learnt about how climate change is affecting agriculture and vice-versa. In her second year of the master program, she did a research project about how heat and cold stress are affecting the physiology of 21 selected chickpea varieties.

• The advisory assignment focuses on strengthening the capacities of the Mozambican NGOs ESMABAMA and Azada Verde to promote sustainable, climate-resilient, and gender-sensitive agricultural practices in the southern part of Sofala Province. The advisor supports the introduction of innovative agricultural techniques that help improve food security and rural livelihoods, while simultaneously enhancing the organisation's ability to plan, implement and manage projects aimed at increasing climate resilience.
• Key activities include advising local staff and farmers on sustainable agricultural methods adapted to regional conditions, and supporting the development of practical, climate-smart farming initiatives. The advisor also contributes to institutional capacity building through targeted training, coaching, and joint project design processes. By promoting education and knowledge-sharing on climate adaptation and food system sustainability, the assignment contributes to strengthening local resilience and enabling vulnerable communities to better cope with climate-related risks.
• SDG targets: 2.4; 13.1; 13.3