Developing appropriate skills in view of climate change

By Clive Mutame Siachiyako

Climate change is exerting pressure on different sectors. Right skills are required to adapt to climate variations. Transition to pro-environmental practices can be fostered by developing skills, knowledge and competences for green construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy generation and resource-efficient processes that can be integrated in businesses and communities.  

The TEVET sector is among key sectors in developing skills that foster green economic practices. To develop green skills in Zambia, TEVETA and International Labour Organisation have been working with different stakeholders to develop skills for green jobs in construction, energy and rainy water harvesting. The collaborative work has been anchored on the Zambia Green Jobs Programme (ZGJP). The programme supports the creation of green jobs among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in construction and contribution to inclusive green job creation.

Green jobs are types of jobs that contribute to the preservation or restoration of the environment. They include jobs in manufacturing, construction and emerging green sectors such as renewable energy. The green jobs improve energy and raw materials efficiency, limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste and pollution, protect and restore ecosystems, and support adaptation to the effects of climate change.

TEVETA has since developed curricula for different programmes under the Zambia Green Jobs Programme. Rain Water Harvesting is one of the programmes. Rainwater harvesting is a system of capturing rainwater for domestic, agricultural or industrial purposes. Harvesting rainy water is becoming a global trend due to depleting global water table. But in Zambia, there was skills gaps in harvesting water despite water table depletion. Thus, there was need to develop a qualification that met this gap. 

Furthermore, as the country shifts towards sustainable and green construction, there is need for the application of technology that preserve the environment and continually empower citizens. Rain Water Harvesting presents a number benefits to the environment and to the economy. Some environmental benefits include the prevention of water wastage through the collection of runoff; prevention of soil erosion; safeguarding and sustaining existing water table; increasing water viability; and ultimately addressing the impact of climate change. The Rain Water Harvesting programme leads to the production of skills in Rainwater Harvesting System Installation.

The other programme that seeks to produce green skills is Solar System Technology. In line with the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), Zambia remains committed to the socio-economic development of the country including alternative energy provision. Demand for electricity in the country is high but hydro power generation cannot meet the demand resulting into power rationing. The situation has been exacerbated by effects of climate change on the availability of water since Zambia is highly dependent on hydro-power. The current projections indicate that growth in demand for power will increase from 150 MW to 200 MW per annum. The peak demand for electricity in the country is projected at 3,000 MW by 2020. It is envisaged that other sources of energy which included solar would grow to about 15 percent by 2030. To increase supply, there was need for additional investment in energy mix particularly solar energy which is quite abundant. 

However, the investment in solar technology can adequately be realised if there is availability of skilled workers with different levels of education.  It is against this background that TEVETA developed green skills programme in Solar Technology. The solar technology programme seeks to enhance quality training in the energy industry. The programme aims to equip the trainees with knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes required to carry out installation works in solar technology applications.

Sustainable Building Works Supervision is the other green skills programme TEVETA developed. Building construction today is a substantial part of industrial culture, which can produce a widely varied built environment to serve the diverse needs of society. The construction sector greatly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product GDP) stimulated by demand from the mining sector, residential and commercial buildings. 

Although Zambia has trained a number of building works supervisors, they have not been grounded in sustainable construction practices. In line with the above, the Building Works Supervision Programme was reviewed to highlight the relationship between sustainable buildings, climate change, sustainable development and resource efficiency. Sustainable buildings or green buildings provide an opportunity to use resources efficiently while creating healthier buildings. Furthermore, the developed Sustainable Consumption and Production Programme and Sustainable Housing Guideline identifies sustainable buildings and construction as a priority area and promote a resource efficient approach.

This programme also promotes the creation of green jobs and decent work in the construction sector. The built environment comes with great impact on the environment, human health and the economy. By greening the construction sector we can transform this impact and enjoy an array of socio-economic benefits. In fact, going green makes good business sense and offers excellent opportunities for inclusive green growth, especially for local MSMEs.