Nuclear Programme Implementing Unit

ZAMBIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY(IAEA) NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPING A ROADMAP, THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTING ORGANIZATION (NEPIO) AND THE INTERGRATED NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW (INIR) MISSION PROCESS AND EXPERIENCES FROM MEMBER STATES.

13-15 December 2022

LUSAKA.

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES CAN POSITIVELY REDUCE SOIL DEGREDATION

Soil erosion is a major worldwide threat to agro-ecosystem’s sustainability and land productivity.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says fallout radionuclides and stable isotopes are used to measure magnitudes and sources of soil erosion, which can be controlled through efficient soil conservation practices.

Jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO the IAEA helps member states strengthen capacities in using nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve soil erosion management practices that support crop production and the preservation of natural resources.

Soil erosion is a worldwide issue that many countries are tirelessly working to find solutions to prevent it.

Zambia is among the countries facing extreme variations in weather patterns due to climate change. As a country expanding its application of nuclear science and technology, Zambia will take advantage of nuclear as well as radiation techniques to yield develop varieties of crops that are drought resistant. Further, these techniques will be applied accordingly to prevent soil erosion through conservation practices.

*A radionuclide is a nuclide that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable.

Ends…….

SOURCE IAEA

ROLE OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Nuclear Science and technology play a major role in bringing innovation, safety and efficiency to industrial processes. Making radiation technologies available to the Member States and assisting them in the peaceful use of these technologies is crucial.
Nuclear Science and Technology can be used in many ways that can bring social and economic change where Zambia could benefit from it through the help of the International Atomic Energy Agency- IAEA.

The uses can range from agriculture to medical, and space exploration to water desalination.
Agriculture and Food
In many parts of the world, agricultural workers use radiation to prevent harmful insects such as armyworms among others from reproducing or damaging crops.

Medical use
Medical uses of nuclear include, production of medicines and the detection of diseases such as cancer.

Nuclear science is crucial to understanding our universe, our world, and ourselves at the atomic level. If we can understand how atoms come together, interact, and can be best combined with other atoms, then new, more efficient materials and medicines can be developed.

Source- IAEA

HOW NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP REDUCE GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS IN AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is a big contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But did you know that a lot of these emissions are a result of fertilizer overuse, which can actually be tackled?
Growing crops, raising livestock and other forms of land use are responsible for 23% of human-induced GHG emissions. Agriculture, therefore, is second only to energy generation in its role as a GHG emitter. With the help of nuclear techniques, scientists can measure the amount of fertilizer plants take up and provide farmers with the optimal amount to use. Studies have shown that implementation of this technology can lead to 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions. Zambia too can benefit from this technology.

Source: IAEA