The crucial role of smallholder farmers in food security and poverty elimination in a changing climate

Outline / Plan 1.The Agrarian Crisis 2.The unique and crucial role of SHFs 3.The relevance and potential of agro-ecology 4.The need for re-orientation of climate and development policy 5.Examples

1. The Agrarian Crisis 9 billion people by 2050 Climate change is impacting on food production The majority of people are fed with food provided locally by smallholder farmers, of which at least half are women Many women are farming by default – for survival

2. The potential of Smallholder Farmers, Herders & Fishers  Unique knowledge and relationship with the land and natural resources -> adaptation  It is not easy to work with the poor and small-scale … BUT … this should not mean further marginalization  Existing systems are loaded against smallholders System change is needed so smallholders become a central part of the global food system - the Climate Change agreement – a step in doing that

3. Agro-ecology  A science, set of principles and movement  A powerful tool for adapting production systems to changes in the climate  A means of sustainably optimising the potential of the local environment

4. Re-orientation of climate and development policy To deliver a robust climate agreement in 2015 smallholder farmers, herders and fishers must be part of the global food system. To achieve that we need: 1.Public funding and incentives for research into agro-ecological farming 2.Investment that strengthens the agro-ecological knowledge and capacity of smallholder farmers 3.Change in the enabling (market) environment so that it penalises unsustainable practices

Thank you For more information on Practical Action policy positions at COP 20 check : practicalaction.org/cop-20-un-climate- change-conference-2014

Agro-forestry in the tropical zone of Peru

Gap filling, terracing, mulching

Contoured earth bunds to improve rainwater harvesting in North Darfur in Sudan