International NGO, Farm Africa joins forces with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) to hold a parliamentary reception on 16 January, focusing on the importance of sustainable agriculture
Although producing the majority of food in developing countries, smallholder farmers make up a large portion of the world's poorest people, with the primary reason being the lack of support that they receive to adapt to extreme weather events. The percentage of global climate finance currently reaching smallholder farmers has come down to a mere 0.8%.
The UK Government’s new White Paper on International Development sets out a roadmap until 2030, the end date of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The White Paper recognises that achieving this goal and meeting the SDGs is only possible if all countries achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Acknowledging the role of agricultural sector growth as one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty in low-income countries, the White Paper reiterates the UK’s commitment to leaving no-one behind.
During the event, Farm Africa will extend its support to the agricultural sector, with primary focus on:
- Boosting climate finance for smallholder farmers: Support for climate adaptation should be targeted to reach those producing most of the food in the Global South: smallholder farmers.
- Prioritising support for female smallholder farmers: With rural women being largely left out of climate finance activities, while also being under-represented in climate policy decision-making, closing the gender gap in access to resources, services and decision-making is necessary in order to enhance smallholder farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.
- Encouraging market engagement among smallholder farmers: In order to secure finance to fund investment in climate adaptation, secure inputs such as drought-tolerant seeds, and sell their produce, smallholder farmers need to gain access to markets, justifying their investment in increasing productivity in the face of climate change.
Speaking at the parliamentary reception, Dr Diana Onyango, head of Technical Team at Farm Africa highlighted the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, particularly female farmers who are most affected by the climate crisis, by getting the SDGs back on track.
For more information, head over to: www.farmafrica.org
