CLIMATE

FFD supports Farmers’ Organizations (FOs) and cooperatives to facilitate smallholder farmers’ adaptation to climate change and to enhance their possibilities for mitigation.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SMALLHOLDERS

Farmers play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. They have a direct connection with the land and natural resources. Smallholder farmers in developing countries are one of the most vulnerable groups as their livelihoods are largely dependent on weather. Therefore, sustainable forest management practices and climate-smart agriculture are in the center of FFD projects.

Thus, adaptation needs are urgent both in agriculture and forestry. Agriculture, forestry and land use-sector (AFOLU) accounts for over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Smallholders are responsible for approximately 5% of global emissions. Smallholders’ are in a key position in increasing carbon sequestration on their lands.

However, farmers need support in form of resources and knowledge to scale-up their mitigation and adaptation efforts. In FFD projects, smallholders’ climate resilience is increased by enhancing food and water security, and by ensuring access to sustainable energy and income generation opportunities.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FARMERS’ ORGANIZATIONS

Farmers’ Organizations and cooperatives can improve resilience of smallholders in developing countries. FFD aims at linking climate resilience to poverty reduction by looking for sustainable and market-oriented solutions in climate-smart agriculture. Strong Farmers’ Organizations enable farmers to participate in policy processes and advocate their inclusion in decision making and the climate agenda.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD PRODUCTION

Climate change increases uncertainties in food production and poses a threat to global food security. Climate related hazards force smallholders to leave their farms. A growing population requires more food which should be produced without increasing emissions.

Challenges and Actions for Forest and Farm Producer Organisation Resilience

A global survey on the perceptions of Forest and Farm Producer Organisations (FFPOs) on resilience concluded that climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, and degradation of natural resources pose the most significant risks to the livelihoods of small-scale producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Forest and farm producers are facing an increase in poverty, income insecurity and disruptions in smallholder value-chains. The survey also revealed that FFPOs are highly operational in promoting resilience of their members with various climate action initiatives and Covid-19 responses, but require additional funding, technical support, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to efficiently mitigate the impacts of global crises on smallholders. Read the full report here.

Agricord Building Resilience Tool

The AgriCord Building Resilience Toolkit provides a tool for a Farmers’ Organisation (FO) to conduct a climate risk assessment amongst their member farmers/producers. It facilitates the planning of efficient and feasible adaptation responses in support of resilient livelihoods for FO members.

INTERNATIONAL WEB CONFERENCE: MULTIDIMENSIONAL RESILIENCE - SMALLHOLDER PRODUCERS AND FARMERS MANAGING RISKS

An international web conference aiming at understanding Forest and farm producer organizations’ (FFPOs) responses and strategies to greater resilience was held on 9 - 11 June 2020. The aim was also to formulate common policy positions to promote pathways to resilience, both with specific focus on climate change and the Covid-19 context.

Forest Quiz

Forest Quiz is a nation-wide competition in Finland on forestry for middle-school students. Around 27 000 students and 650 teachers participate from 400 schools.