Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Panelists on the sidelines of COP28 emphasized the need for immediate action and long-term commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and developing resilient food systems in the face of climate change.
The Ethiopian Green Legacy pavilion hosted a panel discussion under the theme of “Climate Change Adaptation and Food, Agriculture and Water Nexus: Local Actions and Smallholder Family Livelihoods,” on the sidelines of COP28 climate summit.
The panel discussion was organized by the Population Health and Environment Ethiopia Consortium, which aimed to explore the critical role of local actions and smallholder families in building resilience to climate change.
The discussion highlighted the specific challenges facing smallholder farmers in the face of erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods.
These climate impacts not only threaten their food security and livelihoods but also contribute to food insecurity across entire communities.
They emphasized the importance of local action in climate adaptations as well as stressed the need for community-based solutions tailored to local contexts including climate-smart agriculture, early warning stems, among others.
Climate-smart agriculture approach promotes sustainable land and water management, crop diversification, and the use of drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties.
Early warning systems are also very crucial as timely information about weather patterns and potential risks empowers farmers to take preventative measures and better prepare for climate shocks, it was indicated.
Regarding access to finance and technology, the panelists noted smallholder farmers often lack access to resources needed for adaptation. Initiatives providing financial assistance and knowledge about new technologies are crucial for enhancing resilience.
Moreover, the panel discussion stressed to recognizing the critical role women play in agriculture and food security and emphasized the need to empower them through education, access to resources, and leadership opportunities.
The interconnectedness of food, agriculture, and water was a key theme, with panelists highlighting the need for integrated approaches that address these challenges holistically.
On other hand, protecting and restoring land prevents soil erosion and degradation are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity and vital ecosystem services.
Supporting local food systems and diversifying diets improves access to nutritious food and reduces dependence on vulnerable global supply chains also needed, it indicated.
And the need for immediate action and long-term commitment to supporting smallholder farmers call for collaboration and coordinated efforts from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
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