COP28 UAE Declaration: A Positive Turn for Small Farmers Worldwide
In a significant stride towards addressing climate change and supporting small farmers, 134 world leaders endorsed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action during the opening days of the global climate summit in Dubai. The declaration, coupled with initiatives mobilizing over $2.5 billion, aims to tackle agriculture-related climate issues and place food systems at the forefront of climate ambitions.
Accompanying this announcement is a groundbreaking $200 million partnership between the UAE and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation dedicated to agriculture-related research. The declaration underscores the critical role of countries in addressing global emissions while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of farmers on the frontline of climate change.
Experts worldwide have lauded the recognition of the interconnectedness between food and climate in this declaration. With endorsements from countries representing over 5.7 billion people and nearly 500 million farmers, the commitment emphasizes placing farmers at the core of operations.
Richard Ouedraogo, Project Manager for the Secrétariat Permanent des Organisations Non Gouvernementales (SPONG) in Burkina Faso, highlights the potential for well-managed resources and partnerships to empower farmers, enabling them to scale up sustainable food systems. This, he notes, can significantly reduce their vulnerability to food-related challenges and enhance their ability to combat climate change.
Rosinah Mbenya, Country Coordinator for PELUM Kenya, expresses hope that the declaration will center small-scale farmers and pastoralists in climate action through increased attention to resilient programs and financing. The new funding is expected to bolster ongoing initiatives, similar to those already making a difference in places like Ethiopia, where a warning system has saved millions by averting crop losses.
While the declaration holds promise, experts acknowledge a growing gap between farmers’ aspirations and available resources. Climate models reveal potential drops in food production in regions crucial for food and jobs, like Africa and Southeast Asia, leading to increased poverty and hunger.
Edward Leo Davey, advising the COP28 presidency, emphasizes the need for genuine implementation in signatory countries, foreseeing positive strides in the lives of smallholder farmers. Support for extension services, resilient seed varieties, digital technology, and infrastructure becomes pivotal for farmers facing the challenges of a changing climate.
Ewi Stephanie Lamma, a climate justice advocate from Cameroon, notes that the declaration encourages sustainable farming techniques like agroecology, organic farming, and agroforestry. Such practices reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals, conserve water resources, and protect soil health, enabling farmers to better withstand climate-related risks.
The COP28 UAE Declaration marks a crucial step towards building a global food system fit for the future, emphasizing the integral role of small farmers in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Prachi, an accomplished Chief-Editor at The Sustainable Brands Journal, has 15+ years of experience in Europe, the Middle East, and India, managing 90+ global sustainable brands. She’s a prolific writer in sustainability, contributing to various publications. Prachi’s unwavering passion and expertise make her a recognized authority, driving positive change and inspiring a sustainable future.
