Kakamega community members walked for 2km to plant trees at the farm, the nearby school, church, and mosque COP28 campaign

8/12/2023

Climate policy vs climate action: Will COP28 deliver what smallholder farmers need?

Name: Ripple Effect
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Last week, farmers across east Africa joined with Ripple Effect staff, local dignitaries and even a brass band to take climate action.

Whilst we welcome a spotlight on the climate crisis and multi-lateral policy discussion, the COP meetings of previous years have made little impact on those living on the frontline of the climate crisis: smallholder farmers. So, in the lead up to the global climate convention in Dubai, farming communities in east Africa decided to lead the way through a series of climate actions. Their message to world leaders was clear: move from policy to action.

In Rwanda 1,000 farmers planted over 40,000 trees; in Kenya farmers marched and cycled from village to village showcasing practical ways to combat the climate crisis; in Uganda communities demonstrated how to produce climate-smart technologies such as fuel-efficient briquettes and natural ‘plant tea’ (an organic fertilizer made from natural and locally-available products); and in Ethiopia they held up placards in community gatherings to tell the COP leadership what was truly needed.

In Rwanda Over 40,000 fruit trees were planted, providing nutrition and income, as well as improving the soil and biodiversity.

In Uganda Communities showed how to make energy-saving briquettes from locally available resources

In Ethiopia Farming groups designed and displayed placards showing their asks for the COP leadership

All these actions prove the ambition and willingness of farming communities to act with the resources they have; they are leading the way. However, this is a global crisis requiring both global and local solutions. Communities are asking themselves: will the global leadership continue to talk about policy, or will they implement action?

The declaration recognizes that the world’s 440 million small-scale family farmers are key to delivering the vision of food systems transformation.

“If we are to play our part we need a real say in decisions on food and climate and more direct access to climate finance: we receive just 0.3% of international climate finance despite producing a third of the world’s food. If governments work with us — and invest in us — we will create resilient and sustainable food systems which will feed the world for generations to come.” Elizabeth Nsimadala, president of the Eastern African Farmers Federation

What has been declared at COP28?

On Friday 1st December, we were cautiously optimistic to hear that world leaders have made a commitment to integrating food and agriculture in their climate plans: a significant COP declaration to link climate change with the way we grow and produce our food.

We needed this commitment many years ago, but this is an important first step. We commend leaders for formally committing to supporting farming communities and the integration of their agricultural and climate policies.

As we have advocated over many years, the protection and restoration of ecosystems, biodiversity, soil health and natural resource management are all absolutely necessary to both ensuring a sustainable food system and to fighting the climate crisis. Ripple Effect’s agroecological climate-positive approach (ACPA clearly shows how good farm system management can produce high yields whilst protecting the environment.

What is next?

The declaration shows that agriculture must be viewed alongside climate policy. So we call on leaders around the world to put their money where their mouth is. And to ensure that this money will truly benefit the smallholder farmers who help to feed the world.

We now wait to see whether this policy commitment will transform into action.

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