As a part of the MsCAFFS course, we must complete a research thesis which has provided me with the opportunity of working with the ClimBeR programme, an initiative of the CGIAR. To complete this thesis, I am analysing ongoing agricultural projects in developing countries and how social equity and transformational adaptation are integrated into them.
Climate Change affects different groups around the world disproportionately due to their geographical, economic, and/or social status. Currently, it is the global poor that are bearing the brunt of climate change due to their economic inability to mitigate and adapt to adverse weather conditions caused by the changing climate. The ClimBeR initiative has been introduced by the CGIAR to amend this issue by enhancing the preparedness of smallholders to mitigate and adapt to climate-orientated issues. The initiative is based in 6 developing countries, Guatemala, Kenya, Morocco, the Philippines, Senegal, and Zambia. Its aim is to provide bundles that incorporate climate information systems with socially inclusive policies that deter unequal climate-smart agricultural practices. This subsequently will enhance farmers’ adaptation capabilities and increase the yields and sustainability of their agricultural production. These six countries have recently been subject to increased instances of adverse weather effects brought on by climate change. Droughts, flooding, and higher temperatures have all been influential in inhibiting agricultural production for smallholders.
The number of beneficiaries of this project is set to exceed 30 million people within these countries. Of these 30 million, 5 million are expected to be women and females who are the head of their households. The six countries chosen for this program have been outlined due to their existing policy foundations and previous determination to aid smallholders to build resilience against climate change and prosper. They also have shown strong interest in collaborating with the ClimBer initiative. Strong foundations are especially evident in three of the African nations who all participate in the AICCRA program which promotes climate-smart agricultural technology. By 2030, three million people are projected to benefit from food security innovations, the livelihoods of 13 million people are expected to improve, and 21 million hectares of land are expected to be brought under sustainable management. There are three more specific short-term goals that have been set out by the ClimBeR program that is expected to be achieved by 2024. The first of these short-term goals is to aid 300,000 smallholders to gain access to climate information services with 30% of those projected to be women. The second goal is to integrate ClimBeR initiatives and products with governmental policy and subsequently help to shape it. The third goal is for 30 million dollars of initiative investments to be made through the ClimBeR programme.
It has been a fantastic opportunity to work with the ClimBeR initiative and it is exciting to see how it will progress and subsequently improve the livelihoods of millions.
References:
CGIAR. 2021. ClimBeR: Building Systemic Resilience Against Climate Variability and Extremes [Online]. [Accessed 16/07/2022].