Factsheet: Message 4
Message 4: “The process set up under SBSTA in June 2014 for submissions and workshops over the next two years is welcome. It is progress on adaptation specifically. But it needs to feed into the ADP discussions so that a global framework for action from 2020 includes agriculture.”
This is the fourth of nine factsheets containing data and facts extracted from the sources below and others, then mapped to the nine key messages or topics of this guide/toolkit. Data will be related to UNFCCC negotiations, food security and nutrition, small vs large scale farmers, as well as specific topics such as:
- The benefits of adapting to, and mitigating the effects of, climate change;
- Key statistics on the impact agriculture has on climate change;
- Impacts of climate change on agriculture;
- Adaptation-mitigation co-benefits;
- What is the SBSTA work programme?
Adaptations to climate change that address food availability range from improving storage facilities to securing formal credit, land rights, tenure and market access (input and output markets) for male and female small-scale farmers. These farmers also need to be better able to manage the risks associated with climate change (for example, through index-based crop insurance), support for traditional land management. Source: Big Facts
Agricultural practices that are GHG-intensive include irrigation and the use of fertilisers and pesticides. Integrated nutrient, water and pest management practices, including practices like microdosing and drip irrigation, can reduce GHG emissions and increase resource efficiency. Source: Big Facts
Most adaptation options build on existing knowledge, practices and sustainable agriculture, rather than new technologies. Adaptation options which link local and scientific knowledge can support pre-emptive action and leapfrog less effective incremental changes. Source: Big Facts
Some plants and livestock breeds that are currently underutilised may become more attractive to farmers as a result of climate change. Many neglected and underutilised species that are currently maintained through in situ conservation could become important crops in the future. Empowering farming communities is essential for effective in situ conservation as this encourages local decision making on genetic-resources management. Source: Big Facts
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to help monitor climate change and to help male and female farmers adapt to it and mitigate its effects. ICTs can help in the timely provision of climate-related information, which may allow vulnerable societies and individuals to prepare for extreme weather events. This can reduce losses during bad years but also allow farmers to take. Source: Big Facts