At The Conference of Parties (COP29), Agroecology as the Pathway to Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, 27th November 2024
By Karen Nekesa, Communication Officer, The Seed and Knowledge Initiative
As world leaders gathered at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the urgency of addressing the intersection of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and climate justice has never been clearer. On Agriculture Day, delegates championed agroecology as a transformative pathway to climate resilience, equity, and sustainability. The Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) stands firmly in alignment with this call, recognizing agroecology as not just an agricultural practice but a movement toward justice for people and the planet.
Studies have shown that over 70% of Africa’s smallholder farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate-related calamities such as droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, emerging climate-related pests and diseases, and other extreme weather events. Yet, African smallholder farmers, pastoralists, fisherfolk, and Indigenous communities have long demonstrated their resilience, rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems that respect and sustain biodiversity. Agroecology builds upon this foundation, offering a people-centered, science-driven solution that merges Indigenous knowledge with sustainable farming practices.
Our Advocacy at COP29
Our advocacy, led by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), highlighted agroecology as an essential strategy for sustainable food systems, climate adaptation, and mitigation. By prioritizing soil health, conserving biodiversity, and reducing dependency on external chemical inputs, agroecology creates robust, climate-resilient food systems. This approach not only ensures safe and nutritious food but also fosters social equity and sustainable livelihoods.
SKI’s decade-long work on strengthening community-based seed systems and promoting agroecology across Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe underscores the transformative potential of this approach. Farmers engaged in agroecology are not merely food producers but stewards of biodiversity and champions of resilience. Their seed-saving practices preserve the genetic diversity necessary to adapt to changing climates, while their commitment to ecological farming methods reduces emissions and enhances carbon sequestration.
Integrating Agroecology Into Climate Policies
The Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) delegation’s position at COP29 was clear: agroecology must be recognized and integrated into national and global climate strategies. This includes embedding agroecological practices within the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security and ensuring that agroecology features prominently in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). We had bilateral meetings to discuss agroecology recognition and inclusion with national negotiators from Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, and Uganda.
Food systems transformation must also be prioritized. Industrial agriculture, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, cannot continue to dominate climate policies. Instead, sustainable, community-led farming systems should take center stage, ensuring resilience to climate shocks while addressing global food insecurity.
Equitable Climate Finance for Food Sovereignty
A just transition to agroecology requires equitable climate financing. Our call for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) emphasized grants-based, accessible funding that empowers smallholder farmers and community-led initiatives. The 2023 UN Adaptation Finance Gap report underscores the staggering shortfall in climate adaptation finance, which disproportionately affects Africa.
At SKI, we witness the direct impact of empowering local communities through agroecology. Farmers with access to resources and knowledge are not only adapting to climate challenges but also leading innovations that inspire broader policy change. Closing the adaptation finance gap is not just a matter of equity but a prerequisite for achieving global climate goals.
Bold Commitments for Climate Justice
COP29 must be a turning point. Parties must commit to bold actions that recognize agroecology as a vital solution to the climate crisis. This includes reimagining food systems, supporting Africa’s most vulnerable communities, and honoring the obligation of developed countries to provide the Means of Implementation (MoI) necessary for sustainable transitions in the Global South.
SKI’s work, alongside AFSA and other advocates, demonstrates that agroecology is not merely an agricultural approach—it is a movement for justice. It uplifts the voices of farmers, safeguards biodiversity, and ensures food sovereignty for generations to come. At this critical juncture, the world must embrace agroecology as the cornerstone of a fair and sustainable future.
The time to act is now. For the resilience of our planet, the dignity of its people, and the pursuit of true climate justice, agroecology is the way forward!
