Agroecology & Climate Resilience: Multistakeholder Session at 8th AASW

On Tuesday 6 June (11:00-13:00 UTC+2) FARA, DeSIRA LIFT and IFAD are convening a parallel session on agroecology at the 8^th African Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW).

Remote participants are invited to register here

On site participants must register to the 8^th AASW

The session will bring together various actors to explore how agroecological practices may contribute to climate resilience and sustainability of farming and food systems. Based on their experiences and evidence, practitioners, researchers and development partners will discuss how adopting agroecological practices can contribute to transitioning to more climate resilient and sustainable farming and food systems in Africa, as well as their implications.

With agriculture and food systems highly exposed and vulnerable to climate change and variability, it is crucial to improve and diversify food production. However, the effects of the climate crisis go beyond food systems and ecosystems. Its social and environmental impacts induce higher health risks and the emergence of new pest and diseases for plants, animals and humans. There is widespread agreement of the need to transition towards climate-resilient (adaptation and mitigation) and sustainable, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive farming and food systems. This requires all stakeholders – Governments, researchers, private operators, farmers, civil society, development partners and others – to explore together the potential for climate-resilient solutions, as well as to co-design and support the transition, including through appropriate financial resources.

This parallel session intends to support dialogue and learning amongst various actors. FARA is the apex continental organisation responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development (AR4D). DeSIRA-LIFT supports Africa’s CAADP-XP4 organisations (FARA, AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA and CORAF) in mainstreaming evidence-based, climate-relevant innovation strategies and policies. The EU-funded service facility focuses on developing sustainable multi-stakeholder partnerships that support climate-change adaptation and mitigation. A global development organisation, IFAD is dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems through catalysing public and private investments, helping strengthen policies and promoting innovation.

The AASW is the main continental platform to share progress and information, network, create business alliances, and map out priorities for joint action. The 8^th AASW focuses on strengthening linkages between agribusiness and science plus innovation to improve the continent’s productivity and competitiveness in agro-industry. It will be held in Durban, South Africa, from 5 to 7 June.