You can view the blogs about the participation of one hub staff here and participation of other hub staff here
December 2023, delegates of the member states forming part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, civil society leaders and business representatives once again came together for the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Two innovators, Andre Hajjar of GoBaladi from Lebanon and Hamza Rkha Chaham of SOWIT from Morocco, participated in the session, “Smallholder Farmers and Seed Sovereignty”.
According to Andre, who leads the Lebanese diary producer and family business Hajjar Foods/GoBaladi, his participation in the session taught him about the pressing challenges that demand immediate attention, particularly in the distinct contexts of Africa and Europe.
What stood out for him was understanding how decision makers in those two regions explore different approaches to adapt to climate change, and how these could be complementary. He reported that the session showed how researchers in Africa are concentrating on developing resilient agricultural practices and technologies to mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather patterns. Policy makers in the region are prioritizing the formulation and implementation of climate adaptation strategies, recognizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities. Additionally, industries are exploring sustainable practices, acknowledging their role in minimizing environmental degradation. Meanwhile, in Europe, the focus extends to decarbonization efforts, with researchers at the forefront of advancements in renewable energy technologies. European policy makers are steering ambitious climate policies, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to achieve collective emission reduction goals. Industries are embracing circular economy principles, aligning business practices with environmental sustainability to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Andre also emphasized the positive outcomes and potential solutions that emerged the conference: “COP28 witnessed a notable commitment to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices as key components of mitigating climate change. The discussions fostered a sense of hope, as countries pledged to increase investments in green technologies and transition towards cleaner, more sustainable economies. Collaborative initiatives were emphasized, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and resources among nations. Additionally, COP28 marked a significant step forward in addressing environmental justice concerns, recognizing the need for inclusive policies that consider the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Overall, my participation in COP28 highlighted the dual challenge of addressing immediate environmental threats while laying the foundation for a sustainable and equitable future.”
Hamza, Co-Founder of Moroccan innovator SOWIT, pointed out that participating in COP28 helped him gain crucial insights into the pressing challenges faced by agriculture in the era of climate change. To him, first and foremost among these revelations was the harsh reality that smallholder farmers bear the brunt of environmental threats, grappling with issues like water scarcity and soil degradation. However, a notable barrier is the pace of change and the financial constraints confronting smallholder farmers. Access to financing is paramount to enable these farmers to adapt quickly to the changing agricultural landscape.
Hamza highlighted that the plight of North Africa is particularly striking, with the region experiencing heightened vulnerability due to an already water-stressed situation. This underscores the urgency of tailored interventions to address the unique challenges faced by different regions. On a positive note, he mentioned that the re-centering of agriculture within the COP28 agenda is a significant development. “Policymakers now recognize food security and sovereignty as paramount issues, offering a platform for farmers to articulate their challenges. This newfound attention presents an opportunity for farmers worldwide to advocate for essential financing and technical assistance instruments that can fortify agricultural resilience”, Hamza says.
In essence, for Hamza, the panel highlighted a global consensus among farmers about the fragility of agriculture and the imperative for concerted efforts to address these challenges. It underscored the need for swift action, collaboration, and a comprehensive approach to secure the continuity of agriculture in the face of an ever-changing climate.
