Dr. Sarala Gopalan
International Federation of Agricultural Producers.
FARMERS- MAJOR GROUP
3rd May, 2006.
Statement of the Major Group ? Farmers (Multi Stake holders, Room Number 4, 11.30
am to 1.00 pm. )
Chairman, I would like to remind the meeting that agriculture covers approximately one
third of the world?s land surface. Farmers are the largest group of eco-system managers
ranging from 2% to 95% in different countries of the world. Climate change affects them
most. Already in some parts, farmers? livelihood is in danger due to land degradation and
desertification. The challenge for farmers is to meet food demands on the one hand and
on the other protect the environment through minimizing use of fossil fuels and provide
bio-energy, carbon sinks etc.
We are only well aware of the deteriorating Resource Base including land, bio-diversity
and water. Water security in some parts could lead to conflicts and water wars.
Farming activities and energy intensities of varying degrees contribute to greenhouse
gases. It has been estimated that agriculture currently accounts for more than 20% of the
human induced greenhouse effect (including fossil fuel emissions and deforestation,
(mainly) in tropical areas). It is therefore urgent for policy makers to remo ve barriers and
provide incentives for farmers to adopt alternatives and minimize greenhouse gas
emissions.
Research has lead to the development of more climate- friendly farming practices.
Unfortunately, lack of financial resources and policy regulation make adoption of these
practices difficult to implement.
A lack of communication between researchers and the farming community and
inadequate regional information on climate change impact are major bottlenecks.
Chairman, there is urgency for pro-farmer, and particularly pro-poor-farmer research.
More efficient use of existing technologies, local knowledge and traditional practices,
and their adaptation to changing situations requires greater attention.
There have to be appropriate policy frameworks and regulation systems that would be
fully implemented, I would underscore ?implemented? and harmonized by different
agencies of Government from the national, regional and local levels. A sound
infrastructure and support services should be put in place to face all contingencies.
Farmers on their part have taken extensive and innovative work to reduce emissions, shift
sources of energy, contribute to energy and biomass plantations and are willing to
cooperate in the combat against climate change. Reduction of chemical inputs without
decreasing yields, reduction of pesticides and practice of integrated pest management,
alterations to cattle feed to reduce methane production per unit of beef ? are some
examples.
I would like to conclude with the following recommendations:
· Farmers be involved as key actors and real protagonists.
· Expand scientific research on global climate change
· Provide infrastructure services to farmers to adopt change
· Farmers be given appropriate awareness, information, technical and financ ial
assistance to pursue the right kind of technological changes
· Farmers like to be provided incentives for changing and insurance against
unforeseen losses.
· Governments ensure appropriate policies and regulation frameworks with access
to markets and infrastructure.
· Lastly, ensure implementation, monitoring and review in a harmosnized manner.
