Smallholder communities, co-operatives and small enterprises produce up to 60% of the world’s food. They also meet their own demands for fuelwood, fodder and other tree and forest products, and trade surpluses locally and beyond. However, smallholders are rarely consulted when designing value chain- or conservation-driven investment initiatives, and such investments tend to benefit only those who directly contribute to company or donor goals. And though the local economy is stimulated, limited attention is given to the ‘the bigger picture’, including the need to move towards social equity and sustainable landscape management. Farmers also have limited access to finance for improving and diversifying their production, which would discourage the need to move to frontier areas.
This white paper is part of a series presented at GLF Climate: Forests, Food, Finance – Frontiers of Change. In this set of 14 white papers, scientists, practitioners, business leaders, activists and innovators provide critical insights on how we can transform society towards carbon neutrality and harmony with nature. Read this paper and the rest of the series to learn more about the issues covered at GLF Climate, and register now to join the conversation live.
