Smallholder farmers are often the most vulnerable to climate variations as they often lack the resources to manage climate events. The increasing frequency in droughts and floods, and variation in temperatures and rainfall patterns threatens gains in productivity. Often single incidents of droughts or seasonal rains while weakening the systems can often be survived with normal adjustment, but the repeated hazards impact multiple aspects of the system and decrease the resilience of individuals and communities.

Adaptation strategies are applied within a systems perspective. Resilience programs look to reduce risk and increase asset accumulation to better withstand shocks and stresses. Early warning, early action and preparedness are key strategies for mitigating and managing risks.

Focusing on increasing resilience, extension services work with men and women to better prepare to face the effects of changing weather patterns. Adaptations can include:

• Water management systems with retention of water and monitored soil moisture
• Herd management focusing on health and veterinary services and herd diversification
• Pasture management by adding forage plants to crops and planting fodder for feed
• Crop management through implementation of high yield seeds
• Soil management and practices to improve soil fertility and fertilizer use

Solutions are pursued that will bring benefit for everyone along the value chain, recognizing that every decision has a potential benefit and risk to the farmer and other sectors along the value chain. The following videos provide a glimpse into two different programs addressing the need to increase resilience through preparing local communities.  Nepal, the world’s 4th most vulnerable country in terms of the impact of climate change, focused on private sector led solutions to enhance win-win solutions along the value chain. In Southern Angola, FAO with funding by USAID, focused on increasing resilience in local communities to be better prepared for climate shocks they suffer frequently through water, herd and pasture management.

Increasing Resilience in Pastoralist communities affected by drought in Southern Angola, FAO

Improving the climate-resilience of Nepal’s agriculture sector, IFC

Repeated droughts and hazards are the real challenge for Pastoral communities, ILRI

FAO Module: The Role of Safety Nets

Join the Discussion

• What lessons learned in the various management of resources can you share and how have you addressed identified and address barriers?
• How have you promoted inclusivity in your planning and implementing processes?