"We need to invest in the future that we want and accompany those who need support, leaving no one behind," said the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in a statement released at the UNFCCC COP23 in Bonn.

The statement added that IFAD is ready to offer its knowledge, financing and partnership to support local and global climate action for rural and coastal communities in developing counties.

"We reaffirm our commitment to support countries in their efforts to implement the Paris Agreement by adapting agriculture to the effects of climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of farming practices."

With more than two billion people dependent on smallholder farming for their livelihoods and food security, the involvement of smallholders as positive agents of change is central to identifying solutions and taking effective climate action.

Poor rural and coastal communities are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Their livelihoods on what can be marginalized lands are dependent upon the sustainable management of natural resources – so climate change increases any existing vulnerabilities, threatening their stability.

Helping smallholders adapt to climate change and reduce carbon emissions results in long-term social, economic and financial opportunities for farmers that can raise household wellbeing, incomes, and eventually GDP.

In response, IFAD has developed the world’s largest climate adaptation programme dedicated to supporting poor smallholder farmers, the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP).

Lessons learned are documented and shared in IFAD’s Advantage series and other documents to share knowledge and promote innovative solutions. 

Read the full statement.