Connecting climate, nature and food solutions: stories of systems transformation

This week, alongside 70+ collaborators all around the world, we published a major new study about evidence, influence, and the future of food. With a focus on pathways to sustainable and equitable food systems, authors debunked the narrative that questions whether agroecology, regenerative farming practices, and Indigenous foodways approaches can solve the climate and biodiversity crises.

What’s exciting about this work is that diverse forms of evidence — such as lived experience, traditional knowledge, scientific analyses, storytelling, and peer-reviewed literature — are all harnessed to challenge assumptions.

The data, stories, references, and insights captured in the report reminded me of an inspiring session we co-hosted during the annual Development & Climate Days at COP26. Advocates, practitioners, negotiators, scientists, and policymakers came together (virtually) to explore key issues related to adaptation to climate change in developing countries.

In the session How can we transform food systems through climate-friendly and nature-positive solutions? speakers shared their first-hand experiences of how food systems transformation is already positively influencing climate action. More than that, they told us how “nature positive” solutions are already increasing soil carbon, improving biodiversity and water quality, regenerating the land, safeguarding good livelihoods for farmers, and increasing food security for local communities.

So, adding to the evidence base for food systems transformation, here are some of our top takeaways from the conversation:

“There’s plenty of potential co-benefits that are associated with some of those approaches, and cool benefits in terms of biodiversity protection, in terms of building resilience, in terms of improved health and wellbeing.” — Dr. Yvan Biot, Senior Associate, Farm Africa (UK)

“We started with 30 farmers and we researched with them, it came out that the main reason why they are food insecure and facing child malnutrition in their villages was due to soil infertility and soil degradation. We started experimenting with different approaches including intercropping, integrated pest management, crop diversity using different legumes and cereals that included sorghum, millet, and maize. It was all participatory involving them and they were excited to be part of the research.” — Laifolo Dakishoni, Soils, Food, Healthy Communities (Malawi)

“We created 78 farmer cooperatives with over 230,000 farmers, and as a result, the rate of deforestation has dropped by 30 to 50%. That reduction is also earning communities money. So we’ve proven and are continuing to prove that conservation does pay and can address the issues of climate change, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation. I think we all agree that farming with nature is more cost-effective and can save the government large amounts of money. ” — Dale Lewis, COMACO (Zambia)

“We found that by the end of the project 60 to 80% of the farmers are able to adopt. What has this done for the farmers? These practices were being implemented right in the farmer’s fields and they were able to see and experience the results. This builds their confidence in terms of adopting and also sharing their experience with other farmers. They also saw first-hand the increase in yields.” — Mary Nyale, Farm Africa (Kenya)

“Having worked with this community for about 8 to 9 years, one of the things that I have learned is that traditional knowledge and cultural values and practices play a key role in sustaining the agricultural system; in sustaining agrobiodiversity; and, in supporting the local livelihoods. Everything is anchored on traditional knowledge and the diversity of the traditional crops within the landscape has enabled the community to be resilient to climate change and has enhanced their adaptation capacity.” — Chemuku Wekesa, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kenya)

“Farmers have to rely on their own seeds in dealing with crises and climate change. The communities we are working with are dealing with climate change every day and they have done that for generations. They lost their crops and they replanted drought-resistant varieties; changed to other crops and other pieces of land. Full of wisdom and traditional knowledge as they deal with those changes.” — Yiching Song, Farmer Seed Network (China)

“As soon as we went organic, immediately we lowered our inputs. We’re saving over 60,000 pounds a year. We’ve maintained a 50% gross margin on our farm, and then a 42% gross margin in our on-farm butchery. From an agroecological climate change situation, we are much more resilient. We’ve improved soil conditions and reduced soil erosion, the grass is growing better, and our animals are healthier. These are very big pluses, more than just simply reducing input costs.” — Denise Walton, Peelham Farm (Scotland)

“We must all remember that we are not doing this for the present generation of farmers and consumers, but for future generations. We want to transfer our seeds, our domestic animals, and our traditional animals to the next generation of farmers. We will be able to do this in alliances and through international solidarity. It is possible!” — Cris Panerio, MASIPAG (Philippines)

These “Beacons of Hope” confirm to us that food systems transformation is not only possible; it is also happening. And, their work provides us with the blueprints we need to deliver a future of food that is healthy for people and the planet. As we look towards COP27, which will take place in Egypt, we must do more to listen to the local leaders taking transformative action, showcase and learn from their work, centre it in decision-making, and — critically — continue to advocate for policy and financial reform so these approaches truly flourish.

Want to find out more?

• Watch the recording: How can we transform food systems through climate-friendly and nature-positive solutions?
• Discover more Stories of Food Systems Transformation