Agroecology and resilience of small-scale farmers to climate change: evidence to transform food systems in the Dry Corridor of Central America

 

Smallholder farmers in the Dry Corridor of Central America are among the world’s most vulnerable populations to climate change. Prolonged drought, changes in rainfall, higher temperatures and more hurricanes increasingly threaten agricultural production and food security. Exposure to variable weather and extreme events is further exacerbated by the high level of social inequality in rural areas and associated economic vulnerability.

Governments, non-governmental organizations, farmers’ associations, cooperatives and private sector corporations are seeking to better respond to farmers’ and consumers’ needs to meet sustainability and face climate change challenges. Agroecological approaches have the potential to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts by increasing diversity, improving ecological and landscape assets, and supporting farmers’ roles in decision-making to adapt practices to local conditions. While existing evidence is promising, more multidimensional assessment of climate change resilience is needed.

This project combines field-based activities with the review of existing data using artificial intelligence and machine learning to generate the evidence required to inform decision-makers about the impact of agroecological innovations on women and men farmers’ resilience to climate change. Engagement with partners that have capacity to deliver large-scale impacts will support the use of research results. The project is expected to benefit 100,000 vulnerable farmers, particularly women and youth.