Dr Andrea Porro
Secretary General, World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO)
In the face of challenges, global resilience increasingly relies on food security, biodiversity preservation, innovative financing and resilient value chains — all of which are in the capable hands of farmers.
Resilience is more important than ever as the world struggles with issues like climate change, natural disasters, economic shocks and geopolitical risks. The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) views resilience as a basic requirement for guaranteeing sustainable and equitable development. Four pillars are the foundation of our vision: (1) food security; (2) nature and biodiversity preservation; (3) innovative financing; and (4) resilient trade and value chains.
Ensuring food security in an era of uncertainty
Farmers primarily aim to produce enough food to meet people’s daily dietary requirements, with nutritious foods that suit their choices. This intersects with climate change and requires innovative solutions.
During the WFO 2024 Annual Meeting, representatives of the WFO global farmers’ community approved a revised policy position on Sustainable Food Security and Nutrition. It emphasises the critical role of farmers — who nourish the world — in attaining UN Sustainable Development Goal 2. A conducive environment where farmers co-design strategies and solutions, can unlock their potential to build resilient agricultural systems. The resilience of food systems hinges on equitable access, sustainable practices, and farmer-led initiatives.
Farmers require proper
infrastructures, adequate financial
backing and supportive policies.
Supporting farmers and collaborating for resilience
Strong financial mechanisms that foster innovation and adaptation at grassroots levels are fundamental. Financing mechanisms, co-designed with farmers and tailored to their needs, are crucial for durable success.
Furthermore, it is imperative to place farmers at the centre of food systems, promoting a more fair and inclusive trade approach and recognising their crucial role in the value chains. The value chain is as resilient as the resilience of its foundational elements, and farmers are the backbone of agricultural systems worldwide, meaning they can play a pivotal role in enabling resilience on multiple levels.
Global resilience is intrinsically linked to the resilience of natural ecosystems. Soil and water are the foundations of our production. Biodiversity is crucial to the functioning and resilience of agriculture, which, in turn, sustains our natural environment.
The WFO’s recently approved Policy on Nature and Biodiversity, acknowledging farmers’ role as stewards of biodiversity and natural resources is the first step in the right direction. To fulfil this role, farmers require proper infrastructures, adequate financial backing and supportive policies. Resilience is not just an aspiration; it is our shared responsibility and commitment to future generations.
