Exploratory study into climate change adaptation plans and measures in the Fairtrade system
Climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural production and to many farmers growing crops that Fairtrade certifies, through changes in temperature and rainfall, extreme weather events, and increases in pests and plant disease. This exploratory study highlights the different climate change adaptations that Fairtrade producer organisations are identifying and implementing as part of their plans. The study also analyses the factors that producers say most support adaptation plan implementation, including: - training for farmers on adaptation measures; - sensitisation of farmers to the importance of climate change; - access to technical and financial capacity; - the ability to invest in technologies or infrastructure, such as installation of solar panels; and - peer support and model farms or demonstration plots to show effectiveness of various methods. The researchers identified recommendations to accelerate adaptation efforts, as well as facilitate deeper analysis.