“The reality is that climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural production. We must adapt our practices to ensure resilience,” warned Marla Naidoo, regional director for Southern Africa at the Rainforest Alliance, during Food For Mzansi’s recent Emergency Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture.
She stressed the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices in the fight against climate change, underscoring the organisation’s mission to empower farmers and communities to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
The Rainforest Alliance – an international non-governmental organisation – developed a robust certification programme that ensures third-party verification of sustainable practices. Naidoo said this is crucial for connecting farmers to sustainable markets, and fostering positive change in their communities.
Currently, the organisation collaborates with approximately 7.5 million farmers across 5.7 million hectares of land and partners with around 7 600 companies to promote sustainability throughout their supply chains.
Naidoo shared that over 42 000 products now carry the Rainforest Alliance seal globally, highlighting their significant impact on promoting sustainable agriculture.
In Southern Africa, the past two years have seen remarkable growth in partnerships and coalitions, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing climate change challenges. “We are seeing a shift towards sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also improve the livelihoods of farmers,” Naidoo added.
A commitment to regenerative agriculture
Central to the Rainforest Alliance’s mission is a commitment to regenerative agriculture, which seeks to restore and enhance ecosystems while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
“Our focus is shifting from merely sustaining agricultural practices to actively regenerating the environment,” she explained, emphasising the organisation’s 2030 strategy that places farmers at the heart of its initiatives.
The need for a regenerative approach is becoming increasingly urgent as farmers around the world grapple with extreme weather events and unpredictable climate patterns.
“Rural communities, especially smallholder and indigenous farmers, are often the most vulnerable to climate impacts,” Naidoo said, urging a collective response that considers both environmental and social factors.
Local solutions for global challenges
The Rainforest Alliance champions locally led, nature-based solutions to combat climate change, empowering farmers and communities to develop tailored programs that meet their specific needs. This grassroots approach not only enhances agricultural practices but also strengthens community ties.
One compelling example comes from Mozambique, where nearly 500 farmers are on the verge of becoming the world’s first Rainforest Alliance-certified coconut oil producers.
The quality of coconut oil has gained recognition in French and German markets, opening new opportunities. Despite operating from an ageing factory, these farmers produce a high-quality product that meets international standards, illustrating the crucial role of certification in accessing premium markets.
In South Africa, there is a growing consumer demand for sustainably produced goods.
As Naidoo pointed out, “More South Africans are becoming aware of their purchasing decisions and are actively seeking products that carry the Rainforest Alliance seal.”
This shift not only supports local farmers but also contributes to a broader movement towards sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss
The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by alarming statistics. Naidoo highlighted that between 2017 and 2022, the world lost 24.5 million hectares of tropical forests, primarily due to unsustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
“This loss threatens biodiversity and exacerbates the effects of climate change,” she warned, noting the need for a transformation in agricultural systems.
To counter these challenges, the Rainforest Alliance encourages farmers to move away from conventional practices, such as monoculture and harmful chemical usage.
“By adopting nature-based and regenerative approaches, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change while restoring ecosystems,” Naidoo said, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity in sustainable agricultural production.
Data-driven decision making
One significant challenge in addressing climate change within agriculture is the lack of transparent data on farming practices.
The Rainforest Alliance is actively working to build an integrated data system to track progress from farm to landscape. “By collecting and analysing data, we aim to drive continuous improvement in agricultural practices and empower farmers to make informed decisions,” Naidoo explained.
Naidoo concluded her remarks with a strong call to action, stressing the need for collective efforts to combat climate change.
With the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report indicating that we have until 2030 to avert catastrophic consequences, she stressed, “The time for action is now. More than half of the world’s farmland is moderately or severely damaged, underscoring the need for immediate transformation.”
The Rainforest Alliance remains committed to collaborating with farmers, communities, and businesses to create a sustainable future. As climate change continues to pose an existential threat, Naidoo’s message resonates: “We must work together, support each other, and embrace a regenerative mindset to ensure a thriving agricultural sector for generations to come.”
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