Activity

Open dialogue on the agro-ecological transition: towards integrating conservation agriculture into climate policies

On 5 October 2024, with the support of the Open Dialogue Foundation, the NGO Change Human’s Life organised an open dialogue at its premises in Abobo-Abidjan. Building on previous initiatives, such as the national advocacy workshop against desertification and land degradation held on 30 March 2022, this activity aimed to encourage inclusive and transparent participation around environmental issues in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly the impacts of climate change on soil and agriculture.

Participants and partners

The event brought together around 30 participants, including community leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs) and partners such as the Civil Society Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals in Côte d’Ivoire (ISC/ODD-CI) and the National Coordination of Environmental Actors of Côte d’Ivoire (CNAECI). These partners have contributed their expertise to raise awareness and build the capacity of local stakeholders in agro-ecological practices.

Activity progress

The event began with a presentation by experts on the effects of climate change, particularly on agricultural soils. Community leaders representing affected farming areas shared their experiences and the challenges faced by their communities. This exchange provided an opportunity to take stock of regional realities and explore solutions adapted to local specificities, with a particular focus on sustainable agricultural practices, such as Conservation Agriculture.

Results and recommendations

Participants recognised the importance of adopting agro-ecological practices to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change. Recommendations were made to improve natural resource management and soil conservation, based on discussions at the 2022 workshop. Key points include:

  • promoting composting, mulching and the use of biofertilisers ;
  • creating short distribution channels to boost local food security.

 

These recommendations will serve as the basis for the advocacy document with the authorities and partners, to highlight local priorities and encourage concrete action.

Priority advocacy messages

Advocacy messages were structured around the following priorities to encourage the integration of conservation agriculture into national climate policies.

  1. Support and funding for agroecology: Encouraging investments in agroecological practices to enhance soil resilience and adaptation to climate change:

    • targets: Ivorian government, technical and financial partners (TFPs), private sector;
    • message: Create a national fund to support agroecology and ensure the financing of soil restoration and ecosystem conservation initiatives.
  2. Strengthening the capacities of rural communities: Improving the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices at the local level:

    • targets: Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, civil society organizations (CSOs), local authorities;
    • message: Establish community training programs on agroecology, including composting, mulching, and the use of biofertilizers, for sustainable soil management.
  3. Creation of a consultation platform for agroecology: Enhancing collaboration and coordination among stakeholders for a more effective response to environmental challenges:

    • targets: Environmental CSOs, key ministries (Agriculture, Environment), international organizations;
    • message: Establish a national consultation platform on agroecology to harmonize actions and share best practices.
  4. Support for water conservation and soil restoration practices: Preserving water resources and improving soil quality for resilient agriculture:

    • targets: Ministries responsible for Water and Forests, Agriculture, local communities;
    • message: Prioritize rural water conservation projects and soil management to combat land degradation and maintain agricultural productivity.
  5. Integration of agroecological solutions into public policies: Recognizing and supporting agroecological practices at the national level:

    • targets: Parliament (National Assembly and Senate), ministries responsible for Environment, Agriculture, and Planning;
    • message: Adopt laws and regulations to institutionalize agroecology in national agricultural policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  6. Technical support and training for agroecological transition: Facilitating the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture:

    • targets: State, research institutions, NGOs;
    • message: Strengthen technical support for farmers to adopt agroecological practices adapted to local realities, integrating modern and economically viable techniques.

This open dialogue has helped to strengthen collaboration between environmental stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire and to advance sustainable solutions to climate challenges. By involving the authorities, civil society and local communities, these advocacy messages will help to ensure that policies are inclusive and adapted to local realities, while integrating conservation agriculture into national climate policies.

Change Human’s Life remains committed to continuing to advocate for a more sustainable and resilient future, ensuring that local concerns are taken into account in national strategies to combat climate change.

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