Facilitating Climate Change Adaptation on Smallholder Farms Through Farmers' Collective Led On-Farm Adaptive Research: The SAF-BIN Project

Abstract

In India, Bangladesh and Nepal 70 percent of farms are less than 2 ha in size. These subsistence oriented, rain-fed farming systems are highly vulnerable to climate variability. Climate change challenges local food and nutritional security. Adaptation is the key to address these vulnerabilities. Agricultural research and extension systems in the region ignore traditional food systems and culturally accepted food baskets. The EU funded project 'Strengthening Adaptive Farming in Bangladesh, India and Nepal (SAF-BIN)', implemented by Caritas organisations, is building resilience to climate change through strengthening adaptive small scale farming systems in rain-fed areas. In a multi-sectoral collaboration a farmers' collective-led approach has been implemented with smallholder farmers at the centre. A major tool has been on-farm adaptive research trials in which farmers' collectives have developed and implemented on-farm trials in 10 districts in Bangladesh, India and Nepal with the active involvement of civil society, researchers and government officials. Results are documentation and increased adoption of locally appropriate farming practises achieved through blending traditional and modern practices with awareness on organic, sustainable production. Farmers' collectives successfully built resilience to climate change, increased yields, improved nutritional security, reduced external dependency, and reduced input costs. SAF-BIN is evolving as a successful model for strengthening adaptive capacities of smallholders. Lessons on integration of a diverse set of stakeholders are transferable and applicable to similar initiatives.