2nd Edition of Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture World Conference 2026

Abstract

Next to the contribution of governments, international organisations and larger firms to take action against climate change and its consequences, an important contribution can also be made by small farmers. Small farmers are often faced with the disastrous effects of climate change. They know how to respond to challenges by changing crops, building dikes and other measures, but often lack the funds to do so. Credit is not readily available for these farmers, so they have to rely for a great part on their own resources. 
According to FAO about 2.3 billion people in the world are estimated to have been moderately or severely food insecure in 2024. Small farmers play a vital role in the worldwide food production. Around 70 percent of all farms are producing around 80 percent of the world's food in value. These farms occupy between 70 and 80 percent of the world's farmland. 70 percent of these farms, operating on just 7 percent of all agricultural land, are less than one hectare, while another 14 percent of farms, controlling 4 percent of the land, are between one and two hectares, and another 10 percent of all farms, with 6 percent of the land, are between two and five hectares. 
They do have to adjust to changing climate conditions, that necessitates them to change to other crops, makes them shift to other fields and cut forests, leading to additional environmental damage. Climate change is also the cause of many forms of migration. Many of their problems could be solved when the farmer would have more possibilities to invest in agricultural tools, seeds, additional labour during peak times, etc. 
Peasants also suffer from malnutrition which limits their workforce. Children are working in the fields and doing other jobs in order to supplement the family income. Credit schemes for these small farmers hardly exist so another solution for these farmers is necessary namely, to receive a fair price for their products. When they are paid fair prices farmers could become more food-secure, have their children educated and will be able to invest to adapt to climate change. 
Better payment of the farmer for his products also has important positive macro-economic effects. The demand for intermediary goods will rise as the farmer will buy more equipment, seeds, plant protection products, soil nutrients etc. 
When part of the additional money the farmer receives is used to raise the pay of agricultural labour as well, total demand for goods will rise with positive effects on the national and local economy.  
Looking at the supply chain for different agricultural products, it often is the case that all participants in the chain are being paid well, except the farmer. That means that should there be  a more equal distribution of profits within the chain, all participants could end with a fairer share.  
By receiving a fairer part of the final price, the farmer can provide an important input to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and continue to contribute to the worldwide food production.