June 2024
Pacific Farmer Organisation to Host International Climate Change Training for Farmer Organisations
Suva, Fiji (June 03, 2024): The Pearl Resort in Deuba, Fiji will be the center of international collaboration from June 3rd to 8th, 2024, as the “Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Training” gets underway. Hosted by Pacific Farmer Organisations (PFO), the event brings together 22 organisations and delegates from 12 countries in the Pacific region.
This one-week training equips farmer organisations (FOs) with the skills to conduct climate change assessments and develop practical action plans to support their farmer members. These plans will be funded through PFO’s Climate Resilient Farming Framework, empowering FOs to directly support rural farmers.
In welcoming the participants from around the region, the Head of Section for Climate Change, Environment and Energy in the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Mr. Patrick Daniel-Ramananarivo reaffirmed EU’s support to the Pacific in the fight against climate change.
“The EU through its various programmes and initiatives, support the Pacific Island Countries in their climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, build capacity of FOs, promote sustainable food systems, and reduce the carbon footprint of value chain. The climate change adaptation assessment training is a component of ‘The Farmers’ Organisations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific’ (FO4ACP) programme that aims to increase the incomes and improve the livelihoods, food and nutrition security of the family farming in the targeted areas of the project. The training will build the capacities of the participants to better support rural farmers in their respective communities and countries”.
The diverse group of participants includes leaders, grassroots organizations, governments, regional entities, and farmers themselves. This unique blend fosters cross-border collaboration and fuels innovative solutions for sustainable development.
The training delves into critical issues like climate change’s impact on food and water security. It will map vulnerabilities faced by farmers and communities, identify key affected crops and value chains, and conduct a gender analysis to understand the differential impact on men and women. This data will be used to develop interventions promoting climate-resilient agriculture, with a specific focus on empowering women farmers through leadership roles and access to resources.
This training transcends borders and unites individuals from across the globe to tackle challenges, brainstorm solutions, and build a more resilient and prosperous Pacific Region.
The power of collaboration between PFO and its donor partners – Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the European Union (EU), Food & Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Rural Forum (WRF) to better support farmers through the FOs is at the heart of this event, paving the way for a lasting positive impact.