Climate, Resilience, and Agriculture

Agriculture

The Agriculture theme was prevalent in Selection Committees in seven out of nine countries (all countries besides Nepal and Vietnam), and 80% of the stories highlighted agriculture. Key themes encompassed the importance of accessing inputs, establishing stable markets for enhanced product valuation, practicing animal husbandry, and embracing technology and mechanization.  Figure 8 shows the distribution in Agricultural themes between Selection Committees and stories, while Figure 9 demonstrates the distribution of Agricultural themes by country. It is important to note that iDE programming also has different interventions in different projects and countries, for example, mechanization in Bangladesh and horticulture in Cambodia, so some differences on this topic and other Agricultural themes are also likely to do with the types of projects iDE implements in each context.

Access to Inputs

Respondents emphasized the critical need for affordable, high-quality, and timely inputs, including improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals. The desire for access to inputs was especially notable in the three Her Time to Grow Project countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia. Timeliness emerged as a crucial factor in people's aspirations for agricultural inputs. Farmers face a concurrent challenge of rising costs of production (in terms of costs for inputs, fuel, and transportation) and challenges with stable markets to sell their products. In short, farmers expressed a desire for both accessible inputs and markets to sell agricultural products at a reasonable price.

Agricultural Assets: Animal Husbandry, Technology, Mechanization, and Infrastructure

The theme of Animal Husbandry, featured in 34% of stories, predominantly revolved around cattle and poultry but extended to other animals such as oxen, pigs, aquaculture, and beekeeping. Individuals expressed a keen interest in owning more animals and increasing the production and profitability of the ones they already owned. 

Moreover, the theme of Technology & Mechanization resonated strongly across stories and selection processes. The mentioned technologies ranged from tractors and combine harvesters to power trailers and net houses. The overarching hope was that technology would enhance farm productivity and streamline operations, providing valuable time savings. This theme is frequently intertwined with aspirations for improved agricultural practices, technical assistance, and training, underscoring the interconnectedness of these goals within the broader agricultural landscape.

Technical Assistance, Training, and Skill Building

Within their stories of change, 80 individuals discussed technical assistance, training and skill-building opportunities relating to agriculture, business, and other income-generating activities. Farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs are eager for these opportunities to enhance their productivity and profit. They seek knowledge in improved farming techniques, crop diversification, livestock rearing, machinery operation, new technology, and climate change adaptation. As articulated by this farmer in Ethiopia, training was identified as a key step to achieving their goals that could connect access to improved inputs to improved yield outcomes, “To achieve this change, I need improved crops and improved breeds of chicken as well as timely availability of adequate fertilizers and regular training in new agricultural technology.” Several farmers expressed desire to learn specific skills such as pest management, disease control, fertilizer best practices, animal husbandry, and veterinary care. Individuals stated they seek training and assistance from various sources including iDE and other non-profits, agricultural experts including Extension Officers, government entities, and other experienced farmers in their community. One vegetable farmer, whose story was highlighted in one of Cambodia’s selection processes, described the knowledge sharing they wished to see in their community, “I want all farmers to know and use modern agricultural techniques and want to see those who have knowledge train those who do not know.”

Environment, Climate Shocks, and Natural Resource Management 

Environmental themes were featured in 21% of stories and as major criteria in selection processes in Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Honduras. The most prevalent Environmental themes cutting across all stories were Weather and Climate Impacts, Natural Resource Conservation, and Solid Waste Management (covered further in the WASH section). Environmental outcomes were closely intertwined with Agriculture, Water, and Sanitation considerations in the stories. 

Climate and Weather

Concerning Climate and Weather Impacts, respondents cited floods, droughts, heatwaves, fires, and other natural disasters affecting crop productivity and water access. One example of the variety of impacts climate and weather had on livelihoods was captured by a farmer in Bangladesh who explained, “The only thing that worries me is the current floods that have been persistent. Previously, one of my cows died because the flood water polluted her drinkable water source. If this climate issue stays, I fear that no one in my community can start or scale their business and I have to start thinking of relocation for secured housing.” Many storytellers are concerned about the future climate and are adopting or hoping to adopt technologies that will help their families and businesses adapt to increased climate variability in the future.

Natural Resource Management

Stories that explored the Natural Resource Management theme reflected a desire to protect the environment, including preventing deforestation, safeguarding water sources, and stopping land degradation. In Ethiopia, the Selection Committee prioritized Natural Resource Conservation, emphasizing the significance of tree-planting initiatives. Similarly, the Selection Committee in Honduras showcased actions promoting environmental sustainability for managing existing resources. Across several stories, Honduran farmers recognized the connections between climate change and depleting water resources, mentioning prolonged droughts and the prevalence of forest fires. Farmers in Honduras advocated for the reforestation of areas near water sources to protect the water for their communities and preserve flora and fauna.