The Future of Farming: Harnessing Data for Sustainable Agriculture in the Global South
September 5, 2024, 5:30 pm
In the heart of the Global South, smallholder farmers toil on patches of land, often less than two hectares. These farmers are the unsung heroes of sustainability. They practice intercropping, maintain biodiversity, and use traditional methods that have stood the test of time. Yet, they face immense challenges. The global food system, driven by agriculture, is a leading cause of carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Fixing this broken system is crucial.
Agriculture and forestry-linked supply chains account for over 30% of global carbon emissions. The urgency to address these issues has never been greater. The focus is shifting to tropical soft commodities like coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, primarily sourced from the Global South. Here, smallholder farmers are key players. They embody sustainability, but they lack the resources to thrive.
The Drawdon project estimates that adopting regenerative practices could reduce global food system emissions by up to 23.21 gigatons of CO2 by 2050. For instance, Lujeri Tea Estates in Malawi showcases the potential of smallholder systems. Their tea, sourced from smallholders, has a carbon intensity of -0.27 kg CO2e/kg, while estate-grown tea emits 2.05 kg CO2e/kg. This stark contrast highlights the sustainability of smallholder farming.
However, these farmers face significant barriers. Climate change poses existential threats. Access to finance, markets, and productive assets remains limited. Compounding these challenges are new regulations like the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These laws require businesses to monitor and report on environmental metrics, placing additional pressure on smallholders.
Global agrifood companies are now tasked with producing detailed sustainability data. If they fail, they risk losing up to 4% of annual revenues. This creates a dilemma. Many companies are cutting ties with smallholders, opting for industrial producers who can provide the required data. This trend threatens to lock smallholders out of supply chains.
The crux of the issue lies in data—or the lack thereof. Smallholders often lack the tools and connectivity to provide the environmental impact data demanded by buyers. Even if they keep good records, access to Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools remains out of reach. The existing MRV systems are designed for the Global North, leaving smallholders in the dark.
These systems are costly and often prioritize profit over accessibility. They fail to accommodate the needs of smallholder farmers, who require affordable and straightforward solutions. The result is a black box, where methodologies are opaque, and farmers lose control over their data. This perpetuates information asymmetries and reduces public scrutiny of sustainability claims.
An open-data approach to environmental monitoring offers a solution. Transparency is key. When methodologies are auditable and reproducible, trust is built among stakeholders. Farmers retain ownership of their data, allowing them to benefit directly from it. This could mean participation in carbon markets or receiving payments for ecosystem services.
Imagine a future where smallholders are incentivized to adopt low-carbon practices. This is not a distant dream. Epoch is already implementing open and transparent tools to allocate farmer incentives tied to sustainability metrics. By shifting the focus from measurement to action, we can empower smallholders and drive meaningful change.
Innovative datasets and business models are emerging. Tools like the Forest Data Partnership’s commodity maps and Google’s Dynamic World provide high-quality analytics without the hefty price tag. These innovations promise to democratize access to data, enabling smallholders to thrive.
The path forward is clear. We must foster an inclusive approach that empowers every stakeholder, especially those in the Global South. By adopting MRV systems with an open-data framework, we can ensure that smallholder farmers are not left behind. This is crucial for achieving a sustainable future.
As we navigate the complexities of global supply chains, we must prioritize equity. The 500 million smallholders worldwide deserve a chance to thrive. By investing in their capabilities, we can create a resilient agricultural system that respects biodiversity and ecological balance.
In conclusion, the future of farming hinges on data. By harnessing open data, we can transform the agricultural landscape. This shift will not only benefit smallholders but also contribute to a healthier planet. The time for action is now. Together, we can cultivate a sustainable future for all.
Agriculture and forestry-linked supply chains account for over 30% of global carbon emissions. The urgency to address these issues has never been greater. The focus is shifting to tropical soft commodities like coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, primarily sourced from the Global South. Here, smallholder farmers are key players. They embody sustainability, but they lack the resources to thrive.
The Drawdon project estimates that adopting regenerative practices could reduce global food system emissions by up to 23.21 gigatons of CO2 by 2050. For instance, Lujeri Tea Estates in Malawi showcases the potential of smallholder systems. Their tea, sourced from smallholders, has a carbon intensity of -0.27 kg CO2e/kg, while estate-grown tea emits 2.05 kg CO2e/kg. This stark contrast highlights the sustainability of smallholder farming.
However, these farmers face significant barriers. Climate change poses existential threats. Access to finance, markets, and productive assets remains limited. Compounding these challenges are new regulations like the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These laws require businesses to monitor and report on environmental metrics, placing additional pressure on smallholders.
Global agrifood companies are now tasked with producing detailed sustainability data. If they fail, they risk losing up to 4% of annual revenues. This creates a dilemma. Many companies are cutting ties with smallholders, opting for industrial producers who can provide the required data. This trend threatens to lock smallholders out of supply chains.
The crux of the issue lies in data—or the lack thereof. Smallholders often lack the tools and connectivity to provide the environmental impact data demanded by buyers. Even if they keep good records, access to Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools remains out of reach. The existing MRV systems are designed for the Global North, leaving smallholders in the dark.
These systems are costly and often prioritize profit over accessibility. They fail to accommodate the needs of smallholder farmers, who require affordable and straightforward solutions. The result is a black box, where methodologies are opaque, and farmers lose control over their data. This perpetuates information asymmetries and reduces public scrutiny of sustainability claims.
An open-data approach to environmental monitoring offers a solution. Transparency is key. When methodologies are auditable and reproducible, trust is built among stakeholders. Farmers retain ownership of their data, allowing them to benefit directly from it. This could mean participation in carbon markets or receiving payments for ecosystem services.
Imagine a future where smallholders are incentivized to adopt low-carbon practices. This is not a distant dream. Epoch is already implementing open and transparent tools to allocate farmer incentives tied to sustainability metrics. By shifting the focus from measurement to action, we can empower smallholders and drive meaningful change.
Innovative datasets and business models are emerging. Tools like the Forest Data Partnership’s commodity maps and Google’s Dynamic World provide high-quality analytics without the hefty price tag. These innovations promise to democratize access to data, enabling smallholders to thrive.
The path forward is clear. We must foster an inclusive approach that empowers every stakeholder, especially those in the Global South. By adopting MRV systems with an open-data framework, we can ensure that smallholder farmers are not left behind. This is crucial for achieving a sustainable future.
As we navigate the complexities of global supply chains, we must prioritize equity. The 500 million smallholders worldwide deserve a chance to thrive. By investing in their capabilities, we can create a resilient agricultural system that respects biodiversity and ecological balance.
In conclusion, the future of farming hinges on data. By harnessing open data, we can transform the agricultural landscape. This shift will not only benefit smallholders but also contribute to a healthier planet. The time for action is now. Together, we can cultivate a sustainable future for all.