A delegation of farmer leaders from the Pacific Farmer Organisations is preparing to participate in the UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, with a vital goal: to advocate for direct climate financing that would benefit farmers and vulnerable communities adversely impacted by climate change. These leaders are set to stress the urgent need for substantial financial support, supported by new research indicating that small-scale farmers in the Pacific require approximately US$77 million annually to adapt their food systems in light of ongoing climate challenges. Currently, they are receiving a mere 1.47% of this essential amount.
Ilisapeci Vakacegu, Programs Manager for Policy and Advocacy at Pacific Farmer Organisations, highlighted accessibility as a significant hurdle. “It takes money just to be able to access a pocket of funding. The system just ends up serving institutions and not farmers,” she noted. The delegation plans to advocate for a shift towards “direct and fair finance,” urging global leaders to streamline financial support by avoiding complex intermediaries and instead embracing more adaptive, farmer-led solutions. Notably, they will promote initiatives like the Pacific Farmer Organisations Climate Resilient Farming Framework and the proposed Global Farmer’s Resilience and Empowerment Fund.
With nearly three-quarters of the Pacific communities dependent on agriculture and fishing, the importance of nurturing farmer-led adaptation strategies extends beyond economic concerns; it is also crucial for preserving cultural heritage and centuries-old traditional knowledge tied to farming. Vakacegu emphasized that the risks of failing to adapt could result in significant losses of cultural identity connected to agricultural practices.
This initiative resonates with broader discussions among Pacific leaders, who have previously underscored the necessity of empowering communities and financing climate-resilient practices. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and other regional leaders have called for increased climate financing and emphasized the need for political unity when confronting the challenges posed by climate change. Ongoing dialogues highlight that collective action, coupled with funding mechanisms prioritizing local voices, are essential for the region to build resilience against the stark realities of the climate crisis.
These coordinated efforts reflect an inspiring solidarity among Pacific nations advocating for meaningful change and environmental justice. As COP30 approaches, there is a sense of optimism that increased awareness and collaborative strategies can pave the way for positive outcomes, ultimately protecting livelihoods and cultural identities throughout the Pacific.