Aid for Agriculture
Supporting small-scale farmers is key to ending global hunger
In developing countries, farmers with two hectares of land or less make up the majority of the rural workforce and produce most of the food. About half are women.
Shocks from climate change, conflict and economic disruptions have driven up hunger levels, after having been on the decline for many years and put small-scale food producers, especially women, at particular risk. In many countries, women face significant barriers to land ownership, education, and access to farm inputs, credit and markets.
A more resilient food system enables small-scale food producers in developing countries to address immediate crises such as conflict and economic hardships as well as long term challenges such as climate change. A truly resilient food system would allow food producers to meet one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring all people can access healthy and nutritious diets while sustaining and strengthening our natural environment.
Furthermore, investments in agriculture and food systems are integral to other development outcomes. With a full stomach, children can go to school and learn, adults can build businesses and provide for themselves, and families can have improved health outcomes and be better prepared in the face of shocks. Ultimately, the goal is for communities to be self-sufficient.
What have we accomplished?
Canadian Foodgrains Bank, through its leadership on the Food Security Policy Group (FSPG), has pushed for agriculture and food systems to be a key part of Canada’s development policy and climate change finance strategy. While Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), announced in 2016, doesn’t name agriculture as a standalone priority, we see evidence that our voice was heard in the strong supporting role agriculture plays across the action areas. In 2020, Foodgrains Bank coordinated, through FSPG, an overseas research project that highlighted the value of climate-resilient and gender-equitable agricultural projects in meeting the government’s development goals.
In 2023, we provided input into Global Affairs Canada (GAC)’s guiding document to integrate resilient food systems into Canada’s international aid policies and programs, entitled “Resilient Agri-Food Systems Framework,” in which we see many of our priorities referenced. Canada’s aid for agriculture has been increasing since 2018, and ‘climate smart agriculture and food systems’ was named as one of four thematic areas for Canada’s climate finance from 2021-2026.
What are we still working on?
We continue to advocate for increased support for small-scale food producers, especially women, in developing countries, in several ways.
Foodgrains Bank, together with Food Security Policy Group, is working to ensure the sustainability of higher levels of aid for agriculture over the long term, through ongoing conversations and advocacy events with the Minister of International Development and officials in Global Affairs Canada. The renewal of Canada’s international climate finance package and hosting of the G7 in 2025 present opportunities for Canada to make new commitments in this area.
You can get involved in these advocacy efforts by:
- Writing a letter to the Minister of Finance showing your support for resilient food systems.
- Participating in Hunger on the Hill, an advocacy training event focused on this topic, which includes a Hill Day where you’ll meet with Members of Parliament.
Suggested Resources:
Climate Solutions through food systems (5 pager)
Climate resilient food systems infographic
Leaders in the Field synthesis report
Leaders in the Field policy brief