“We, farmers in Asia, join the global call to action against climate change. We call on the world leaders attending the COP26 to recognize family farmers as solution providers and to invest in establishing a Farmers’ Empowerment and Climate Resiliency Trust Fund. We are watching you, so act now. Act now, for our future.”

Climate change is one of the major factors affecting agriculture globally. Climate is considered one of the primary determinants of agricultural productivity, hence, crop yields are directly affected by changes in climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation, as well as the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts.

Given the fundamental role of agriculture in Asia, the effects of climate change on crop production threaten the economic progress in the region and the welfare of family farmers and the greater population.