EGM on SDG 2: Justine Lynn Limocon Statement, Session 7

Justine Lynn Limocon

Young Farmer' Representative, Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development

 

Session 7: Tackling underlying causes and drivers of stagnated or reversed progress towards SDG 2 in a world of recurring crises 

 

To mitigate hunger's impact, strengthening local food systems and markets is crucial, especially evident during crises like COVID-19. Small-scale producers are solution providers and play a significant role in climate resilience and resilient agri-food system through our organic, integrated and agroecological practices. These solutions can only be sustainable and effective if implemented collectively through agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ associations. Empowering farmers as agripreneurs, with holistic support encompassing the entire value chain from organizing to financing, enhances their role in the value chain, boosting productivity and income through the convergence of multisectoral stakeholders. Shifting climate financing to support small-scale farmers through simpler mechanisms is necessary. Establishing an express lane directed to federated structures of cooperatives, family farmers’ associations and unions. These federated organizations already have established coordination, communication channels and social capital which reduce transaction cost and enable customization of programs and interventions to the actual needs of small scale producer members.  Legal frameworks must secure farmers' access to resources and governance rights. As a young farmer, I advocate for tailored financial services and leadership programs to ensure generational succession and sustainable organization. Fragmented efforts are insufficient; bold, coherent actions are needed to combat poverty, hunger, inequality, and climate change in our global state of emergency.