Sustainable Agricultural Practices Brought to Life
5th March 2018
SAI Platform offers its members learning journeys on a variety of cross-cutting issues in different countries which can be applied to other sourcing regions. The principle of this new approach is to facilitate learning experiences with practical in situ sustainable agriculture methods bringing to life the hurdles and solutions as well as networking and collective knowledge sharing. The learning journeys provide a close up of practical lessons from a range of small to large farming systems and business enterprises.
Back in November 2017, the first Cross-Commodity Learning Journey took 14 SAI Platform members and project partners to Israel to see examples of how in a water scarce region, the availability of water for human use and agriculture can be significantly improved through an integrated approach combining use of technology, strong governance and individual responsibility. The resulting report summarised the key lessons from this journey about on-farm water practices, innovations and solutions.
The next Learning Journey will take place in Hyderabad, India in September 2018, and will focus on the Empowering of Smallholder Farmers in India. Millions of smallholders live in poverty, unable to meet basic needs. Smallholder farmers need to improve their incomes and competitiveness if they are to achieve and sustain a decent standard of living, reinvest in their farms, and continue to supply a sustainable crop to multinational companies.
It will include a variety of field visits that will explore the practices of environmental and social initiatives such as nutrient and water conservation and the empowerment of marginalised women and other challenges as well as local and global solutions.
Our visit to Hyderabad, will exemplify the huge importance of investing in smallholder supply chains. Investment can lead to multiple benefits including long-term supply security, improved quality and yields, greater supply chain transparency and new market creation. Furthermore, by supporting smallholders, it helps build stronger government relationships, increases the ability to meet stakeholder expectations, enhances reputation, and aligns with initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For more information contact Yael Fattal, Global Event Manager and Regional Initiatives Lead.
