Partnerships for resilience: Securing food in Pakistan
To address the vulnerabilities of Pakistan's rural farming communities, the International Trade Centre (ITC), through its Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Research and Development Foundation (RDF), a Sindh-based non-governmental organization.
Together, they are enrolling local farmers into Farmer Climate Business Schools, a hands-on initiative designed to enhance resilience and bolster climate-smart agricultural practices.
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The agricultural community in Sindh, already at the frontlines of climate change, has suffered deeply from severe weather patterns, including droughts, erratic rainfall, and flooding. These extreme conditions have not only compromised the livelihoods of countless farmers but have also threatened the region’s food security and nutrition levels.
The Farmer Climate Business Schools find solutions for these challenges: they offer timely, accessible training for farmers to use adaptive strategies that mitigate climate risks and sustain crop yields despite the increasingly hostile environmental conditions they are facing.
This multifaceted programme serves as a lifeline for farmers as it embeds climate-smart practices into their routines, from soil conservation techniques and water management to sustainable crop rotation and pest control methods that help minimize chemical dependency.
By integrating climate resilience into every aspect of farming, these schools are ensuring that nutrition within the community remains stable and sustainable, even in the face of climate adversi
The success of the Farmer Climate Business Schools underscores the power of partnerships in driving lasting change. The GRASP project, which is dedicated to supporting small and medium enterprises in Pakistan's rural and underserved regions, is engaging with multiple stakeholders to create a comprehensive support system for farmers.
The collaboration with FAO brings in global expertise in climate adaptation for agriculture, while RDF’s deep community knowledge ensures that the training resonates at the grassroots level, addressing the specific needs and constraints faced by local farmers.
Together, these partners have developed modules that are both educational and practical, focusing on long-term resilience and adaptation.
The efforts of these organizations have already reached hundreds of farmers across Sindh, with a measurable impact: reported crop losses have reduced by nearly 20% in areas where climate-smart practices are implemented, and soil productivity has shown a marked improvement. Moreover, the retention of nutritious crop varieties is helping to prevent malnutrition in communities where agricultural output directly affects daily diets.
Moving forward, the Farmer Climate Business Schools will form Farmer Marketing Collectives where a group of farmers join forces to book bigger orders, connect with lead firms in their regions, and participate in business expos within and outside Pakistan to promote their products.
The Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre, supports and strengthens small and medium enterprises in Pakistan's Sindh and Balochistan regions. By focusing on market linkages, policy reform, and value chain development, GRASP promotes sustainable growth and economic resilience. This project empowers rural communities, fosters inclusivity, and enhances the local economy.
