1. Coping with Climate Change:How indigenous peoples and traditional agricultural communities are using agrobiodiversity to adapt?Sibonginkosi ‘Bongie’ Khumalo-Mungoni AfricaAdapt Symposium, Addis Ababa, 9-11 March 2011

2. Overview Introducing the PAR The project on climate change The synthesis report Lessons learnt Conclusions and recommendations Challenges and opportunities ahead

3. The Platform Why Agrobiodiversity? Central to livelihoods and well being of millions of rural communities , IPs and farmers. The one resource upon which families , communities and future generations depend A subject overlooked in conservation and CC discussions, despite it’s importance for rural livelihoods and the development of adequate adaptation and mitigation strategies for agriculture, Goal: Enhance the sustainable use and management of ABD in all its different aspects. Purpose: is to help generate the knowledge required to support an alternative model for agriculture that more fully reflects ecosystem and social perspectives and ensures that agrobiodiversity contributes fully to sustainable improvements in production. A global multi-stakeholder partnership which brings together researchers and other practitioners to share knowledge and experiences that can improve the maintenance and use of agrobiodiversity

4. The Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research (PAR)contd Website:http://agrobiodiversityplatform.org/ Information and Knowledge Hub. Raise the awareness on importance of agricultural biodiversity Example ABD and CC: http://climate-agrobiodiversityplatform.org/ ABD and pests: http://cropdiversity-agrobiodiversityplatform.org/ Social networking tool for ABD practitioners Build virtual relationships

5. The project on climate change “The use of agrobiodiversity to manage climate change – charting experiences from rural communities and indigenous peoples” supports the projects’ work implemented the project hosts the secretariat of “The Platform” and the project

7. Mapping the information

9. Lessons learnt Adaptation dynamics

10. Conclusions Three general conclusions 1. Adapting involves a range of different actions at all three levels: Species, ecosystem or landscape and agricultural systems . Species: Inter and intra species diversity is protected , used and redistributed to strengthen resilience and maintain production in stress prone environments. Ecosystem: Activities here aim to mitigate and buffer the effects of CC through ecosystem protection and restoration, landscape rehabilitation and sustainable use of natural resources. Agricultural systems: The resilience of local food systems is enhanced through diversification and the sustainable management of water and soil. Innovation is based on both TK and new information; the social, cultural and political dimensions are key; 3.Use of traditional crop and livestock species/varieties/breeds, with new materials has been a common feature

11. Specific Conclusions and recommendations The resilience of local food systems and their adaptation to change can be enhanced through a strategy of diversification; Ecosystem protection and restoration can reduce the adverse effects of climate change on local food systems; Resilience and adaptability seem to be enhanced by the use of sustainable agricultural practices; On diversity

12. Specific Conclusions and recommend. Adaptation involves maintenance of intra- and inter-species and access to new diversity; The need to adapt to climate change has often led to the revival of traditional practices; The continuous process of innovation required involves the use of traditional knowledge combined with access to new knowledge; Materials, Knowledge, Access

13. Conclusions and recomm. Social networks Adaptation solutions are local; Adaptation activities are undertaken at community level; Local agrobiodiversity-based solutions create opportunities for integration of adaptation and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights;

14. Challenges and opportunities Develop indicators of adaptation, adaptability and resilience; Support for, and maintenance of, local social and cultural institutions; Ensure continuous and easy access to a range of diverse crop varieties, Agroforestry species and livestock types Combined with further development of such materials through locally based selection or breeding activities. Support the maintenance of TK combined with access to new information and materials; Support the development and adoption of locally appropriate improved agronomic practices;

15. To recap ABD has a key role to play in adaptation to climate change and to improving adaptability and resilience in agro-ecosystems

16. Join the Platform , visit www.agrobiodiversityplatform.org

17. Thank you for your attention