In the context of COVID-19, the World Bank has recently carried out a survey of 15 indigenous communities in six countries.

What made some Indigenous peoples resilient and others not?

Three critical factors emerged: 

1. natural capital, 
2. cultural capital, and 
3. social capital  

The full survey results have not yet been published, but you can read a World Bank blog about the study here: Indigenous Peoples’ resilience: Supporting solutions from within

Annette McGill

Despite their limited resources, smallholder farmers are already acting on climate resilience - out of necessity. And their own member-based organisations are stepping in to help them. 

Session 6E looked at the practical options for smallholders and local groups to build their own resilience – about what their organisations offer, how they manage their farms and forests, what they sell, and what technology and infrastructure they choose to invest in. 

The session aimed to show that that local organisational and associational capability is fundamental for nature-based solutions to be sustained.

Two case studies showed local resilience in action:
FEDPRACAO-CBBA in Bolivia are building cocoa based agroforestry systems and have a national federation to support their work. 

Tanzania Tree Growers Associations Union (TTGAU) is helping tree planters groups with climate-resistant seedling production for timber and diversifying into avocado. This is long-term resilience in action – and can be spread with effective support. 

The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) - a partnership steered by FAO, IIED, IUCN and Agricord - has an impressive track record of providing support in a range of countries in Latin America, Africa and South Asia. 

FFF evidence shows that where resilience is increasing it is because local organisational strength and innovation is spreading. Participants discussed how this can be further supported, and scaled up massively, with astute climate finance. They also discussed  what policy commitments the hoped to see during COP26 and other upcoming international policy forums. 

Annette McGill

This presentation profiled work to enhance cocoa-based agroforestry in Bolivia

Question: What changes in your businesses helped improve climate resilience?

Answer: Capacity building about climate-resilient cocoa for young people and four learning exchanges meant to improve strategies in cacao's value chain.

(See slide below)

Annette McGill