Empowering Africa’s small holder farmers: Navigating EU deforestation regulations for a sustainable future

By Carolyne Tomno

Africa’s agricultural landscape is heavily intertwined with its forests. As nearly 90% of deforestation activities are linked to commodity production, the EU, being Africa’s largest trading partner, plays a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s export market. The new regulations, although aimed at preserving the environment,have raised concerns about the impact they may have on smallholder farmers.

EU Regulations

Gillian Kabwe, an associate professor from the School of Natural Resources in Zambia’s Copper-belt region, emphasizes that the export market for African crops is heavily influenced by the standards and regulations set by the EU. ‘’Any, farm established after 2020 may be cut off from the supply chain unless they comply with these stringent measures”. Explains Kabwe.

She adds that unless urgent steps are taken the supply chain of import cash crops like coffee, cocoa and soya will be affected. She also expressed concern over the ageing population of African Farmers.

Nancy Rapando, the future food leader at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), highlighted the importance of protecting the ecosystem. She cautioned that smallholder farmers might be excluded from the supply chain if they fail to meet these new standards, which many are unaware of. Rapando says that women and Indigenous Peoples, who rely on these forests for their livelihoods should be put at the centre of the discussions surrounding the EU regulations.

Many farmers remain unaware of the new regulations. Comprehensive knowledge-sharing efforts are needed to ensure that farmers can adopt integrated land-use practices and avoid encroaching on conservation areas. Governments and other stakeholders should build capacities to in terms of data collection ensure farmers do not lose on the lucrative export market. She adds that, smallholder farmers have the potential to earn money from other related initiatives like carbon credits.

While technology, artificial intelligence, and traceability are crucial in implementing these new standards and regulations, the panel of experts at the GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference ,stressed the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge and agroecology practices. By merging modern technology with traditional wisdom, smallholder farmers can benefit from extension services and play a more active role in these evolving markets.

We envision commodity value chains that are sustainable for people and the planet,” said Christopher Brett, Lead of the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program. Through FOLUR, we are sharing lessons learned from 27 countries across eight commodities, integrating smallholder farmers into markets and producing high-quality and sustainable commodities.”

Transforming food systems to reduce environmental degradation and negative externalities requires integration of investments across entire supply chains and focusing on specific levers such as governance and policy, financial leverage, innovation, and multi-stakeholder dialogue; programmatic risk appetite to achieve impact at scale; and design for resilience,” said Peter Umunay, a Senior Environmental Specialist and Lead for the FOLUR and Food Systems Programs at the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

However, challenges persist, Smallholder farmers often lack participation in policy-making and implementation processes, and there is a need for further assessment of deforestation impacts across the continent.

Sustainable farming practices

Kenya, for example, has made strides by promoting the planting of the Melia volkensii tree in arid and semiarid areas, providing a consistent source of income and timber products for farmers hence reducing the need for deforestation says Ruffo Gano Jillo from the  Kenya  forest service

The Kenya Forest Service is harnessing technology to facilitate tree planting, and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute is digitizing seed sources, improving the quality of reforestation efforts.

Community Voices

Mwanahawa Salim from Kwale county natural resources network and Kenya Tree Farmers Association, emphasized that trees are not only vital for conservation but also play a significant role in income generation, food security, and environmental sustainability. Annie Kairaba from the Centre for Inclusive and sustainable development in Rwanda, says more tree nurseries should be established  by farmers to provide  seedlings  to  grow  trees.” Farmers should invest more in tree nurseries to have more tree seedlings” says Kairaba .

Recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge, as highlighted by Annie Kairaba from the Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Rwanda, says this will be crucial in shaping farming manuals and practices.

Addressing the Africa context

And as the EU’s new regulations loom large, Africa is at a critical juncture, seeking ways to align conservation, agriculture, and the needs of its smallholder farmers. Over 7,200 leading scientists, activists, Indigenous leaders, financiers, women, youth, policymakers, the private sector and 235 speakers convened in Nairobi and online from 130 countries to explore local solutions to the global climate crisis