IICA has identified resilience in the agricultural sector as a priority and is currently addressing this area through one of its flagship projects.
Ottawa, ON. Most agree that the adverse ecological and economic impacts of climate change on agriculture can be reduced through successful adaptation. IICA has identified resilience in the sector as a priority and is currently addressing this area through one of its flagship projects. IICA recognizes the importance of coordinated action by all countries in the hemisphere to help farmers adapt to climate change impacts.
Given the opportunity to support professional development and contribute to knowledge exchange between Canada and IICA member countries, IICA Canada sponsored an internship at a Canadian institution specializing in agricultural adaptation to climate change.
The Innovation and Adaptation Services Branch of the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Agriculture hosted Dr. Anthony Thomas on an assignment to identify resiliency indicators and best practices in performance management. The British Columbia Agriculture & Food Climate Action Initiative (CAI) has conducted risk and opportunity assessments in relation to BC agriculture and climate change and completed regional adaptation strategies.
Dr. Thomas took into consideration the FAO’s Climate Smart Agriculture approach and developed recommendations for the Ministry’s performance measurement strategy. He developed a performance management framework and a monitoring and evaluation system to assist in measuring progress towards resilience in the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Thomas completed a jurisdictional scan to provide a synopsis of the BC program and to identify the knowledge products (i.e. tools and methodologies) that can be contextualized to agricultural adaptation programs in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC). The processes and tools used in the BC program which may be transferable to planned adaptation programs in LAC countries were highlighted.
Efforts are underway to share outputs of the internship with IICA colleagues and partners. IICA Canada anticipates that this will make a valuable contribution to the Institute’s work in agricultural resiliency.
