China-IFAD SSTC Facility Event Showcases Climate-Smart Solutions

***News in Brief:*China-IFAD SSTC Facility is hosting an event on 29 May to showcase climate-smart agricultural solutions that are cost-effective. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and its Chinese partners, the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), are hosting a significant event on May 29 at Egerton University in Kenya. This event will spotlight effective and affordable climate-smart solutions. It will be both virtual and in-person, making it accessible to a broad audience. Small-scale farmers worldwide face the harsh realities of climate change. Unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and an increase in pests and diseases threaten their livelihoods. To tackle these challenges, climate-smart agriculture is essential. This approach not only helps farmers adapt but also ensures food security and sustainable development. The China-IFAD SSTC Facility promotes innovative rural development solutions. It facilitates knowledge sharing among IFAD member states by utilising expertise from China and other developing regions. For example, in Rwanda and Kenya, local microfinance institutions are developing customised financial products for farmers, like loans for agricultural equipment. Another project in Vietnam adapts a sustainable eco-agricultural system from China, integrating mulberry trees, fish, and silk production. This model supports local aquaculture and eco-tourism while preserving cultural heritage. The event provides a forum to demonstrate successful climate-resilient solutions funded by the Facility and promote knowledge exchange on building agricultural resilience. Discussions will cover the effectiveness, cost, and sustainability of these solutions, and explore opportunities for scaling them up. Prominent speakers, including Sara Mbago-Bhunu from IFAD, Hongyong Mei from China's UN representation, and representatives from various organisations, will share insights and successful case studies. This event is a valuable opportunity for African farmers and others worldwide to learn about practical solutions to climate change challenges. By adopting climate-smart agriculture practices, small-scale farmers can secure their livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development. For more information and to join the event, follow  @IFADSouthAsia | @IFADEastAfrica on Twitter, or @IFADAsia on LinkedIn.

Event Details

• **Where:**Egerton University, Agricultural Resource Center (ARC) Hotel, Nakuru County, Kenya
• Date: 29 May 2024
• Time: 10:00 am-11:30 am (Kenya); 15:00-16:30 (Beijing)
• **To attend in person, contact:**Melina Breitegger | m.breitegger@ifad.org
• To join online: register**here**