By 2030, the UN wants to reduce the exposure of the global poor to climate-related extreme events. Given that nearly two thirds of those earning less than $1.25 a day make a living from agriculture – an industry directly affected by climate change – rural communities must be a key focus for poverty alleviation.
To date, however, small-scale farmers and seasonal workers have struggled to access the finance they need to help them build resilience and tackle climate change risks. So what’s being done to address this imbalance and work towards the goal of ending rural poverty?
We’ll discuss
This seminar, supported by Oikocredit, brings together a panel of experts to debate:
- how companies along the agricultural supply chain can support early stage growers in developing countries
- the role of different funding initiatives, from impact investment to microfinance schemes
- how we’re measuring the impact of these initiatives
- the role of technology in helping farmers access finance
Our panel
Chair – Lucy Siegle, broadcaster and Guardian journalist
Lebi Hudson, general manager, Rungwe Smallholders Tea Association
Urvi Kelkar, livelihoods and economic impact manager, SABMiller
Frank Rubio, head of global agriculture, Oikocredit
Paul Steele, chief economist, International Institute for Environment and Development
Event information
Wednesday 21 September 2016, 6pm-8.30pm BST
The Guardian offices, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU
If you would like to put your name forward to attend, please fill in the form below. While this is a free event, please be aware that space is limited and priority will be given to individuals with relevant professional experience or research interests in sustainable agriculture, investment and development.
