One of the side events during the COP22 November 2016 , was the meeting on Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Food Security with Conservation Agriculture in Africa and the Mediterranean Region. This side event held on the 7^th November was organized by four International networks that came together to address the development of Conservation Agriculture in Africa and the Mediterranean. Rèseau Innovation Agro-systèmes Mèditerranèens, www.rcmed.org, African Conservation Tillage network, www.act-africa.org, European Conservation Agriculture Federation, www.ecaf.org, Global Conservation Agriculture Community of Practice -Global CA-CoP linked to FAO, www.fao.org/ag/ca. The event brought together, farmers, CA promoting organizations, researchers, teachers, the private sector as well as decision makers. The session moderated by Professor Amir Kassam held discussions on

1. Pillars and benefits of Conservation Agriculture
2. The Role of Conservation Agriculture for climate Change mitigation and adaptation
3. Example of benefits for farmers and environment – testimonies of farmers
4. Needs of farmer and Farmer organizations for adoption and dissemination of Conservation Agriculture worldwide
5. Public policies to support Conservation Agriculture, Carbon storage and other ecosystem services

The panel discussion was on the role of Civil Society and public policies in the dissemination of conservation Agriculture worldwide to address climate change, land degradation and food security.

Summary Conclusions and Recommendations made

Conclusions:

1. Conservation Agriculture is an agro-system management approach, that is ergonomically sustainable, economically viable and that is provider of ecosystem services.
2. Conservation Agriculture plays a vital role in mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change.
3. CA promotes biodiversity and biological resources and preserves the natural processes by reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility and organic matter, and conserving water.
4. CA allows improved revenues and profits for farmers, through lower expenses on energy consumption, stabilization of yields, improving the crop calendar flexibility and also allows reducing greenhouse gases emissions.

Recommendations:

1. Conservation Agriculture should facilitate the implementation of the Declaration of Malabo (African Union-NEPAD) and the AAA initiative currently presented to COP22.
2. Integrate Conservation Agriculture in agricultural development programs as a tool against the effects of climate change, improving food security and the fight against poverty.
3. Invite countries to develop their national action plan for the adoption of Conservation Agriculture.

Operationalization of this plan is proposed to be through

1. Mobilization of human and material resources through the Ministries of Agriculture and its external services for implementation.
2. Planning of different implementation phases.
3. The development of a farm advisory and extension program dedicated to Conservation agriculture.
4. Strengthening measures of government incentives oriented to conventional agriculture with differentiated actions compared to conventional Agriculture.
5. Strengthening research, development and training capacities in the field of Conservation Agriculture.

Detailed document can be downloaded here