Global Farmer Voice Survey: 75% of Farmers Report Climate Change Impacts

The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey indicates that 75% of farmers worldwide are affected by climate change, with concerns about yield reductions and revenue losses. The survey highlights the openness of farmers to adopting new technologies and the need for access to innovative solutions to enhance resilience in agricultural practices. Collaboration is emphasized as a key element in enabling smallholder farmers to engage in regenerative agriculture and successfully tackle climate challenges.

A recent survey conducted by Kynetec on behalf of Bayer reveals that climate change is significantly affecting farmers globally. The survey indicates that 75 percent of farmers are either impacted by climate change or concerned about its effects, with reduced yields being a primary worry for 71 percent of them. Moreover, 60 percent of farmers have reported considerable revenue losses attributed to unusual weather patterns in recent years. The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey covered 2,000 farmers across eight countries, including China, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the U.S., with approximately 300 Chinese farmers participating. The findings show a willingness among farmers to embrace innovative solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change, with 75 percent expressing readiness to adopt new technologies. The desire for yields improvement, resilience in farming practices, and safeguarding livelihoods is driving this shift towards regenerative and technologically advanced farming methods. Among Chinese farmers, the primary concerns identified include price and income volatility, rising fertilizer costs, and an increased risk of crop damage from pests and diseases. Furthermore, there is a particular emphasis on the necessity for access to genetically modified seeds that can thrive under extreme weather conditions. Interestingly, 49 percent of the surveyed Chinese farmers have already incorporated digital technology into their operations, with another 27 percent planning to increase their usage in the future. As stated by Rodrigo Santos from Bayer, “when you look at the survey, it is evident that innovation is a crucial factor. Farmers are very interested in why we talk about climate change in cities. Climate change is affecting farmers’ livelihoods, and this impact is different from the frequent rainfall I experience at my home in St. Louis.” Santos further highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to bolster farmers’ adaptability and innovation in the face of persisting challenges such as global food security and climate change. He pointed out that technological access is not uniform, with larger farmers more likely to benefit compared to smallholder farmers who face difficulties in obtaining technology and technical support. Collaboration remains critical, especially in providing financial aid and resources to empower smallholders to engage actively in regenerative agriculture practices. He affirmed, “That’s why we have so many global collaborations to provide support to smallholder farmers; they can also be part of the solution for regenerative agriculture. This is only possible by collaboration.”

The impact of climate change on agriculture has become a critical issue worldwide, prompting farmers to adapt their practices to mitigate its effects. The agriculture sector is highly sensitive to climatic fluctuations, which affect crop yields and threaten the livelihoods of farmers. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and their readiness to adopt innovative practices is crucial for addressing these challenges and enhancing agricultural sustainability. The Global Farmer Voice survey sheds light on the current state of farmers’ concerns, their willingness to implement new technologies, and the necessity for collaboration and support to ensure food security in the face of climate change.

The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey illustrates the profound impact of climate change on farmers globally. With a significant majority expressing concern over yield reductions and financial losses, the inclination towards adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices is evident. The necessity for collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and farmers is essential for fostering an environment conducive to agricultural resilience and sustainability. Investments in technology and support for smallholder farmers are vital to empower them to navigate the ongoing challenges posed by climate change effectively.

Original Source: www.stdaily.com