Journalist and part-time shepherd Tim Metcalfe blows his own trumpet (a bit)

Smallholders and family farms could be doing more for the world than many people may think. A new report from agricultural research organisation Food Tank shows that small family farms are not only feeding the world but also nourishing the planet by developing effective ways to address global food security, increase income, protect biodiversity, and conserve the environment for a growing population. There is more to the good life than muck and magic.

According to research in the Food Tank report, family farmers around the globe are developing approaches to combat climate change and create resilience to food price shocks, natural disasters and conflict. Agro-forestry, inter-cropping, cover crops and green manure, solar drip irrigation, integrated pest management and planting indigenous crops are helping protect natural resources, improving nutrient density and increasing farmers’ incomes.

Despite growth of large-scale farms around the world, smallholders and family farms still make up the majority of global agriculture.

“Smallholder and family farmers are the backbone of food production all over the world,” said Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank president. “We need to bring more attention to what’s being implemented by family farmers on the ground because what they are doing is working. These innovative practices, which are grounded in farmers’ knowledge, are nourishing communities and protecting the planet’s resources at the same time.” The report also found that family farmers are helping to protect plant diversity across the world. By planting diversified and indigenous crops, family farmers can produce higher yields than those who produce only one type of crop.

Supporting family farmers’ livelihoods through facilitating access to markets can have a substantial and significant effect on increasing rural incomes, which includes 70 per cent of the world’s poor. Food Tank also found that the impact of family extends beyond the farm sector.

Small farmers also spend a large share of their income locally, creating a demand for local goods and services. “Family farmers deserve to be recognised for the multiple roles they play – as business women and men, innovators, teachers and stewards of the land. Family farmers need our recognition and our support now, not later,” said Caterina Batello, senior agricultural officer of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who provided research material for the report.

The report concludes that, with increased support from research institutions and investment from relevant institutions, family farmers could help achieve the important goal of global food security, conserve environmental resources, and even see national economies grow.

Watch Food Tank’s short movie, Family Farmers + You = Nourished World at youtube.com/watch?v=TQd6LpBVxIk