The Resilient Food Systems (RFS) program is one of three Integrated Approach Pilot programs financed by the GEF during the sixth replenishment cycle (GEF-6). It aims to improve the resilience and sustainability of smallholder agricultural systems while generating global environmental benefits. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the RFS program has continued to progress with advancing integrated solutions in smallholder agriculture across dryland regions in Africa.
The report highlights emerging lessons and experiences from 12 different countries, including examples of how RFS projects are delivering global environmental benefits while building the resilience of smallholder farming communities and production systems to stresses and shocks – work that is essential for responding to crises now and in the future. It underscores, among other things, the importance of strategic partnerships to develop and implement strong knowledge systems, nature-based solutions that attract private investments, and innovative adaptation actions that leverage technological solutions and integrate gendered perspectives.