Despite increasing recognition of the role of agriculture in climate change adaptation and mitigation, the United Nations climate talks in Qatar postponed the discussion of agriculture in the negotiations until next year.

An article in the Swazi Observer says Swaziland Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mduduzi Dlamini, has urged players in agriculture and food security to remain focused and collaborate.

Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre, Tony Simons, likened the postponement to “inviting people to dinner and telling them that they will eat at a later day”.

Both were attending the fifth Agriculture, Landscapes and Livelihoods Day (ALL-5) held in conjunction with the climate talks. Scientists, farmers, policy makers, non-governmental organizations and researchers at ALL-5 called for the prioritization of agriculture in the climate negotiations.

They argue that while agriculture is responsible for many of the emissions that contribute to climate change, the sector also has the potential to mitigate emissions and for farmers to introduce adaptation strategies.

Amid the frustration there was considerable optimism that negotiators would realize the important role agricultures has to play.

Read the full story: Small Joe calls for farmers’ unity at Doha