The important role of family farmers in mitigating, adapting, and even reversing climate change needs to be considered in the UN climate change talks, says an article on the website of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR).

Agroforestry is highlighted as a practice that can sequester carbon while raising farmers’ income as well as helping farmers to diversify their income source. “Promoting agroforestry -- on large and small farms alike -- can protect the ecosystem that farmers depend on for income and mitigate climate change,” says the article.

The article calls on delegates at the climate talks to recognize agriculture's potential to combat climate change and “celebrate the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) by investing in policies and practices that improve food and nutrition security and raise incomes for farmers around the globe”.

Farmers around the world are also preserving biodiversity through planting a range of crops. Growing crops that are naturally resilient to high temperatures, flooding, and disease -- and are also nutrient dense -- can be a win-win for farmers.

Read the full story: Don't Forget Family Farmers in the Battle Against Climate Change at COP 20