Growing Climate Resilience Regenerative Agriculture at University Demonstration Farms

Agriculture remains one of the most climate sensitive anthropocentric activities on the planet today. Conventional farming practices undoubtedly contribute to climate change but also are likely to be most impacted by it. Thus, there is a growing call for adaptive, sustainable solutions that prioritize environmental stewardship without compromising food security. The 2023 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) global climate meeting (COP28) marked a pivotal moment as more than 150 countries recognized a critical role for sustainable agriculture in addressing climate change. Regenerative agriculture emerges as an important tool, embracing practices that bolster biodiversity, reduce synthetic inputs, and minimize soil erosion. It aims to help curb greenhouse gas emissions, make resilient food systems, and emphasize the centrality of farming communities. Central to this paradigm shift is a focus on improving soil health, including the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon and help mitigate ongoing warming trends.
University demonstration farms emerge as pivotal catalysts in unlocking the potential of regenerative agriculture. Join us for discussion between the University of Pennsylvania and Great Lakes University Kisumu (Kenya), delving into how these participatory agriculture research centers foster collaboration among farmers, animal and climate scientists, veterinarians, and policymakers and serve as living laboratories for scaling up climate-smart practices through applied participatory research and knowledge exchange.