MSMEs sustainable local materials , action that works towards the achievement of the SDG ’ s . A shift towards using renewable energy , for example , will align to the commitments of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change by working towards reducing the emission of greenhouse gases .
MSME ’ s contribution to the achievement of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction will bring the necessary shift in understanding that disaster risk management needs to be based on an understanding of disaster risk in all its dimensions of vulnerability , capacity , exposure of persons and assets , hazards characteristics and the environment .
MSME ’ s can profit from an understanding of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction , priorities , and targets . For example , MSME ’ s applying a risk lens in business practices ( lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic ) will ensure business continuity plans address issues such as technological risks emerging from the shift to Information , Communication and Technology ( ICT ) technologically to conduct businesses . Further , they need strategies to overcome heightened cyber security brought about by the new working data systems and networks .
The unprecedented effect on the supply chain means that MSME ’ s should formulate risk-informed contingency plans that favor the use of locally produced raw material or recycled materials . MSME ’ s risk assessments should apply a multihazard and specific hazard approach not withstanding applying climate scenarios in their production and choice of products ( coping with the changing weather patterns ).
MSME ’ s should encourage the preservation and use of data in the formulation of their build back better models . The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of real time data in handling disasters as well as the value of data transparency and privacy . The importance of early warning systems in business preparedness cannot be overstated . MSME ’ s can engage with relevant science , universities , colleges , outreach facilities , and learning institutions to generate , manage and analyze data knowledge and promote public awareness on issues of comprehensive disaster risk mitigation and preparedness .
Climate change adaptation goes beyond environmental considerations as it impacts all aspects of humanity and requires a multi-disciplinary approach . According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC ) Climate change means a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods . Impacts include land and forest degradation , loss of biodiversity and desertification .
MSME ’ s can build their climate action capacity through partnerships with academia to seek solutions in mainstreaming climate change in their business operations . For example , integrating decision making with meteorological data will support MSME ’ s in the agribusiness due to their reliance on raw materials . Changes in weather patterns can also influence the demand for goods and services . It is therefore critical for MSME ’ s to increase climate knowledge as a means of business sustainability .
The New Urban Agenda works as an accelerator of the Sustainable Development Goals ( particularly SDG 11 ). It provides the global principles , policies and standards required to achieve sustainable urban development , to transform the way we construct , manage , operate , and live in our cities . MSME ’ s as a key partner to government should therefore ensure that issues such as building codes , infrastructure , waste management etc . work towards the broader vision of sustainability .
The Addis Ababa Action Agenda ( AAAA ) provides a global framework for financing sustainable development by aligning all financing flows and policies with economic , social , and environmental priorities . Notwithstanding the fact that MSME ’ s are key partners for governments in financing for development and can align their business priorities taking into consideration social and environmental considerations .
MSME ’ s can be seen as sustainable development incubators given their role in providing products and services , creating jobs , fostering innovation and value creation . According to the SME Competitiveness Outlook 2019 published by the International Trade Centre ( ITC ), $ 1 trillion of investment in SME ’ s globally would unlock their ability to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals , while at the same time generating returns for investors . Currently , less than 1 % of funds under global asset managers have been invested in developing MSME ’ s .
The Agenda for Humanity is a fivepoint plan which outlines changes that are required to alleviate human suffering , reduce risk , and lessen vulnerability on a global scale . Over the years MSME ’ s have contributed to the building of community resilience in ways yet to be adequately grasped . A deeper look at the Agenda for Humanity focuses MSME financial and human resources towards preparedness and reducing vulnerability rather than on humanitarian response .
The Humanitarian approach is more heavily skewed towards a response framework which supports post impact work , unlike pre-impact investment in mitigation and preparedness which offers better chances for enduring , relevant , and applicable solutions . Investment in mitigation and preparedness planning also significantly save MSME resources - human , infrastructural and financial , as opposed to response and recovery resource allocation .
The role of MSME ’ s in contributing to the achievement of the post-2015 development agenda is evident and has direct implications for not only supporting global objectives , but for measurable local adaptations offering enduring , data informed solutions . It is incumbent on the different actors to work in a coherent approach so that all the investment and gains thus far contribute to the resilience of the planet and its people and the ongoing work and production that supports human development . ■
Muthoni Njogu is a Social Entrepreneur and Lead , Mweiga Youth Empowerment Group . You can commune with her via email at :
Njogumuthoni @ yahoo . com .
MAL 47 / 22 ISSUE 87