By Abdullahi Lukman
With over 800 million people currently suffering hunger globally, a joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has underscored the urgent need for the deployment of climate technologies to address food insecurity and the growing impacts of climate change on global agrifood systems.
The report emphasizes the critical role of innovation in transforming agrifood systems to enhance resilience, reduce emissions, and promote inclusivity in low- and middle-income countries, where agriculture plays a central role in the economy.
The report notes that food insecurity is continuing to rise worldwide.
The UNFCCC aims to leverage climate technologies to enhance agricultural productivity, promote resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key technologies highlighted include drought-resistant crops, climate-smart irrigation, and agroforestry practices that improve water conservation and soil protection.
Diane Husic, a steering committee member of the UNFCCC, stresses the importance of the report, saying that it fills a critical gap in understanding where and how climate technologies can be most effective in agrifood systems.
She points out, however, that translating the report’s complex findings into actionable, on-the-ground solutions in rural areas remains a challenge.
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The report advocates for targeted initiatives like Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs), which help identify the most suitable technologies for specific regions based on local needs and challenges.
TNAs provide a framework for developing interventions that consider cultural practices, financial constraints, and technical expertise gaps.
These assessments lead to Technology Action Plans (TAPs), which outline steps for implementing climate technologies, such as securing financing and fostering local expertise.
While Husic acknowledges the promise of climate technologies, she warns that they are only one part of the solution.
Addressing underlying issues such as behavior, food waste, and the root causes of climate change is essential for creating long-term sustainability.
The report calls for increased investments in climate technology transfer, capacity building, and public-private partnerships, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable regions, to ensure that climate solutions reach marginalized communities.
Husic also highlights the ongoing challenge of securing adequate climate finance for agrifood systems, noting that only a small portion of global climate finance is directed toward this sector.
As climate technologies become an integral part of efforts to combat food insecurity and climate change, ensuring their accessibility and scalability will be key to building sustainable, resilient agrifood systems worldwide.
