Dubai, December 10, 2023 (IPS) – Africa is facing a pressing agricultural crisis as rising temperatures make farming increasingly challenging. Prolonged dry spells, extreme climate events, and erratic rainfall have left current agriculture and farming systems ill-prepared to adapt to climate change. In response to this urgent issue, COP28 in Dubai has introduced a landmark declaration, the Food and Agriculture Declaration, endorsed by over 130 world leaders. This declaration is positioned as a key solution to bridge the gap between food and agriculture systems and climate change.
Climate Change Impacts on Farming Practices
Farmers across Africa are grappling with heightened sun intensity and irregular rainfall, rendering traditional weather prediction methods obsolete. Food basket regions in numerous African countries are disappearing from agricultural belts due to the escalating effects of climate change.
The Food and Agriculture Declaration: A Two-Fold Solution
Jyotsna Puri, Associate Vice President at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), emphasizes the significance of the Food and Agriculture Declaration in addressing the intertwined challenges of agriculture, food systems, and climate change. The declaration recognizes the dual need to build sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient food systems while addressing agriculture's substantial contribution to global emissions.
IFAD's Strategic Role in Climate-Resilient Agriculture
In the serene expanses of rural landscapes, where generations have toiled the land, a silent battle unfolds. Small farmers, custodians of age-old traditions, find themselves on the front lines of a new and unpredictable adversary – extreme weather. As the earth's climate becomes increasingly capricious, these farmers, often overlooked in the grand narrative of agriculture, are facing unprecedented challenges that jeopardize not only their livelihoods but the very fabric of their communities.
For a deeper exploration of the challenges posed by climate change and the efforts to nurture resilience among small farmers, I invite you to read our article titled 'Harvesting Hope: Nurturing Resilience Among Small Farmers in a Changing Climate.' This insightful discussion sheds light on the broader implications and possible ways forward in addressing the issues faced by our rural communities.
The Call for Just and Equitable Solutions
Puri emphasizes the necessity for just and equitable solutions, particularly in regions like Africa, where climate uncertainties pose a significant threat to food and agriculture production. A focus on building strong local value chains is advocated as an approach that can transform food systems in alignment with local challenges and solutions.
People-Centered Solutions for Smallholder Farmers
Highlighting that 70% of the world's food is produced by smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia, Puri stresses the declaration's role in providing a lifeline for these climate-impacted constituencies. The transformative potential lies in the opportunity to reshape food and agriculture systems in a just and equitable manner.
The Nexus Between Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Puri delves into the intricate connection between sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient food systems, and climate change. Global emissions have led to adverse effects on production and increased hunger, derailing progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Adapting Agriculture to a Changing Climate
Acknowledging radical shifts in weather patterns, Puri advocates for a rethinking of agriculture through technology and digital solutions. Farmers must adapt to changes that include new market dynamics influenced by regulations like the European Union's restrictions on agricultural produce linked to deforestation.
Implementing the Agriculture Declaration: A Critical Step
While acknowledging the transformative potential of the Agriculture Declaration, Puri underscores that its success hinges on implementation and financial commitment. The article stresses the importance of financing and investments in agriculture, food systems, and value chains to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.
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