Developing countries recognize the urgent need to adapt agrifood systems to climate change, but most National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are struggling to address key risks or protect vulnerable groups due to severe financing and capacity gaps, according to a landmark report released on Tuesday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The study highlights a striking disparity: agrifood systems require over half of adaptation finance yet receive just 20% of global funds. Technical capacity shortages, weak coordination, and limited private sector engagement also create barriers to implementation.
Climate Risks and Vulnerable Groups Often Underaddressed
Only 16% of adaptation actions in agrifood systems directly tackle climate risks, with a mere 14% addressing needs of vulnerable populations like women and Indigenous peoples. Loss and damage in agriculture already exceed other sectors, underscoring urgent adaptation needs.
Evidence-Based Planning and Monitoring Need Strengthening
Just one-third of countries’ NAPs use robust climate risk assessments. More comprehensive data and prioritization methods are essential for effective adaptation strategy design and tracking progress.
Closing the Gap to Secure Food Systems and Livelihoods
FAO’s Director of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, Kaveh Zahedi, emphasizes closing finance and capacity gaps to protect food security. Mobilizing investment and enhancing institutional ability remains critical for adapting agrifood systems under climate pressure.
Questions and Answers
Q: What percentage of adaptation finance do agrifood systems need versus receive?
A: Agrifood systems require 54% but only receive 20% of adaptation funding globally.
Q: How well do current NAPs address vulnerable populations?
A: Only 14% of agrifood adaptation actions specifically target vulnerable groups.
Q: What are main barriers to implementing agrifood adaptation plans?
A: Limited technical capacity, weak coordination, funding shortages, and poor private sector involvement.
Q: Why is improved monitoring important?
A: To ensure adaptation actions effectively reduce risks and protect food security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)?
NAPs are country strategies to identify climate risks and implement adaptation actions across sectors.
Why focus on agrifood systems?
Because they are highly vulnerable to climate change and vital for livelihoods and food security.
How can financing gaps be addressed?
By increasing international support, reprioritizing budgets, and engaging private finance.
Addressing these critical gaps in finance and capacity is pivotal to enhancing climate resilience in agrifood systems. Strengthened adaptation efforts will safeguard vulnerable populations and contribute to sustainable development goals.
