Over 80 experts gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat to address the challenges of food security and climate finance amid declining global spending. The event emphasized the urgency of resource mobilization for climate adaptation and resilience. Key solutions discussed include integrating climate-smart agriculture, enhancing soil management, and improving data collection to support stronger food systems in response to climate change.
A recent event held at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London focused on the challenges linking food security and climate finance, amidst declining global development funding. Hosted by the Commonwealth and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, over 80 experts convened to discuss solutions to these urgent issues. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland remarked on the critical nature of food security and climate finance, emphasizing their ties to resource mobilization for climate adaptation. She pointed out that inadequate climate finance and uneven developmental financing create barriers for vulnerable nations to overcome these challenges.
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the significance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy, contributing 25% of GDP and sustaining 70% of the workforce. He noted the sector’s challenges including deforestation in the south and desertification in the north, which threatens food security and economic growth. International NGOs contributed insights on the complex relationship between agriculture and food security, stressing that crop cultivation does not guarantee nutritional access, particularly with the rise of tobacco farms in East Africa.
In smaller breakout groups, participants discussed integrating climate-smart agriculture with investment strategies. Issues like carbon credits were compared to a maze, with calls to promote the wider value of sustainable practices. Suggestions included adding soil quality indicators to food labels to encourage better agricultural practices while protecting land. Furthermore, the need for cohesive policies was recognized, as collaboration across departments is vital for building resilient food systems that leverage climate finance.
The roundtable identified key outcomes focused on holistic approaches to national food systems. Emerging topics included improving soil management, water irrigation systems, production methods, and storage facilities. Quality data collection related to weather, production, and post-harvest losses was deemed essential, along with enhancing market access and developing equitable, gender-responsive climate financing strategies. These insights will guide Commonwealth programmes and inform strategies to unlock climate finance amid ongoing global challenges.
The roundtable event highlighted the critical intersection of food security and climate finance, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions. Experts identified key strategies, including improved agricultural practices and robust data collection, as essential for building resilient food systems. Furthermore, the dialogue underscored the importance of cross-departmental collaboration to mobilize resources effectively, ensuring that vulnerable communities are supported in addressing these pressing global challenges.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
