Rapid relief funds will help communities recover following environmental catastrophes and food crises
As the global population grows, it is not just one factor that threatens food security but several interconnected threats that will continue to make it difficult to produce enough food for everyone. The combination of population growth, climate change and inefficient use of resources will continue to pressurise the food system, and a concerted effort will have to be made to tackle these issues. A new report from the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change details the actions that will need to be co-ordinated globally to achieve food security as the climate changes.
In their report, the Commission recommends several steps towards achieving a global population that is healthier and more resilient to sudden changes in environmental conditions. They have also highlighted a number of regions where action is already being taken, which demonstrates that their targets are attainable. Some of their key recommendations are:
Increase global investment in sustainable agriculture
Further investment is required in agriculture, right down to smallholder farmers who can be helped by being educated in how to farm in a sustainable way. China has made a significant investment in its agricultural research and development, which has led to the introduction of new technologies such as water-saving irrigation in many rural areas.
Build mitigation and adaptation to climate change into global and national policies
As a country that faces issues of large-scale deforestation, Brazil has implemented policies to reduce the amount of illegal logging through satellite monitoring, and to reduce the amount of emissions created by forestry and agriculture.
Sustainable agricultural intensification
‘Sustainable intensification’ may sound like an oxymoron but the future of agriculture will require an increase in the productivity of land whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plantwise plant clinics help farmers to reduce crop losses by identifying pests and diseases that impact crop yield, and give advice on how to treat these pests, therefore helping farmers to get the most out of their land. Vietnam’s use of Integrated Crop Management has helped farmers to reduce the amount of fertilizers they use, and therefore lowered methane and nitrous dioxide emissions.
Help those most vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity
The development of rapid relief funds will help communities recover following environmental catastrophes and food crises. In Australia, climate predictions and forecasts of climatic events such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation are helping farmers to adapt their farming practices to changes in climate.
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