The Commonwealth Secretariat hosted a roundtable in London with over 80 experts to discuss the urgent issues of food security and climate finance amidst global funding cuts. The event, in collaboration with Nigeria, highlighted the interconnectedness of these challenges and emphasized the need for innovative solutions and improved data management. Key outcomes focused on holistic approaches and strengthening agricultural value chains.
This week, over 80 experts gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London to address the intertwined issues of food security and climate finance against a backdrop of decreasing global development funding. This event, titled the Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security, was organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, highlighting urgent needs amid pressing challenges.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for facilitating this crucial dialogue in a pre-recorded message. She emphasized the critical link between food security and climate finance, stating, “This is a moment of real urgency. Across the Commonwealth, food security and climate finance are not just policy challenges – they are existential imperatives.”
Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji presented Nigeria’s perspective on the importance of integrating innovation with climate and food security. He noted, “Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving 25% of our GDP and providing livelihoods for 70% of our workforce,” while also acknowledging significant challenges, such as deforestation in the south and desertification in the north.
Participants discussed the complexity surrounding food security and climate change, particularly the need for nutrient-rich crops versus basic agriculture. They highlighted the increasing focus on tobacco farming in East Africa, wherein land is cultivated but not leading to food production.
Three focused groups were designated to explore bridging climate-smart agriculture with global finance. Delegates shared their insights about carbon credits, one stating that their promotion should focus on broader good practices. Suggestions were made to include soil quality information on food labels to incentivize sustainable production practices.
The dialogue revealed complexities in navigating policy frameworks which impede interdepartmental cooperation essential for enhancing food security and accessing climate finance. Digitalization was recognized as a vital tool for implementing climate-smart agriculture, necessitating enhanced coordination and reliable data exchange among countries.
Outcomes from the roundtable underscored the importance of holistic approaches toward national food systems, focusing on improving infrastructure, technologies, and strengthening value chains. Other topics included better soil management, irrigation systems, improved production methods, and the need for thorough data collection on relevant factors affecting agriculture and climate finance.
The roundtable facilitated essential discussions on the intersection of food security and climate finance, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts and holistic strategies. Key outcomes included the importance of integrating innovative practices and improved data collection to bolster agriculture and climate resilience. These insights will guide future programs aimed at mobilizing financial resources to combat the food and climate crises.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
