GCF addresses climate farming challenges in expert panel

GCF co-organised a consultation and technical meeting on climate change, agriculture and food systems with Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Center.

Participants from governments, international organisations, CSOs, private sector and academia joined a panel of experts in climate finance, rural livelihoods and development, food security, agricultural production and food systems on the technical consultation held at the sidelines of GCF’s second replenishment meeting in Ottawa, Canada.

As part of the GCF replenishment and strategic programming, the event discussed the GCF approach to strategy development in the areas of agriculture and food security, and sought to gather inputs and recommendations from experts on the key areas for interventions for climate impacts, successful implementation approaches at programme, national and community levels, and on strategic initiatives and partnerships. The expert presentations, panels and discussions provided rich insights on the climate change adaptation evidences and lessons learned of a range of interventions in developing countries.

The aspects of community involvement in design and implementation, resilient agricultural practices and climate information were mentioned as critical elements to consider in developing projects. Triggers of change towards climate resilient and low emissions agriculture and food systems highlighted cut across policy change, gender empowerment, finance to farmers, knowledge and training and bottom up actions. 

Agriculture and food security currently covers about 18 percent of the GCF project portfolio. Almost three quarters of GCF funding in this sector target Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and African States. Cumulatively, these projects are expected to increase climate resilience of more than 73 million people and reduce more than 75 metric tonnes of CO2 over time.