To fight climate change, invest in agriculture, FAO
In addition to reducing poverty and hunger, agriculture can play a crucial role in making the response to climate change responsible and more effective, Maria-Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General for Natural Resources said today.
It also highlights the need to “increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience (…) in a manner that does not threaten food production.”
Impact on agriculture
Agriculture is one of the main sectors of the economy that is severely affected by climate change. The recent El Niño phenomenon is a testimony to that, Semedo noted.
The support for the agreement comes at a time when some 60 million people around the world are being affected by the El Niño climate event.
It is important to note that the rural poor and small holder farmers are severely affected by climate change threats, Semedo stressed.
Role of farmers
During speaking engagements at various high level events, the FAO Deputy-Director General reiterated the crucial role of family farmers in poverty and hunger eradication.
Poverty and hunger have similar causes and are often bound together – and must therefore be tackled together.