More research into application of climate-smart agriculture

More research and the application of climate-smart agricultural approaches critical to head off the turmoil of a food-insecure world – FAO

Bangkok, Thailand, 27 November 2014 – Nations in Asia and the Pacific could soon face serious political turmoil due to the looming issue of food insecurity if they don't embrace climate-smart agricultural policies and practices, a senior UN official has told a regional gathering of Asia’s top researchers and scientists.

“The impacts on agriculture and food production from climate change and future population increases, especially in developing countries of Asia, are critical issues that must be addressed now,” said Hiroyuki Konuma, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

“Our planet is experiencing cumulative and unprecedented challenges from the convergence of increased population, climate change and the knock on effects these have on food production,” said Konuma. “While there is presently enough food to feed everyone, more than 500 million people remain chronically hungry in our region and we may be at the precipice of a food-insecure world in the not too distant future.”

Konuma made the remarks during a keynote presentation to participants at the 6th Asian Heads of Research Council (ASIAHORC) Symposium. The participants are heads of the ten major research funding agencies and research councils from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

During his address, Konuma stressed the need for policy makers to adopt “Climate Smart Agriculture” approaches, or CSA, to achieve sustainable agricultural development for food security. And the time to adopt those practices in order to counter the effects of climate change on agriculture is now, Konuma pointed out.

“Climate change is not a dream or only the problem of our future generations. It’s already happening,” Konuma said.

“Higher temperatures show a decline in staple crops such as wheat, rice and soybean and production in this region is, for the most part, going to be severely affected by this warming,” Konuma said, adding that sea level rise will affect fisheries and reduce areas for cultivation while sea water intrusion will make previously suitable land unsuitable for growing crops. “The evidence so far suggests that climate change could affect staple crop production, especially in the most vulnerable and food insecure regions,” Konuma said. “Declining yields could lead to higher prices for the foods we need most,” at a time when those who can least afford it are already facing nutritional hunger, adding to greater social instability.

But the FAO Assistant Director-General stressed that important research is underway to address these huge challenges, adding “the first arsenal in FAO’s work is research,” and is major part of FAO’s mandate to ensuring a food secure world. Konuma pointed to advancements made to isolate a gene in rice (Sub1), which allows rice to thrive under submerged conditions such as unexpectedly heavy rainfall.

“FAO is certainly putting at its disposal every arsenal available in its campaign for a food secure world. It is not working in isolation – it has joined forces with all the important institutions in this endeavour,” said Konuma. “But sustainable development in agriculture must become CSA ‘climate smart’.”

“We also have to act at all levels in our daily lives to minimize the negative impact of climate change,” Konuma added. “If we work together, we can all contribute by reducing food waste and food loss, and minimise consumption of electricity and fuel.”

Konuma called on participants to work together and “build up awareness through solidarity and concerted efforts to eliminate hunger from our planet within our own lifetime.”

CSA contributes to the achievement of national food security and development goals with three objectives: i) sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes; ii) adapt and build resilience to climate change; and iii) reduce and/or remove greenhouse gas emissions where possible.

This holistic approach enhances food security while preserving the natural resource base and vital ecosystem services. It is achieved through a combination of agricultural practices suited for the specific site, with supporting policies, technology and financing approaches.

ENDS

© Scoop Media