Commonwealth Secretariat and Nigeria Collaborate on Food Security and Climate Solutions

A recent roundtable at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London gathered over 80 experts to discuss food security and climate finance amidst global funding cuts. Key speakers emphasized the urgency of addressing these interconnected issues, highlighting Nigeria’s agricultural challenges and the need for innovative approaches. Discussions focused on climate-smart agriculture, data coordination, and pressing infrastructure needs to enhance food systems globally.

Recently, over 80 experts and partners convened at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London to address food security and climate finance amidst reductions in global development funding. This important dialogue, a Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security, was co-hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland KC, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a pre-recorded message, stating that food security and climate finance are existential imperatives. She noted, “The ability of our people to access sufficient, nutritious food is directly linked to our collective capacity to mobilise resources for climate adaptation and resilience.” However, she highlighted that climate finance is insufficient to meet the challenges of climate change and food security.

Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, underscored the importance of integrating innovation with climate finance to enhance food security. He articulated Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stating, “Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving 25% of our GDP and providing livelihoods for 70% of our workforce.” Nnaji further acknowledged that despite agricultural strengths, significant challenges such as deforestation and desertification jeopardize food security.

Experts discussed that mere agricultural production does not equate to food security, emphasizing the need for crop nutrition. It was highlighted that the increase of tobacco farming in East Africa presents a risk, as land cultivation does not guarantee nutritious food availability. The complex relationship between climate change, land usage, health, and nutrition requires comprehensive solutions.

Breakout sessions emphasized the importance of linking climate-smart agricultural practices with global investment. Participants proposed implementing carbon credits and improving soil quality as pivotal to creating trustworthy agricultural systems. Discussions revealed challenges in navigating existing policy frameworks and stressed the necessity for coordinated cross-departmental work to enhance food security.

Digitalization emerged as a promising avenue to scale climate-smart agriculture, necessitating enhanced capacity for data coordination among nations. Establishing national spaces for data exchange could minimize duplicative efforts and resolve conflicted national statistics, which hinder effective agricultural practices and climate finance access.

The roundtable concluded with the recognition of the need for holistic approaches to national and continental food system challenges. Key outcomes included actionable insights for improvements in infrastructure, technology, soil management, and irrigation systems. Additionally, addressing market access, clean cooking options, and equitable climate finance were determined vital for fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

The roundtable at the Commonwealth Secretariat underscored the critical need for integrated solutions to address food security and climate finance challenges. Experts emphasized the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices, effective data coordination, and holistic approaches to national food systems. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders can mobilize resources, resulting in improved outcomes for vulnerable nations facing the dual crises of food insecurity and climate change.

Original Source: thecommonwealth.org