The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) blog post, published on January 29, 2024, reflects on the outcomes of COP28 through the lens of policy imperatives related to sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action. IFPRI, as part of the CGIAR delegation at COP28, analyzes the significance of the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, particularly focusing on policy considerations at both international and national levels.
Key Points:
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COP28 Focus on Food Systems: Despite the inconclusive outcome of COP27's Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan, COP28 prioritized food systems, acknowledging their dual role in contributing to and being threatened by climate change.
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Climate Finance: The Declaration emphasizes the need for increased access to finance for food system transformation. Efforts should include both identifying new funding sources and better utilizing existing financial resources within the food sector.
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"Repurposing" Agricultural Support: There's a call to redirect existing agricultural support towards research and development (R&D) for sustainable and climate-resilient practices. IFPRI's modeling work underscores the potential benefits of reallocating resources for innovation and infrastructure improvement.
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WTO Considerations: Commitment to multilateral trading systems is urged, with an emphasis on reforming WTO rules to align with climate goals. The analysis suggests that WTO reforms can encourage investments in climate-resilient agriculture.
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Domestic Policies and Institutions: The bulk of resources for food system transformation will be generated domestically. Countries are urged to revisit policies and support systems to promote resilience and sustainability, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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R&D and Innovation: Greater investments in agricultural research and innovation are crucial for addressing climate change. However, there's a noted decline in research spending in some regions, highlighting the need for increased support.
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Food Security and Vulnerable Populations: Efforts to address climate change must prioritize food security and nutrition for vulnerable groups. Social protection programs are recognized as vital tools for enhancing resilience and well-being.
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Integrated National Plans: National plans, aligned with international commitments like NDCs and NAPs, are essential for effective climate action. Collaboration across ministries and stakeholders is emphasized for successful implementation.
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Political Economy and Institutional Considerations: Political dynamics and governance challenges can complicate decision-making for food system transformation. Collaboration among ministries and stakeholders is crucial for overcoming these challenges.
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Final Observations: While non-binding, the COP28 Declaration highlights the urgency of food system transformation. IFPRI commits to providing evidence-based policy solutions to support these objectives.
Conclusion:
The post underscores the importance of policy actions at both international and national levels to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and food security. Collaboration, innovation, and effective governance are identified as key drivers for achieving sustainable and resilient food systems in the face of climate change.
Please find the original version of the article below:
Photo Credit: Freya Morales, FAO
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