Basic food crops could decline by at least 80% by 2050 in eight African countries. The reductions, caused by the increase in global temperature, could have a catastrophic impact, increasing poverty and limiting the availability of food, according to a report released by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Fida), of the United Nations, on Monday (1st).
The publication underscores the urgent need for funding to help vulnerable farmers adapt to their crops.
The fund also warned that COP26 will not have a lasting impact if world leaders continue to prioritize mitigation and neglect investments in climate adaptation.
The report proves that if no changes are made in agricultural practices or global policies, an increase of around 2°C in global temperature will have a devastating impact on the production of staple foods and crops of small farmers in several countries in Africa.
Reinforcing the need for investments in actions to adapt to climate change, IFAD’s Vice President of the Strategy and Knowledge Department, Jyotsna Puri, says that for every US$18 spent on mitigation, only US$1 meets the initiatives to adapt to the new challenges.
Developing countries are more vulnerable
The IFAD study states that, although no country is immune to the impacts of climate change, small farmers in developing countries are the most vulnerable and the least able to deal with the situation.
According to IFAD, they produce a third of the world’s food and up to 80% in some areas of Africa and Asia, but receive less than 2% of the funds invested globally in climate finance.
According to the document, the low investment for adaptation will have a ripple effect around the world.
“A drop in crop productivity can lead to higher food prices, reduced food availability and increased hunger and poverty. This could trigger increased migration, conflict and instability,” according to the report.
In the last year, one in ten people around the world was hungry. On the African continent, the number rises to one in five people.
Agriculture will have to adapt
The impact of climate change will inevitably force fundamental changes in local crop choices and agricultural practices by 2050 in these countries, the report concludes.
Recommended investments include planting diversified alternative crops, planting varied and locally adapted varieties, using different planting techniques, strengthening capacities and infrastructure for storage and processing and climate-proof value chains, and improving irrigation access and management.
Puri concludes that COP26 is “a turning point for humanity” and that the opportunity to limit the rise in temperature and support farmers to become resilient to the effects of climate change cannot be “missed”.
Reference: CNN Brasil
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