COP29 tasks nations on solutions to food systems, waste reduction

As FUNAAB, EU partner on climate change mitigation
As the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) winds down in Baku, Azerbaijan, the conference has identified food waste as a major issue, urging nations to adopt solutions that strengthen food systems, promote waste reduction and support the bioeconomy.

The COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, who doubles as Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Republic, stressed that tackling food waste is essential, as it accounts for over 50 per cent of municipal waste and is a major methane emitter.

The conference began on November 11, 2024, in Azerbaijan, with “Advancing Global Climate Action: From Goals to Reality,” as theme. This year’s conference highlights the transition from setting climate commitments to implementing them effectively, with a strong emphasis on global equity, resilience, and financial mechanisms.

COPs are a series of international meetings where world leaders review progress on the Paris Agreement and negotiate actions to limit global warming.

During the session, titled, “Efforts to safeguard health and food security in the face of a changing climate,” the conference’s discussed impact of climate change on human health and food security challenges.

It also focused on strategies to mitigate losses in agriculture and fisheries, which contribute to food insecurity and malnutrition, with a focus on the role of legislative bodies in adopting collaborative approaches to address these issues.

Further discussions emphasised potential of regenerative farming as a strategy for enhancing food security and building climate resilience, particularly, in the Global South.

Successful pilot projects in Asia and Africa have demonstrated that regenerative practices can increase farmers’ income, improve soil health, and reduce climate impacts.

However, some of the speakers at the session noted challenges such as the initial financial investment required for transitioning, potential yield losses, and the need for stronger policy coordination.

During the COP29 Food, Agriculture and Water Day, the COP29 Presidency, in partnership with the FAO, launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. This initiative aims to unify the fragmented landscape of climate efforts in the food and agriculture sectors, helping to identify gaps and create opportunities for policies that empower farmers and support rural communities in climate action.

At a side event themed: “Science and innovation for low-emission and sustainable food systems,” experts highlighted the urgent link between climate change and food security, emphasising that a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions originates from agriculture.

Presenters from CGIAR, Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Japan, shared scientific and policy innovations aimed at enhancing sustainable food systems through climate adaptation, strategic cooperation and technological advancements to support productivity, resilience, and climate goals.

Giving a keynote address in one of the sessions, the Board Chair of AGRA, Hailemariam Desalegn, highlighted AGRA’s ongoing support for smallholder farmers and the importance of global collaboration for climate action in Africa.

Also, during a session co-hosted with UAE-CGIAR-TCC, AGRA presented the Future Food Programme and agrifood system diagnostics, promoting a unified approach to advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs).

A highlight during the summit was the announcement by the UAE, the development of “CHAG,” the world’s first ChatGPT tool for the agricultural community, designed to aid over one billion smallholder farmers by leveraging decades of research data.

This innovation is part of broader discussions on climate resilience and tech-driven agricultural transformation, underscoring AI’s role in aiding farmers to adapt to climatic challenges and improve decision-making.

MEANWHILE, as part of efforts aimed at empowering farmers and cooperative societies against the adverse effects of climate change, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has joined forces with the European Union (EU), the University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State to launch a transformative Digital Farming Initiative.

The initiative kicked off with a two-day Certificate training programme held at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) Lecture Hall.

The programme was targeted at educating farmers and cooperative societies on utilising digital tools for sustainable agricultural practices, to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.

Speaking at the event tagged: ‘Digisol Project’, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, underscored the urgent need to address climate change impacts, emphasising the importance of leveraging digital solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor commended the organisers for their foresight, attributing the university’s recognition as Africa’s best University of Agriculture to such impactful initiatives.

He urged participants to make the most of the training by engaging with the experts and networking effectively.

Earlier in his opening address, the Digisol Team Lead at FUNAAB, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, highlighted the heightened vulnerability of rural farmers to climate change.

He stressed the critical need for digital solutions to enhance farming practices and provide alternative livelihoods, mitigating the financial challenges faced by farmers due to climate disruptions.

Prof. Dipeolu, a former Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), pointed out key areas for farmers’ focus beyond climate-smart agricultural practices, including digital financial solutions, improved market access, and the formation of cooperative societies.

He described the collaboration as a milestone towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to adapt and innovate in response to changing climate conditions.

Dipeolu further encouraged participants to take advantage of the training to exchange ideas and explore innovative strategies that could revolutionise agriculture, paving the way for a sustainable future.

The Coordinator from UAES, Prof. Chinasaoku Onyemauwa and Alhaji Tajudeen Ajala, the Team Lead from Al-Hikmah jointly adopted a participatory approach to ensure maximum benefit. They urged the participants to actively share insights and strategies to help transform the farming landscape and secure a resilient agricultural sector for future generations. The partnerships, therefore, represent a significant step towards building a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Digisol Team has expressed profound gratitude to the European Union for their sponsorship and unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers in building resilience against climate change.