Climate Change Impacting Crops and Driving Hunger Worldwide
BAKU: The head of the International Fund of Agricultural Development warns that climate change is dangerously impacting crops and driving worldwide hunger.
“Food security is intertwined with the current extreme weather events, as it has impacted the world,” IFAD President Alvaro Lario said in an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the COP29 UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Global Hunger Stats
IFAD reported that in 2023, about 735 million people suffered from hunger caused by climate change.
Effects on Crop Production
In addition, unusual rainfalls caused a decrease in wheat production and food quality in Europe, while floods and heat waves damaged orange crops in Brazil. Southern Africa saw below-average maize harvests due to above-average temperatures, and erratic rains in West Africa cut cocoa production by half.
IFAD’s Key Focus and Investments
The IFAD focuses on providing livelihoods, raising income, and increasing production in low- and middle-income countries. The organization invests in 90 countries, with a significant portion going to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Saudi Arabia’s Contribution
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the main contributors to IFAD, with over $536 million donated since its inception. In the last decade, Saudi Arabia contributed $96.6 million.
IFAD Projects
IFAD implemented a project supporting coffee and mango farmers in Jazan, establishing model farms benefiting 30,000 smallholder farmers. The organization focuses on agricultural sustainability and innovation.
Addressing Climate Change Vulnerability
IFAD develops strategies tailored to each country’s climate situation, promoting sustainable food systems and increasing rural non-farm crops for diversified income. Projects in Belize and Cuba focus on heat-tolerant crops and water conservation.