Agriculture and Food Security Thematic Page

Central Idea

To address knowledge needs of Parties, the NWP has been mandated by SBSTA 48 and SBSTA 50 to focus on agriculture and food security as one of the priority thematic areas. The NWP will work with its thematic expert group to link with and build on existing evidence and initiatives to identify critical knowledge gaps that hinder the scaling of adaptation. This collaborative effort will boost the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices to strengthen resilience of agriculture and food security systems.

What is at stake?

Agriculture and sustainable food systems are central in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will also support the ability of countries to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Climate change can affect people’s livelihood food security, which includes availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization of adequate and nutritious crops.

Role of the thematic expert group on agriculture and food security
The first expert group meeting

The NWP expert group on agriculture and food security is expected to enhance adaptation action in this area under the UNFCCC process. The expert group will help address key adaptation knowledge gaps through collaboration among members. They will closely work with UNFCCC constituted bodies, other NWP expert groups on other thematic areas (e.g. oceans, coastal areas and ecosystems, forests and grasslands) and relevant communities of practice.

The expert group will apply the NWP knowledge-to-action methodology focusing on agriculture and food security and climate adaptation. Particular consideration will be taken of the needs of target knowledge users in LDCs and SIDS to enhance adaptation action in a holistic and integrated manner. In undertaking its work, the group will follow the established practice of other NWP expert groups. This includes:

facilitate and support the implementation of adaptation and resilience actions in an inclusive and participatory manner for long term gains;
enhance the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices to address gaps, challenges and needs amongst a broad range of stakeholders;
take a demand-driven approach to ensure that the scoping paper and all collaborative actions are responsive to the needs of Parties;
work to ensure that knowledge products are tailored to the needs of knowledge users implementing adaptation action. The knowledge products should therefore be accessible to maximize the uptake of adaptation knowledge and useful for the knowledge users.

Objectives and expected outcomes of the first expert group meeting

To discuss the vision and objectives of the thematic work on agriculture and food security;
Discuss expectations and roles of experts:
- Inputs on key knowledge gaps that serve as barriers in scaling up adaptation action in this thematic area
- Future participation of expert group in designing collaborative actions to address the knowledge gaps
- Long-term engagement to close adaptation knowledge gaps and scale up adaptation action in countries

Agenda of the meeting

Day 1: Tuesday 20^th September, 13:00-15:00 CEST

Activity

Opening

Housekeeping
Welcome remarks
Who are the expert group members?

Vision of the NWP work on agriculture and food security and long-term engagement with the thematic expert group

Facilitated discussion with the expert group on the vision and long-term engagement

Health Break

Overview of the key milestones in the thematic area

Presentation of key findings: Practices achieving good results, knowledge gaps

Small group discussion I:

What is known about specific adaptation practices in agriculture and food security?

Wrap up and outlook for the day 2

Day 2: Wednesday 21^st September, 13:00-15:00 CEST

Activity

Recap of day 1

Introduction of any new experts

Small group discussion II:

What is known about those who enact adaptation practices in adaptation and food security, and how information that would enhance scaling up is diffused?

Plenary discussion: reporting back

Health Break

Overview: Areas of collaboration with the UNFCCC constituted bodies and work programmes

Open discussion: designing collaborative actions and making impacts

Next steps, timeline, and closing