Millions of people worldwide are suffering from hunger, with 350 million experiencing extreme food insecurity, stated Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Report informs.
Elouafi made the announcement at the event titled "Climate-Resilient Agriculture Empowering Women, Youth, and Innovations for a Sustainable and Just Future," held as a part of COP29.
"Agriculture lies at the heart of the hunger crisis, directly impacted by climate change but also holding immense potential for solutions," Elouafi stated. "Agriculture sustains the livelihoods of billions and produces the food that we all depend on. However, it is vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, resource scarcity, and systemic inequalities. So how can we transform the system to be sustainable, resilient, and inclusive, and contribute to solving our climate crisis?! The answer lies in human capital, ingenuity, leadership, and the resilience of people, especially women and youth."
Elouafi stressed the crucial role of women in this transformation: "Empowering these groups is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Women make up approximately 50% of the agricultural workforce in many countries in the region. Yet, they often face unequal access to land, finance, and technology, and are frequently left out of decision-making, limiting the potential of their communities. However, research shows that increasing women's empowerment drives transformation."
Elouafi also highlighted the untapped potential of youth in agriculture: "Youth often bring fresh perspectives and innovations to agriculture. They are well-positioned to adopt new technologies and entrepreneurial approaches, but frequently lack opportunities and support to succeed in this sector."