Declaration on water security, Global Family Farming Forum take centre stage at WFF

Declaration on water security, Global Family Farming Forum take centre stage at WFF

Sub :Env

SEC: Int Conventions

Context:

• FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) held in Rome from October 14-18.
• The theme of the WFF: “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow.”
• On the sidelines of this, High-level Rome Water Dialogue, also took place.

Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture:

• Adopted by: Member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Heads of Delegations, and partners of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG).
• Goal: Address water scarcity in agriculture, which is worsened by climate change.
• Background: WASAG was launched at the 2016 United Nations Climate Conference in Marrakesh to help countries tackle water scarcity.
• Commitments under the Rome Declaration:
  • Mobilize greater political support, including:
  • Policy and legal frameworks.
  • Institutional backing.
  • Access to financing.
  • Responsible water governance.
  • Address the impact of water scarcity and climate change on global food security, particularly regarding floods and droughts.

Key Statistics and Projections:

• By 2050, more than half of the global population will live in areas at risk of water scarcity for at least one month a year.
• Agriculture, which accounts for over 70% of freshwater withdrawals, is particularly vulnerable.

Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF):

• Launched at: World Food Forum (WFF)
• Joint initiative of FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
• Family farming:
  • Represents over 90% of all farms globally, with 550 million farms worldwide.
  • Produces 70-80% of the world’s food in value terms.
  • Critical in maintaining crop biodiversity and managing natural resources responsibly.
  • Family farmers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face multiple crises but hold valuable knowledge for change.
• United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) 2019-2028: Adopted in 2017, with 2024 marking the halfway point.

• Challenges faced by family farmers:
  • Despite their essential role in food production, they struggle with accessing:
    • Productive resources.
    • Market opportunities.
    • Essential services.

About the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO):

• It’s a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
• Founded in 1945, headquartered in Rome, Italy.
• Key areas of work include:
  • Collecting and analyzing agricultural data
  • Developing agricultural policies and standards
  • Providing technical assistance to countries
  • Responding to food crises and emergencies
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development
• FAO has 194 member states and operates in over 130 countries worldwide.
• Some notable initiatives include the Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS) and the Codex Alimentarius international food standards.

About the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD):

• It’s a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on eradicating rural poverty in developing countries.
• Established in 1977 as an outcome of the 1974 World Food Conference.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Key functions:
  • Providing low-interest loans and grants to developing countries
  • Supporting agricultural projects and rural development programs
  • Empowering rural poor people, especially small farmers
  • IFAD works primarily in remote rural areas of developing countries.
• Focus areas include improving food security, nutrition, and increasing rural people’s incomes.
• Emphasizes sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Works closely with rural communities, governments, and other partners.

Source: DTE