Global strategy to revolutionise dryland farming unveiled in Riyadh

Sub: Env

Sec: Int convention

Context:

Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), a global leader in agricultural research, has launched its 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD).

Importance of Drylands:

Global Impact:
- Home to 1 in 3 people globally.
- Supports nearly half the world’s livestock and 44% of food systems.
Challenges:
- 20-35% degraded due to climate change, water scarcity, and desertification.
- Higher Warming Rates: Drylands are warming 20-40% faster than other regions.

About GSRD:

Objective: Transform agriculture in arid regions to enhance food security, biodiversity, and community resilience.
Key Players:
- Led by CGIAR, specifically by ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics).
- Launched at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Riyadh.

Key Innovations:

Technological Solutions:
- Solar-powered agrivoltaics: Combining agriculture and solar energy production.
- Advanced agroforestry: Integrating trees with farming systems.
- Climate-resilient crops: Barley, lentils, chickpeas, and cacti.
- Improved livestock practices: Optimizing feeding methods for better productivity.
5 key Focus Areas:
- Adapting agrifood systems to climate change.
- Conserving biodiversity.
- Managing soil and water resources sustainably.
- Promoting healthy diets.
- Encouraging inclusive development.

Significance of the Initiative:

Global Food Security: Addresses challenges in areas where 70% of the world’s hungry reside.
Innovation Hub: Drylands reframed as potential hubs for climate-smart agricultural practices.
Collaboration: Joint efforts of CGIAR’s 15 research centres, national organisations, governments, and the private sector.