DECLARATION OF WATER SECURITY : ENVIRONMENT

DECLARATION OF WATER SECURITY : ENVIRONMENT

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

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?

Despite their significant role, the livelihoods of family farmers remain precarious, as they face many difficulties in accessing productive resources, market opportunities, and essential services

FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) (October 14-18, Rome):

  • Theme: "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow."
  • High-level Rome Water Dialogue: Held alongside WFF to address water scarcity in agriculture.

Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture:

  • Adopted by: FAO member countries, Heads of Delegations, and Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) partners.
  • Goal: Address water scarcity in agriculture, worsened by climate change.
  • Background: WASAG launched in 2016 at the UN Climate Conference (Marrakesh).
  • Commitments:
  • Mobilize political support: policy frameworks, financing, and water governance.
  • Address climate change impacts on food security (floods, droughts).

Key Projections:

  • By 2050, over half the global population will face water scarcity for at least one month annually.
  • Agriculture uses 70% of freshwater and is highly vulnerable.

Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF):

  • Launched at WFF.
  • Joint initiative: FAO and IFAD.
  • Family Farming:
  • Represents 90% of global farms (550 million).
  • Produces 70-80% of global food.
  • Key for biodiversity and resource management.
  • Faces crises, but holds valuable knowledge for change.
  • UNDFF 2019-2028: Adopted in 2017, marking the halfway point in 2024.

 

  • Challenges:
  • Access to productive resources, markets, and services.

About FAO: Food and Agriculture Organisation

  • Founded: 1945, headquartered in Rome.
  • Focus Areas:
  • Combating hunger, improving nutrition and food security.
  • Agricultural data, policies, and standards.
  • Food crisis response, sustainable agriculture.
  • Members: 194, operating in 130+ countries.
  • Notable Initiatives:
  • Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS).
  • Codex Alimentarius food standards.

About IFAD: International Fund for Agricultural Development 

  • Founded: 1977, headquartered in Rome.
  • Focus: Eradicating rural poverty in developing countries.
  • Key Functions:

·         Providing low-interest loans and grants.

·         Supporting rural development and agricultural projects.

·         Empowering small farmers and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.

 Source : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/declaration-on-water-security-global-family-farming-forum-take-centre-stage-at-wff