The technical event brings together representatives from governments, national agricultural research systems (NARS), international agricultural research, academia, international institutions, and other stakeholders. The focus is on how science, technology, and innovation (STI) – including nuclear technologies – and collaborative actions with development practitioners and farmers can foster sustainable, climate-resilient agrifood systems and address the challenges posed by climate change.
The event underscored the pivotal role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), including nuclear technologies, in enhancing climate resilience within agri-food systems. Jointly organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and CGIAR, it brought together experts to spotlight how scientific advancements can tackle global challenges like hunger, malnutrition, and climate change.
In her opening remarks, Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the IAEA, emphasized the transformative potential of science and technology when leveraged through cross-organizational collaboration. CGIAR's Executive Managing Director, Ismahane Elouafi, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “We still have 800 million people who are malnourished. Let’s also remember that 350 million people are in extreme hunger situations. By combining CGIAR expertise in agriculture with the IAEA’s knowledge in nuclear technologies, we can accelerate the development and scaling of solutions.”
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IAEA and CGIAR, formalizing their commitment to closer collaboration. Elouafi noted, “The MOU outlines the principles of CGIAR-IAEA collaboration, including promoting and financing joint projects, enhancing agricultural productivity, fostering sustainability and climate-resilient practices, and facilitating the exchange of scientists to drive innovation.” This partnership seeks not only to develop cutting-edge technologies but also to ensure their accessibility and relevance to smallholder farmers and the communities they serve.
Discussions during the technical panels showcased specific examples of how nuclear techniques can advance climate-smart agricultural practices. Topics included improving crop breeding, soil and water management, livestock productivity, and food safety. Highlighting the need for innovative approaches, Aditi Mukherji of CGIAR remarked, “We have three buckets—innovating methods, understanding climate impacts, and creating solutions for adaptation and mitigation. Many of the adaptations we are implementing today are not fit for purpose for a warmer world. We need to transition to a low-emission agri-food system in a just way, ensuring we don’t leave behind our vulnerable smallholder farmers.”
Key Takeaways:
- The session highlighted the critical role of science, technology, and innovation, including nuclear applications, in addressing global challenges in agri-food systems and climate change.
- The collaboration between IAEA, FAO, and CGIAR is crucial for accelerating the scaling up of successful practices and technologies to enhance climate resilience in agriculture.
- Specific examples were provided on how nuclear techniques can contribute to improving water use efficiency, nutrient management, crop breeding, and livestock productivity in a climate-smart manner.
- Engaging and empowering smallholder farmers is essential, and the panelists emphasized the need for data-driven, participatory approaches that address the specific needs and challenges faced by farmers.
- The session concluded with a call for continued innovation, collaboration, and a holistic, equitable approach to transforming agri-food systems in the face of climate change.
