On World Environment Day 2024, the spotlight shines on the pressing issues of drought, land degradation, and desertification—challenges that are severely impacting rural communities worldwide.
Globally, the United Nations estimates that 24% of the land is degrading, with droughts increasing in frequency and severity by 29% since 2000, affecting 55 million people annually. From 2015 to 2019 alone, at least 100 million hectares of healthy land were lost each year.
In China, climate change poses a significant threat to its rich agricultural landscape. The loss of farmland endangers smallholder farmers who rely on agriculture as a primary source of income. Despite their importance, smallholder farmers receive only 0.8% of global climate finance, leaving them vulnerable to market access challenges and economic instability exacerbated by climate disasters.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is committed to addressing this disparity. In 2024, IFAD aims to allocate 40% of its portfolio to climate finance, investing nearly $670 million in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
China’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035 focuses on enhancing societal and economic resilience through research, capacity-building, and investment. The partnership between IFAD and the Chinese government is pivotal in ensuring that smallholder farmers are supported amid these climate challenges.
In regions like Ningxia, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Hunan, IFAD is implementing innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices. In Yunnan's Yongsheng and Huaping counties, for example, farmers are benefiting from sustainable machinery such as mist sprinklers and pest control devices. These technologies enable large-scale spraying by a single person, reducing water and pesticide usage by 30-40%, making farming both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Through these initiatives, IFAD and the Chinese government are fostering resilient rural communities, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable livelihood for millions despite the growing threats of climate change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
