Experts and stakeholders have raised alarm over the growing threat climate change poses to food security, calling for urgent adaptation efforts to safeguard future generations.
Speaking at a panel discussion on “Food Security and Climate-Resilient Agriculture” , held under the third parallel session of the ongoing Sagarmatha Sambaad, panelists warned that climate-induced disruptions in agriculture and water systems are already having severe consequences.
Dr. Mark Smith, Executive Director of the International Water Management Institute, said the world is facing an unprecedented water crisis. "We are witnessing a historical imbalance in the water cycle, driven largely by climate change," he said. “This crisis not only threatens the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and livelihoods but also deepens inequalities.”
He pointed out that in addition to climate change, global and regional land-use changes and the destruction of ecological systems have contributed to worsening conditions. “Scientists consider this a serious threat to humanity,” he added, noting that starvation, poverty, exclusion, ecosystem collapse, and increasing water- and weather-related risks are disproportionately affecting hilly and vulnerable regions.
Ken Shimizu, the Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Nepal and Bhutan, echoed similar concerns. He emphasized that climate change is giving rise to multiple socio-economic challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and institutional support necessary for adaptation.
Former Secretary Ganesh Raj Joshi highlighted the importance of strengthening climate adaptation in agriculture. “To address the growing threats to food security, we must expand and reinforce adaptation programs across the agricultural sector,” he said.
Bader Omar Al Dafa, Qatar's Special Envoy for Climate Change and Executive Director of the Global Dryland Alliance (GDA), underscored the urgency of ensuring food security in dryland countries. “Food security is essential not just for survival, but also for promoting global peace and stability,” he said.
Former National Planning Commission member Dr. Usha Jha issued a stark warning. “Delays in taking precautionary and adaptive measures will worsen food insecurity, leading to increased hunger and poverty in the future,” she said.
The panel concluded with a unified call for accelerated global cooperation, investment in climate-resilient agricultural systems, and inclusive policies that protect the most vulnerable communities from climate shocks. -- RSS
