COP 29 in Baku: Shaping the Future of Global Agriculture through Climate Commitments
The 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 29), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, is poised to be a significant moment in the global fight against climate change. As world leaders, climate experts, activists, and representatives from different sectors come together, the focus will not only be on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate risks but also on addressing one of the most crucial sectors impacted by climate change—agriculture. Agriculture forms the backbone of many economies and societies, particularly in developing countries. However, it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing nearly 25% of the total global emissions. The dual role of agriculture—as both a contributor to and a casualty of climate change—puts it at the center of the COP 29 discussions, which will aim to shape policies and commitments toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
The significance of COP 29 lies in its timing and context. Global temperatures have been steadily rising, leading to a cascade of effects, from extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and cyclones to gradual shifts in seasonal patterns, all of which have a direct and immediate impact on agricultural productivity. These climate-induced challenges have increased the pressure on farmers to adapt and innovate. This pressure is felt even more acutely in developing regions, where agricultural practices still largely depend on rainfall and where the effects of climate change could lead to food insecurity, income instability, and displacement of communities. Hence, the discussions at COP 29 will aim to address these urgent issues, creating pathways for more climate-resilient agricultural practices and solutions.
One of the key areas of focus at the summit will be on transforming farming practices to better align with sustainability goals. Agriculture has historically relied on practices that are resource-intensive and, in many cases, harmful to the environment. From excessive water use in irrigation to overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, traditional farming practices often lead to soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity. Recognizing this, COP 29 is expected to prioritize sustainable farming methods, including regenerative agriculture, conservation tillage, and agroecological practices. These methods not only reduce the environmental footprint of farming but also help in improving soil health, increasing water retention, and boosting the productivity of crops in the long run.
Another critical agenda at COP 29 will be climate financing, which is essential for supporting vulnerable and developing nations in transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices. The availability of adequate funding can empower smallholder farmers and agricultural communities to invest in adaptive measures and technologies that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Such funding is particularly crucial for countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where agricultural practices are often deeply traditional and less adaptive to changing climatic conditions. COP 29 is expected to build upon previous commitments to climate finance, with developed nations taking on a greater responsibility to ensure the required resources are available. The success of these financial commitments will largely determine the extent to which vulnerable nations can integrate climate-smart agriculture into their policies and systems.
Technological innovation is also likely to be a major theme at COP 29, with the conference focusing on the potential of agri-tech and smart agriculture solutions to enhance productivity while reducing emissions. Advances in precision agriculture, such as IoT-based monitoring systems, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics, have already shown promising results in helping farmers make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilizer use, and crop management. Such technologies not only optimize resource use but also help in tracking and reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural activities. COP 29’s discussions around innovation are expected to explore how these technologies can be scaled and made accessible, especially for small and marginal farmers in developing countries.
The urgency of the climate crisis necessitates bold and comprehensive action, and COP 29 will serve as a platform to catalyze these efforts. Agriculture, being a critical sector in the context of both climate change and sustainable development, will play a central role in the discussions and negotiations at the summit. The outcomes of COP 29 are expected to set a new direction for global agricultural policies, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and the reduction of emissions. This summit has the potential to reshape the future of farming by promoting practices that align with global climate goals while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for farming communities.
Ultimately, the conversations and commitments made at COP 29 in Baku will not just impact global climate policies but will also significantly influence the future of agriculture. This sector’s close ties to food security, economic stability, and environmental health make it a focal point in the broader climate agenda. By addressing the dual challenges of emissions reduction and climate adaptation, COP 29 aims to create a roadmap for the agricultural sector that is resilient, sustainable, and capable of supporting global populations in the face of changing climatic conditions. As the world awaits the outcomes of this crucial summit, there is hope that COP 29 will mark a turning point in the journey toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system.
Key Agendas Impacting Agriculture
1.Sustainable Farming Practices and Adaptation Strategies.
Sustainable farming practices and adaptation strategies are essential to addressing the multiple challenges posed by climate change. Agriculture is a sector that directly depends on natural resources such as soil, water, and weather conditions. As climate change increasingly leads to erratic weather patterns, severe droughts, intense rainfall, and temperature fluctuations, it presents a growing threat to farming communities around the world. Consequently, the focus on sustainable agricultural practices and adaptation strategies has become a key agenda for global climate discussions, such as the upcoming COP 29 in Baku.
Sustainable farming, at its core, aims to maintain or increase agricultural productivity without depleting natural resources or causing environmental damage. The emphasis is not only on sustaining current levels of output but also on ensuring that agriculture remains viable and resilient in the face of climate change. To achieve this, the adoption of innovative and adaptive agricultural techniques is crucial. These methods should focus on improving the efficiency of resource use, enhancing soil health, conserving water, and minimizing carbon emissions.
One of the primary components of sustainable farming is the shift toward the cultivation of climate-resilient crops. These crops are specifically bred or genetically modified to withstand adverse climatic conditions such as extreme heat, prolonged drought, or excessive rainfall. For example, some drought-resistant varieties of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat have been developed to grow with less water. These resilient crop varieties are not only more tolerant to stress but also offer the potential for stable yields, which is essential in regions prone to water scarcity or unpredictable weather events. By adopting these resilient crops, farmers can reduce their vulnerability to climate-related disruptions and maintain food production levels.
Another key area of focus for COP 29 is sustainable water management. Water scarcity and inefficient water usage are critical issues in agriculture, exacerbated by climate change. In many parts of the world, unsustainable water practices have led to groundwater depletion and reduced river flows, further threatening the future of farming. Sustainable water management involves several strategies aimed at optimizing the use of available water resources. One such technique is drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the root zones of plants, reducing water loss due to evaporation and runoff. This method has proven particularly effective in arid and semi-arid regions where water is a precious resource. Similarly, rainwater harvesting systems can be installed to collect and store rainfall for agricultural use during dry periods. Sustainable water management practices not only conserve water but also contribute to increased crop productivity and resilience.
Soil health enhancement is another critical aspect of sustainable farming and adaptation strategies. Healthy soil is essential for the growth of crops, and it acts as a major carbon sink, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, traditional farming practices such as monocropping, excessive tilling, and the overuse of chemical fertilizers have led to soil degradation and loss of fertility. To counteract this, sustainable farming promotes practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, and reduced tillage. Crop rotation helps improve soil structure and fertility by alternating crops that deplete specific nutrients with those that replenish them. Agroforestry, which involves integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems, not only enhances soil health but also provides shade, reduces wind erosion, and captures carbon dioxide. Reduced or conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance, helping to retain soil moisture and prevent erosion.
One of the critical challenges in promoting sustainable farming practices lies in their implementation. In many regions, farmers face economic and social barriers to adopting new techniques. Transitioning from conventional to sustainable methods often requires initial investments in equipment, seeds, or infrastructure. Moreover, smallholder farmers may lack access to information, training, and resources, limiting their ability to adapt. Therefore, a key agenda at COP 29 involves securing climate finance and ensuring that vulnerable communities have the necessary support to implement sustainable agricultural practices. By providing financial assistance, technical guidance, and capacity-building programs, governments and international organizations can empower farmers to transition to more sustainable and adaptive farming methods.
The importance of sustainable water management, soil health enhancement, and the adoption of climate-resilient crops cannot be overstated. These practices not only enhance productivity but also contribute to building resilience against future climate shocks. For instance, maintaining soil health through practices like agroforestry and crop rotation improves water retention and nutrient cycling, enabling crops to withstand drought conditions better. Similarly, adopting resilient crops and efficient irrigation techniques reduces the risk of crop failure during adverse weather events. These strategies collectively contribute to safeguarding food security, protecting livelihoods, and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
At the policy level, COP 29 aims to encourage nations to integrate sustainable farming practices into their national climate action plans. Governments are urged to create incentives for farmers to adopt adaptive measures, such as subsidies for climate-resilient seeds, tax breaks for water-efficient irrigation systems, and financial rewards for carbon-sequestering practices. By prioritizing sustainable agriculture in national policies, countries can align their agricultural goals with their climate commitments, thereby creating a win-win scenario for both farmers and the environment.
Furthermore, technological innovation plays a vital role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Advances in agricultural technology, such as precision farming, satellite-based monitoring, and data analytics, have revolutionized the way farming is done. Precision farming, for example, uses IoT-enabled sensors and satellite imagery to monitor soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health in real-time. By providing farmers with accurate data, these technologies enable more efficient use of resources like water and fertilizers, reducing wastage and improving yields. At COP 29, discussions around technology are likely to explore how these innovations can be scaled up and made accessible to small and marginal farmers, particularly in developing regions.
2. Climate Financing for Agricultural Transformation
Climate financing plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in sectors like agriculture, which are highly vulnerable to climatic shifts. At COP 29 in Baku, climate finance is expected to be one of the primary agendas, with a focus on supporting vulnerable and developing countries in their efforts to transform agricultural systems. Agriculture is both a contributor to and a victim of climate change, accounting for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions while also being heavily impacted by changing weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Therefore, securing adequate climate finance is essential to help these regions adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects on agriculture.
Climate financing essentially refers to the funds and investments mobilized to help countries and communities transition towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways. In the context of agriculture, it encompasses funding that aids in adopting sustainable farming practices, enhancing resilience to climate-induced shocks, and reducing the carbon footprint of farming activities. This financial support is especially crucial for developing countries, where the agricultural sector often forms the backbone of the economy and sustains a large portion of the population. However, these regions are also the most exposed to climate risks and have limited resources to tackle these challenges effectively.
At COP 29, the commitment to climate finance from developed nations is expected to be reinforced, building upon previous agreements like the Paris Agreement, which stipulated that wealthier nations should provide $100 billion annually to developing countries by 2020. However, despite these commitments, there has been a significant gap between the pledged amounts and the actual funds delivered, leading to a pressing need for renewed financial commitments and more transparency in their disbursement. COP 29 aims to address these gaps by emphasizing the critical role of climate finance in facilitating agricultural transformation and resilience.
One of the key goals of climate financing for agriculture is to enable smallholder farmers and agricultural communities to transition to more sustainable and efficient farming methods. Many traditional farming practices, while productive in the past, are no longer viable in the face of climate change. Over-reliance on monocropping, excessive use of chemical inputs, and inefficient water use have led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and dwindling water resources. Adapting to these challenges requires substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and training, all of which are beyond the financial capacity of small farmers in developing countries.
For instance, transitioning to climate-resilient crops, which are better suited to withstand droughts, floods, or temperature fluctuations, often requires access to new seed varieties, information on suitable cultivation practices, and support systems in place for market access. Similarly, adopting sustainable water management techniques like drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting involves upfront costs that many farmers cannot afford. Climate finance, in this context, serves as a vital enabler, helping farmers access the resources they need to make these shifts.
Moreover, climate finance can also be directed towards promoting innovations in agricultural technology. Advances in agri-tech, such as precision farming, soil health monitoring, and climate modeling tools, have the potential to revolutionize farming practices and enhance resilience to climate change. However, the adoption of these technologies remains limited in many regions due to high costs and a lack of technical knowledge. With adequate climate financing, governments can invest in research and development, promote knowledge-sharing initiatives, and establish subsidies or incentives to make these technologies accessible to small and medium-scale farmers.
Another significant aspect of climate finance is its role in scaling up mitigation strategies in agriculture. As mentioned earlier, agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through livestock production, rice cultivation, and deforestation linked to agricultural expansion. Addressing this requires a shift toward practices that not only reduce emissions but also enhance carbon sequestration. For example, agroforestry, conservation tillage, and organic farming practices have been shown to increase soil carbon storage while improving biodiversity and soil health. However, the widespread adoption of these methods necessitates a steady flow of financial resources to incentivize farmers and support capacity-building efforts.
In addition, climate finance can help vulnerable countries develop the necessary infrastructure to cope with the impacts of climate change. This includes investments in climate-smart infrastructure such as improved irrigation systems, flood-resistant roads, and storage facilities to protect harvests from extreme weather events. Such infrastructure is essential to minimize post-harvest losses, ensure the availability of water during droughts, and enhance overall agricultural resilience. By prioritizing investments in resilient infrastructure, climate finance can create a more conducive environment for sustainable agricultural practices to thrive.
The commitment to climate finance at COP 29 is also closely linked to achieving broader global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement targets. Sustainable agriculture plays a critical role in meeting these goals, as it is directly tied to food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability. Climate finance provides the necessary support for developing countries to align their agricultural policies with these global goals, ensuring that their growth trajectories are both climate-friendly and inclusive.
However, it is important to recognize that climate finance is not just about the availability of funds but also about their effective and equitable disbursement. Previous experiences with climate finance have shown that the funds often fail to reach the most vulnerable communities, particularly smallholder farmers and marginalized groups like women and indigenous people. Therefore, at COP 29, there is likely to be a strong emphasis on improving transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the allocation of climate finance. This includes ensuring that funds are channeled to local-level initiatives and that the voices of farmers and rural communities are represented in decision-making processes.
3. Promoting Carbon-Sequestering Agricultural Practices
Carbon-sequestering agricultural practices have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to address the dual challenges of climate change and sustainable food production. At COP 29 in Baku, the focus on promoting these practices highlights a critical shift towards farming methods that not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance soil health, increase productivity, and preserve biodiversity. These practices are seen as key strategies to achieve both mitigation and adaptation goals, offering a way to make agriculture part of the solution to climate change rather than just a contributor to it.
One of the primary carbon-sequestering agricultural practices that COP 29 is expected to encourage is agroforestry. Agroforestry involves integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, creating a diverse ecosystem that provides multiple benefits. Trees in agricultural fields act as carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon is then sequestered in the tree biomass and the soil, reducing the overall concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Besides carbon sequestration, agroforestry contributes to enhancing soil fertility, preventing erosion, and improving water retention. The presence of trees also provides shade and windbreaks, which can protect crops from harsh climatic conditions, thereby boosting resilience.
Furthermore, agroforestry systems often lead to increased biodiversity by creating habitats for various plant and animal species. This, in turn, supports natural pest control, pollination, and nutrient cycling, all of which are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity. By promoting agroforestry, COP 29 aims to encourage countries to integrate these benefits into their national climate and agricultural policies. However, successful implementation requires investments in training, incentives for farmers, and policies that support land tenure security and market access for agroforestry products.
Another key practice emphasized at COP 29 is regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring soil health and enhancing its capacity to sequester carbon. Regenerative agriculture involves a range of techniques designed to improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, and promote biodiversity both above and below the ground. Cover cropping, crop rotation, and the use of compost and organic fertilizers are some of the key elements of regenerative agriculture. These practices help in building soil organic carbon, which is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and increasing its capacity to retain moisture.
Regenerative agriculture also includes practices like rotational grazing, where livestock are moved between pastures to prevent overgrazing and allow grasslands to recover and sequester more carbon. This approach not only improves the quality of pastures but also enhances the resilience of livestock systems to climate change. In addition to carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture has shown promising results in terms of improving crop yields, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and increasing farmer income. By encouraging regenerative agriculture, COP 29 aims to promote farming systems that are not only more sustainable but also more productive and profitable for farmers.
Conservation tillage is another important carbon-sequestering practice that will be promoted at COP 29. Traditional tillage methods often involve deep plowing, which disrupts soil structure, leads to the release of stored carbon, and increases erosion. In contrast, conservation tillage practices like no-till or reduced-till farming minimize soil disturbance, thereby helping to retain soil organic carbon. By reducing the frequency and intensity of tillage, conservation tillage also preserves soil moisture, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers the risk of soil erosion.
The benefits of conservation tillage extend beyond carbon sequestration. It improves soil health by promoting the growth of soil microorganisms and earthworms, which play a vital role in nutrient cycling. Healthier soils result in more resilient crops, which are better able to withstand droughts, floods, and other climate-induced stresses. In promoting conservation tillage, COP 29 aims to foster the adoption of practices that reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture while simultaneously enhancing productivity.
While the benefits of carbon-sequestering agricultural practices are clear, promoting their adoption at scale poses several challenges. One major barrier is the lack of awareness and knowledge among farmers, particularly in developing regions. Transitioning to new practices like agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and conservation tillage often requires technical knowledge, training, and a clear understanding of the long-term benefits. To address this, COP 29 is expected to emphasize capacity-building programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives, enabling farmers to access the information and skills they need to implement these practices effectively.
Another significant challenge is the initial investment required to adopt carbon-sequestering practices. Farmers, especially smallholders, may find it difficult to bear the upfront costs associated with planting trees, purchasing cover crop seeds, or investing in new equipment for conservation tillage. This is where climate finance becomes essential. By securing adequate financial support from developed nations, COP 29 aims to provide the necessary resources for farmers to make this transition. Financial incentives, subsidies, and grants can play a critical role in encouraging farmers to adopt these practices, especially in regions where agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change.
Moreover, promoting carbon-sequestering practices requires policy support at the national level. Governments need to create enabling policies that incentivize the adoption of these practices through mechanisms like carbon credits, tax breaks, and payments for ecosystem services. Integrating carbon-sequestering practices into national climate strategies and agricultural development plans is crucial to ensuring their widespread adoption. Additionally, market access and value chain integration are vital to making carbon-sequestering practices profitable for farmers. For instance, agroforestry products like fruits, nuts, and timber need to have well-established markets to provide an economic incentive for farmers.
Lastly, monitoring and measuring the impact of carbon-sequestering agricultural practices is essential to ensure their effectiveness in mitigating climate change. Accurate and reliable measurement tools are needed to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered through different practices, which can help track progress towards climate goals and inform policy decisions. Advances in remote sensing, satellite imagery, and data analytics can play a key role in monitoring carbon sequestration at the farm level.
4. Innovations in Agri-Tech and Smart Agriculture
Innovations in agricultural technology, often referred to as agri-tech, are revolutionizing the way farming is conducted, making it more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient. With the rapid advancements in digital technology and smart agriculture solutions, the agricultural sector is witnessing a paradigm shift. At COP 29 in Baku, the emphasis on agri-tech highlights the need for integrating modern technologies like precision farming, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors, and satellite-based monitoring to address food security challenges while achieving climate goals.
Precision farming is at the forefront of this technological revolution. It involves the use of data and tools to optimize agricultural inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides based on real-time information. Unlike traditional farming, which often relies on blanket applications of inputs, precision farming allows for site-specific interventions. This method is made possible through technologies like GPS, drones, and remote sensing, which provide detailed insights into soil health, crop conditions, and moisture levels. Farmers can use this data to apply the right amount of resources at the right time and place, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
The benefits of precision farming extend beyond increased productivity. It also plays a significant role in minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. By reducing the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, precision farming helps in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and preventing soil and water pollution. In addition, precise irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, ensure that water is used efficiently, conserving this valuable resource. As water scarcity becomes a growing concern in many regions, precision farming offers a sustainable solution to manage water use effectively while maintaining crop yields.
Another key innovation in agri-tech is the use of IoT-enabled sensors. These sensors can be deployed in fields to monitor various environmental parameters, including soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. The data collected by these sensors is transmitted to farmers in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. For example, if soil moisture sensors indicate low moisture levels in a specific part of a field, farmers can activate irrigation systems in that area without overwatering the rest of the field. This level of precision not only improves water use efficiency but also reduces the energy consumption associated with irrigation.
The integration of IoT in agriculture goes beyond soil monitoring. Livestock farming, too, benefits from IoT-enabled solutions. Wearable sensors for livestock can track vital health metrics, movement patterns, and feeding behavior, allowing farmers to identify health issues early and manage herds more effectively. This proactive approach to livestock management not only improves animal welfare but also enhances productivity by reducing the spread of diseases and improving feed efficiency. As livestock farming is a significant contributor to methane emissions, better management of herds can contribute to lowering the sector’s carbon footprint.
Satellite-based monitoring is another technological innovation that is transforming modern agriculture. Satellites equipped with advanced sensors can capture high-resolution images of agricultural fields, providing valuable information on crop growth, soil moisture, and land use changes. This remote sensing technology allows for large-scale monitoring of crops, enabling farmers to identify issues such as pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, or water stress across vast areas. By combining satellite data with weather forecasts and crop models, farmers can make strategic decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
One of the most significant advantages of satellite-based monitoring is its ability to provide early warning systems for extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, or heatwaves. In regions prone to climate variability, early warning systems can help farmers take preventive measures to protect their crops and minimize losses. This is particularly important in developing countries, where smallholder farmers are often the most vulnerable to climate-induced shocks. By providing real-time information and forecasts, satellite-based monitoring contributes to building resilience in agricultural systems.
The integration of these agri-tech innovations has a significant impact on improving resource efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. However, the benefits go beyond just environmental gains. Agri-tech also has the potential to enhance food security by increasing agricultural productivity and reducing losses. In regions where access to resources is limited, these technologies can help farmers optimize their use of inputs, thereby lowering costs and increasing yields. This, in turn, contributes to higher incomes and improved livelihoods for farming communities.
One of the key discussions at COP 29 revolves around scaling up these technological solutions to reach smallholder farmers, especially in developing regions. While the benefits of agri-tech are clear, the adoption of these technologies remains uneven, with many smallholders lacking access to digital tools and information. Bridging this digital divide requires concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and private sector players. Investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives are essential to empower smallholders and make agri-tech solutions more accessible.
In addition to physical infrastructure, financing is another critical factor in promoting the adoption of smart agriculture technologies. Many smallholder farmers face financial barriers to investing in precision farming equipment, IoT sensors, or satellite-based monitoring services. To overcome this, climate finance initiatives and public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in providing subsidies, low-interest loans, and innovative financing models. By ensuring that financial resources are directed towards the most vulnerable farming communities, COP 29 aims to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of agri-tech solutions.
Moreover, policy support at the national and international levels is crucial to promoting innovations in agri-tech. Governments need to create an enabling regulatory framework that encourages investments in digital agriculture while safeguarding data privacy and security. Policies should also prioritize research and development in agricultural technology, fostering innovation and collaboration between research institutions, technology companies, and farmers. At COP 29, discussions on policy frameworks are expected to focus on integrating digital agriculture into national climate and agricultural strategies, aligning technological innovation with broader sustainable development goals.
Global Agriculture: A Path Toward Sustainability
The outcomes of COP 29 are poised to significantly influence the trajectory of global agriculture, establishing a renewed emphasis on sustainability, adaptation, and climate-smart practices. With agriculture being both a driver of and vulnerable to climate change, there is an increasing urgency to reshape the sector’s policies and practices in a way that aligns with broader climate goals. As global leaders and experts gather at COP 29, the focus is on building a sustainable agricultural framework that addresses food security challenges, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes resilience to future climate uncertainties.
The emphasis on sustainability at COP 29 acknowledges the pressing need to transition towards agricultural practices that are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. Traditional agricultural systems have often been criticized for their negative
impacts on soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. Deforestation, overuse of chemical fertilizers, and excessive water withdrawal have contributed to environmental degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. By prioritizing sustainability, COP 29 aims to promote farming methods that restore and maintain ecological balance while ensuring the long-term productivity of agricultural systems.
Central to this approach is the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA), which integrates three key objectives: increasing productivity, enhancing resilience, and reducing emissions. CSA involves the adoption of practices and technologies that can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions while contributing to climate mitigation efforts. Techniques such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated pest management not only improve yields but also enhance the resilience of farming systems to extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves. By mainstreaming climate-smart agriculture, COP 29 seeks to encourage countries to incorporate these practices into their national agricultural strategies, thereby promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Adaptation is another key pillar of the discussions at COP 29, recognizing the growing impact of climate change on agricultural production. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are threatening food security, particularly in developing countries where agriculture is a major source of livelihood. To build resilience, it is crucial to develop adaptation strategies that are context-specific and responsive to the needs of local communities. These strategies may include promoting climate-resilient crop varieties, improving water management systems, and investing in early warning systems to anticipate and respond to climate risks.
One of the most critical adaptation measures discussed at COP 29 is the need to diversify agricultural systems. Monocropping, or the practice of growing a single crop over large areas, leaves farming systems vulnerable to pest outbreaks, diseases, and climate shocks. Diversifying crops and livestock can reduce these risks, improve soil health, and enhance food and income security for farmers. In addition to crop diversification, the integration of agroecological approaches—such as organic farming, permaculture, and mixed farming systems—can further enhance resilience by fostering biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Beyond on-farm practices, the global agricultural framework being shaped at COP 29 also emphasizes the importance of policy support and institutional frameworks. Governments play a crucial role in creating enabling environments for sustainable agriculture by enacting supportive policies, regulations, and incentives. Policy interventions may include reforming subsidies to discourage harmful practices, promoting access to credit and insurance for smallholder farmers, and providing technical support for the adoption of climate-smart practices. At the same time, institutional frameworks are needed to facilitate coordination between different stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector actors.
In the context of reducing emissions, the agricultural sector holds immense potential to contribute to global climate goals. Agriculture accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies, nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer use, and carbon dioxide emissions from land-use changes. However, innovative practices such as regenerative agriculture, conservation tillage, and methane-reducing feed additives offer promising pathways to lower emissions while maintaining productivity.
COP 29 is expected to promote the scaling up of these innovative practices through knowledge-sharing platforms, capacity-building initiatives, and financing mechanisms. For instance, initiatives like soil carbon sequestration projects aim to capture and store atmospheric carbon in agricultural soils, thereby mitigating emissions while enhancing soil fertility. Similarly, reducing methane emissions from livestock through improved feeding practices and better manure management can significantly lower the sector’s carbon footprint. By fostering collaboration and exchange of best practices, COP 29 aims to accelerate the adoption of these low-emission practices globally.
However, achieving these ambitious goals requires adequate financial support. Climate finance remains a crucial issue, especially for developing countries that lack the resources to implement sustainable agricultural practices on a large scale. At COP 29, discussions on climate finance are expected to focus on securing commitments from developed countries to provide increased funding for adaptation and mitigation initiatives in agriculture. This funding can support the development of infrastructure, the deployment of innovative technologies, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers, who are often at the frontline of climate change impacts.
Moreover, integrating sustainability and resilience into global agriculture requires a holistic approach that considers social and economic dimensions alongside environmental goals. Efforts to transition towards sustainable agriculture must prioritize the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly women, youth, and indigenous peoples. These groups often play critical roles in agricultural production but face barriers to accessing resources, decision-making processes, and market opportunities. By ensuring their active participation and empowerment, COP 29 aims to promote equitable and inclusive agricultural development.
Conclusion
The stakes are high at COP 29 in Baku as world leaders attempt to redefine climate commitments and policies. The global agriculture sector stands to gain significantly from these discussions, with the potential to revolutionize farming systems, enhance sustainability, and build resilience against the looming threats of climate change. By fostering innovation, financial support, and collaborative efforts, COP 29 could mark a turning point for the future of agriculture.