Introduction
Agriculture and food (agrifood) systems around the world are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to climate change. The evidence shows that this vulnerability is hitting developing countries the hardest. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns lead to reduced leads, new pests, new diseases, increased hunger, and increased malnutrition.
In regards to agrifood systems, climate change can be addressed in two ways. Firstly, by building resilience to ensure adaptation, and by increasing sustainability which means GHG emissions will be reduced.
Assessments have been carried out and it has been concluded that climate finance is insufficient at farm at country levels. FAST aims to create concrete actions to improve climate finance by 2030. To do this they will create a multi-stakeholder partnership that will act as an accelerator.
Governance
Objectivity, independence and credibility to the initiative will come from the UN and other UN agencies, as they will act as a neutral facilitator. Guiding principles have been put in place to ensure outputs are successfully delivered.
Annual meetings are set to take place within the multi-stakeholder cooperation programme, and three pillars will be focused on:
- Access to Finance pillar – The capacity a country has to identify and access climate finance and investment will be increased
- Knowledge and Capacity Pillar – The necessary analyses, guidelines and supporting capacity development will be provided
- Policy Supports and Dialogues Pillar – Agrifood systems will be given the priority and importance needed within climate policies
