Latest news with #FoodSecurity
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: World Bank considers additional financing for project promoting sustainable agriculture
AMMAN — The World Bank is considering additional financing for a programme that supports "Agricultural Resilience, Value Chain Development and Innovation - ARDE", which began in 2022, with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural sector, improving rural livelihoods and increasing food security. According to data monitored by Al Mamlaka TV on Sunday, the bank indicated that the additional financing is estimated at $179 million to boost the resilience of agriculture and expand innovation and value chains. The total cost of the programme after the addition of the new funding is about $346.5 million, distributed among financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of $185.6 million, government financing of $106 million. The total value also includes grants from trust funds with $43.9 million from the concessional financing facility and $9 million from the forced displacement fund, in addition to commercial financing worth $2 million. The proposed additional funding aims to build on existing institutional arrangements and expand the programme's impact by funding two key areas. The first is improving rainwater harvesting planning through the national commission using the results of a previous impact assessment, which recommended continuing mapping work, improving governance and coordination, reviewing tender documents, and employing digital technologies in order to expand guidance and training on climate-smart practices. The second component aims to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-food sector and improve the enabling environment for farmers and the private sector by reducing the risks associated with investing in value chains. This includes expanding the use of digital technology to access marketing and export promotion services in rural and urban areas, expanding virtual training programmes to develop skills and employment opportunities, especially for women and refugees, reviewing the application of agricultural labour laws. It also includes improving the regulatory environment and strengthening the capacity of cooperatives, especially farmers' associations, to increase their participation in the country. This approach comes as part of Jordan's efforts to achieve sustainable and comprehensive agricultural development that ensures enhancing food security, increasing food exports and creating new job opportunities, especially in rural areas and the most vulnerable groups. Untapped potential The World Bank stressed that the Jordanian agricultural sector has 'great' untapped potential that promotes economic growth, creates jobs and enhances food security, as about 25 per cent of low-income people in Jordan depend on agriculture as a source of income. Although primary agriculture contributed 4.8 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, the broader agri-food sector accounted for 20-25 per cent of the GDP. According to FAOSTAT data, primary agriculture and the agri-food sector account for 3 per cent and 11 per cent of formal employment respectively, with an additional significant contribution through informal employment. The World Bank stressed that increased investment in the agri-food sector can stimulate rural job creation both on farms and along the value chain, including processing, packaging, distribution, services and transportation. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Rising food prices driven by climate crisis threaten world's poorest, report finds
Climate change-induced food price shocks are on the rise and could lead to more malnutrition, political upheaval and social unrest as the world's poorest are hit by shortages of food staples. New research links last year's surges in the price of potatoes in the UK, cabbages in South Korea, onions in India, and cocoa in Ghana to weather extremes that 'exceeded all historical precedent prior to 2020'. Such price jumps not only affect local food security and health, particularly for the poorest in society, but have knock-on effects around the world. Unprecedented monthly temperatures in February 2024 after drought in late 2023 and early 2024 across Ghana and Ivory Coast, where 60% of the world's cocoa is grown, led to global prices for the commodity spiking by 300%. The high price of staples can have an impact on public health as low-income households cut back on expensive fruit and vegetables, according to the report from a team including the UK's Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the European Central Bank (ECB), the Food Foundation, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The study investigated examples across 18 countries between 2022 and 2024 where price spikes were associated with heat, drought and heavy precipitation. It found food price spikes can have a wider economic impact, making it harder for economies to keep down overall inflation and so, for example, bring interest rates down. A hot dry spring in the UK this year, for example, partly drove unexpectedly high UK inflation figures published last week, dampening expectations for further interest rate cuts this summer. The report also suggests 'high rates of inflation can directly alter election outcomes in modern democracies'. Maximilian Kotz, a Marie Curie postdoctoral research fellow at Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the lead author of the report, said: 'It is clear the cost of living played a role in last year's election in the US.' He added: 'These effects are going to continue to become worse in the future. Until we get to net zero emissions extreme weather will only get worse, but it's already damaging crops and pushing up the price of food all over the world. 'People are noticing, with rising food prices No 2 on the list of climate impacts they see in their lives, second only to extreme heat itself. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Sadly, when the price of food shoots up, low-income families often have to resort to less nutritious, cheaper foods. Diets like this have been linked to a range of health conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.' Raj Patel, a research professor in the Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, said: 'Food price inflation is always political.' For example, people in Mozambique took to the streets when the price of bread shot up after extreme heat in Russia, a big wheat producer, prompted the country to block exports to protect meagre supplies in 2010 meaning the price of wheat soared globally. The research is published ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake on 27 July, where world leaders will meet to discuss threats to the global food system.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Rising food prices driven by climate crisis threaten world's poorest, report finds
Climate change-induced food price shocks are on the rise and could lead to more malnutrition, political upheaval and social unrest as the world's poorest are hit by shortages of food staples. New research links last year's surges in the price of potatoes in the UK, cabbages in South Korea, onions in India, and cocoa in Ghana to weather extremes that 'exceeded all historical precedent prior to 2020'. Such price jumps not only affect local food security and health, particularly for the poorest in society, but have knock-on effects around the world. Unprecedented monthly temperatures in February 2024 after drought in late 2023 and early 2024 across Ghana and Ivory Coast, where 60% of the world's cocoa is grown, led to global prices for the commodity spiking by 300%. The high price of staples can have an impact on public health as low-income households cut back on expensive fruit and vegetables, according to the report from a team including the UK's Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the European Central Bank (ECB), the Food Foundation, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The study investigated examples across 18 countries between 2022 and 2024 where price spikes were associated with heat, drought and heavy precipitation. It found food price spikes can have a wider economic impact, making it harder for economies to keep down overall inflation and so, for example, bring interest rates down. A hot dry spring in the UK this year, for example, partly drove unexpectedly high UK inflation figures published last week, dampening expectations for further interest rate cuts this summer. The report also suggests 'high rates of inflation can directly alter election outcomes in modern democracies'. Maximilian Kotz, a Marie Curie postdoctoral research fellow at Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the lead author of the report, said: 'It is clear the cost of living played a role in last year's election in the US.' He added: 'These effects are going to continue to become worse in the future. Until we get to net zero emissions extreme weather will only get worse, but it's already damaging crops and pushing up the price of food all over the world. 'People are noticing, with rising food prices No 2 on the list of climate impacts they see in their lives, second only to extreme heat itself. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Sadly, when the price of food shoots up, low-income families often have to resort to less nutritious, cheaper foods. Diets like this have been linked to a range of health conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.' Raj Patel, a research professor in the Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, said: 'Food price inflation is always political.' For example, people in Mozambique took to the streets when the price of bread shot up after extreme heat in Russia, a big wheat producer, prompted the country to block exports to protect meagre supplies in 2010 meaning the price of wheat soared globally. The research is published ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake on 27 July, where world leaders will meet to discuss threats to the global food system.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Around 300 Pakistani graduates complete advance agriculture training in China under landmark initiative
ISLAMABAD: A first batch of around 300 Pakistani graduates have successfully completed advanced agriculture training in China's Shaanxi province, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday, describing the development as 'very heartening.' Pakistan decided to send nearly 1,000 graduates to China to train in methods and techniques to enhance Pakistani agricultural production following Sharif's visit to the Chinese agricultural, industrial and educational hub of Xi'an, Shaanxi in June last year. In a post on X, Sharif thanked the Chinese leadership, the Shaanxi government and the universities that imparted hands-on training to Pakistani graduates as well as appreciated the Pakistani national food security ministry, higher education commission and the Pakistani embassy for their hard work. 'Very heartening to know that the first batch of around 300 Pakistani agriculture graduates have successfully completed their hands-on practical training in Shaanxi Province, China, in important areas of water saving irrigation, seed production, animal husbandry, agriculture production and prevention of post-harvest losses,' he said. The agriculture sector contributes nearly a quarter of Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 37 percent of the national labor force, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. However, a fast-growing population, climate change and poor resource management have greatly impacted Pakistan's crops in recent years, prompting officials to ponder alternative ways to enhance production. Experts say building water reservoirs, restoring wetlands and promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties is vital to mitigating recurring and intensifying drought risks in the country. 'Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the adoption of modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems are no longer optional,' Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a spokesperson for Pakistani climate change ministry, said in Jan. this year. 'They are critical tools in our survival weaponry.'
The National
13-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Environment Minister visits date palm forest in China as ties grow
The UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment has hailed the country's growing ties with China after seeing how a thriving date palm partnership is bearing fruit on an overseas trip to the country. Dr Amna Al Dahak visited the UAE-China Friendship Forest of Date Palm in Wenchang City, on the southern island province of Hainan, where an ambitious mission to plant 100,000 date palm trees is reaping rewards and is serving to symbolise the deep-rooted relations from Far East to the Middle East. The green initiative was launched by President Sheikh Mohamed, in his previous capacity of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during his visit to China in 2019. Dr Al Dahak was told that 25,000 date palms have been planted under the scheme in two phases, with 35,000 more to follow between September and December of next year, ahead of the final 40,000 palms being planted in 2028. The minister concluded a four-day visit to China this week, which aimed to advance bilateral links in key fields of climate action, sustainable agriculture and food security. 'The historical bonds between the UAE and China have evolved beyond traditional relations into a comprehensive and interconnected strategic partnership,' said Dr Al Dahak. 'This collaboration serves as a unique model for successful co-operation across various fields and projects, serving the mutual interests of both nations and supporting stability and sustainable development regionally and globally.' Dr Al Dahak said both countries were committed to working together to address pressing environmental issues facing the planet. 'The UAE is an active partner for the People's Republic of China, serving as a pivotal gateway to the Middle East and African markets,' she said. 'Bilateral ties in sustainable agriculture and climate issues have been paramount, with both countries committed to finding effective solutions. Given that the National Food Security Strategy 2051 is a cornerstone of the UAE's national priorities, we seek to strengthen these relations and leverage China's advanced capabilities in agricultural innovation, integrating them with our ambitious agricultural goals in the UAE. 'This will enhance both countries' food production capacities. We will also redouble bilateral efforts concerning climate issues and deepen cultural understanding and enduring friendship – bonds that transcend ordinary projects and support the shared aspirations of our friendly peoples.' The environment was high on the agenda for the Emirati delegation, who took in visits to leading institutes in the vast country, including the Beijing Tongzhou International Seed Industry Science and Technology Centre and Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Beijing Pinggu Agricultural Sci-Tech Innovation Park. 'Our enduring relationship with China spans a vast array of fields, and this visit marks yet another significant chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and China,' said Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE ambassador to China. 'This collaboration, particularly in climate action, environmental preservation, agriculture, and cutting-edge research, is a direct reflection of the visionary leadership in both our nations, committed to building a prosperous future for our peoples and the wider world.'
