United Nations Radio

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says the twin battles to improve food security and contain climate change can be fought on the world's farmland mainly in developing countries.

In a report issued on Thursday, it notes that agriculture not only suffers the impacts of climate change but it is also responsible for 14 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same time, agriculture can reduce or remove a significant amount of global emissions through improvements of cropland and grazing land management as well as the restoration of organic soils and degraded lands.

FAO says that nearly 90 per cent of the technical potential for agriculture to reduce the impact of climate change comes from soil carbon sequestration.

The report says these options involve increasing the levels of organic matter in soil, of which carbon is the main component.

It points out that this can translate into better plant nutrient content, increased water retention capacity and better structure, eventually leading to higher yields and greater resilience.

The report says other options involve difficult tradeoffs with benefits for mitigation but potentially negative consequences for food security and development.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio.
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