A landmark side event at COP 30 highlighted the critical role of agrifood systems in national adaptation plans (NAPs) while revealing persistent gaps that hinder their full potential for climate action. The event, held on 20 November 2025, officially launched the SCALA-supported report Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans – An Analysis, which outlines targeted measures to strengthen the use of agrifood systems in addressing climate risks. Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning NAPs with nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and national biodiversity strategies to maximize the impact of adaptation efforts.
The report, presented by FAO Natural Resources Officer Krystal Crumpler, shows that 95 percent of developing countries with a NAP report climate-related impacts on agrifood systems, and all prioritize adaptation in this sector. However, major gaps remain: only 16 percent of adaptation actions are linked to specific climate hazards, and just 14 percent target the needs of vulnerable groups. Despite agrifood systems representing 54 percent of total adaptation finance needs, they receive only 20 percent of funding. Monitoring and evaluation remain limited, with only one-third of countries having operational systems in place and 47 percent identifying indicators, mostly focused on food production rather than access or security. The report also notes that 47 percent of countries consider losses and damages in agrifood systems, higher than in any other sector. Updated NAP Technical Guidelines released in August 2025 were highlighted as a key tool to overcome these barriers and transition from planning to implementation.
Discussions at the event underscored country-specific approaches to adaptation. In Côte d’Ivoire, adaptation priorities focus on safeguarding key industries such as cocoa and rice through governance, knowledge sharing, and strengthening policy infrastructure. Dr. Ismail Kone emphasized that finance, coordination, and capacity building remain essential for effective implementation. In Colombia, Jorge Gutierrez outlined five adaptation pillars: agroclimatic risk management, sustainable low-carbon practices, reconversion of local bioeconomies, use of indigenous knowledge, and access to climate finance and inclusive markets. He stressed that climate action requires social and political engagement, with locally tailored solutions for a just transition.
Concluding the event, FAO Senior Climate Change Specialist Sibyl Nelson urged participants to leverage NAPs and related climate and biodiversity plans to translate international commitments into tangible national and local actions. The COP 30 side event and the SCALA report provide a roadmap for enhancing agrifood system adaptation, addressing funding gaps, and ensuring inclusive, evidence-based climate resilience strategies across developing countries.
