Experts call for approving proposed water, food security policy

The experts of climate change Wednesday called for an early approval of the proposed Water and Food Security Policy by the federal cabinet to effectively cope with the challenges posed by environmental changes. They were speaking at seminar titled 'Preparing Rural Communities to Cope With Climate Change through South-South and Triangular Cooperation,' organized by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which was addressed by experts from different countries as well as representatives of the concerned agencies of the government. Speaking on the occasion Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan said that climate change is a global issue and its effects have no boundaries.
He said that the climate change is on Pakistan's national agenda and also underscored the need for collective efforts to deal with the challenges posed by the climate change. He pointed out that the recent legislation in the Parliament - Pakistan Climate Change Act 2016 - would create certain institutions which would help the country evolve measures to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of changes in weather conditions triggered by unsustainable development around the world.
He said that Pakistan is among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, adding that coordinated efforts in collaboration with international agencies are needed to minimize the impacts of the climate change. The minister said that it was also needed to pay special attention to food security, adding, "We need to learn and adopt the techniques that would ensure sustainable food security." He also stated that water security is also necessary; otherwise it will have serious human consequences. Sharing experiences on improving food and water security and enhancing market access, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Khizar Hayat Khan highlighted the efforts undertaken by the government in collaboration with international agencies to ensure food security.
He said that the ministry has recently signed a $53 million project with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in the agriculture sector to reach out to the farmers in rural areas. He said that the government is also involving private sector to ensure water and food security.
He pointed out that the country's first ever water policy is in its final stages of approval and it would soon be announced.
The executive director Global Change Impact Studies Center, Pakistan, identified the institutional challenges as hindrance in moving forward on effective measures to cope with the serious impacts posed by the climate change, adding many of Pakistan's challenges are institutional and not technical ones.
He stated that climate change should not be taken as a separate agenda but it incorporates all its segments together such as food security, water security and energy. He also underscored the need for capacity building of the relevant departments and agencies both at the federal and provincial levels, adding that adequate budget and cooperation of the international organizations and agencies could help minimize the challenges. Alexander Jones, Executive Director Climate and Environment Division, FAO, pointed out that 15 million people across the world are facing hunger, and the issue needs special attention.
He also emphasized the need for integration of the efforts of different agencies, adding that there should be a political will to working together along with all the concerned agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Yousuf Zafar, Chairman Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), shared with the audience the research work done in the country to deal with the impacts of the climate change.
However, he said that it was unfortunate that Pakistan has so far no food security policy, adding despite many discussions and suggestions, any dedicated food security policy is yet to be finalized.
Khalid Mehmood, independent chairman of the council, FAO, said that the climate smart initiatives of FAO in Pakistan have demonstrated that climate change adaptation can offer new opportunities to countries to build resilience of vulnerable communities. "IFAD renews its commitment to working alongside the government of Pakistan to promote rural transformation, improve rural livelihoods, and increase rural communities' ability to adapt to the effects of climate change," said Stephane Mousset, IFAD's Director and Chief of Staff, prior to the event.
"In Pakistan, significant agricultural production and an increasing population place high demand on water resources. Approximately 90 percent of the country's water is used for agriculture," said Hubert Boirard, IFAD's Country Programme Manager for Pakistan.
"IFAD's work in Pakistan is aligned with the government's development and policy agenda and is evolving. We are including climate change resilience and water resources management in all of the rural development activities we invest in," he added.
Pakistan's rural development objectives are linked to strengthening the rural economy, improving the quality of life of rural people and enhancing their living conditions. Provincial governments are committed to increasing agricultural productivity and food security, augmenting the supply of critical water resources, improving rural infrastructure, and delivering social amenities that meet community needs.