Enhancing Food Security Amid Climate Change: The Role of Social Protection
Climate change severely challenges food security by disrupting agriculture, increasing food prices, and exacerbating health issues. Social protection programs are vital for sustaining livelihoods during climate shocks. Effective measures have shown positive impacts in various countries, but more extensive support is required for LDCs and SIDS to build resilience against climate-induced challenges. Brazil’s upcoming G20 presidency could serve as a pivotal moment for cooperative action and resource mobilization.
Climate change is critically impacting food security globally, primarily through its adverse effects on agriculture, access to food, health, and stability in food systems. The four pillars of food security—availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability—are increasingly challenged due to disrupted weather patterns, extreme weather events, rising food prices, and social inequalities. In less developed regions, these challenges are exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and climate-induced health issues. Consequently, the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations are often compromised, leading to distressing coping mechanisms such as skipping meals or selling assets. To combat these challenges, immediate global cooperation and support for developing nations—particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—are imperative. Brazil’s presidency of the G20 in 2024 presents an opportunity to galvanize resources and foster cooperative strategies. According to the 2023 Synthesis Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate impacts are more severe than previously anticipated, with projections indicating that climate change could push an additional 100 million individuals into extreme poverty and significantly affect global employment and food scarcity by 2050. Social protection programs play a significant role in enhancing food security. Evidence from countries like Ethiopia and Kenya indicates that effective social support can help maintain living standards during crises. For instance, Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) reportedly prevented households from selling assets during droughts, while Kenya’s Hunger Safety Net program aided beneficiaries in preserving their financial stability amid severe drought conditions. Despite the widespread benefits of social protection, only about 25% of vulnerable populations receive assistance. Anticipatory social protection strategies—those deployed before climate shocks—are more effective than post-disaster responses. Studies suggest that investments in resilience can yield significant financial returns, proposing that every dollar spent on resilient infrastructure can produce upwards of four dollars in benefits. A thorough analysis conducted using the Anticipatory Social Protection Index for Resilience (ASPIRE) toolkit across eight diverse countries—including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India—revealed significant discrepancies in social protection readiness and effectiveness. For example, Ethiopia and Senegal demonstrated robust systems for food utilization and availability, whereas Malawi, Bangladesh, and Pakistan faced challenges due to resource limitations, poor targeting, and ineffective programs. The need for customized strategies adapted to specific local climate risks and social protection systems is evident. As countries grapple with climate change, bolstering their social protection frameworks will be essential to achieve sustainable food security outcomes.
Food security is increasingly threatened by climate change, which disrupts agricultural practices and affects the availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food supplies. Understanding the multifaceted impacts of climate change on food security necessitates an examination of how environmental factors, coupled with socio-economic inequalities, hinder the capacity of vulnerable populations to secure sufficient nutrition. Hence, social protection programs are becoming vital tools to mitigate the adverse effects and enhance resilience among impacted communities. By assessing various countries, this article delves into the efficacy and readiness of social protection initiatives aimed at addressing food security amid changing climate dynamics.
In conclusion, the escalating impacts of climate change pose significant threats to global food security, particularly for vulnerable populations in LDCs and SIDS. Effective social protection systems are crucial for enhancing resilience and maintaining food security. Customizing strategies to fit different countries’ specific needs and challenges is imperative for success. By building robust social safety nets and implementing anticipatory measures, the global community can better support those adversely affected by climate-related crises, thereby ensuring food security remains a priority in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
