Policy Recommendations

C5: Transforming Food Systems for Climate-Resilient Food Security in Pakistan

·        Lead the development of strategies to link food production with consumer access, ensuring every step from farm to market is sustainable.

·        Integrate food resilience and security goals into the national planning framework, promoting cross-industry collaboration.

·        Revise and update the National Food Security Policy (2018) to incorporate climate resilience, align with the 2021 Food System Summit recommendations and focus more on supporting women farmers.

·        Establish a National Adaptive Plan with provincial collaboration, using new research to shape strategies for climate-resilient food systems.

·        Provide financial incentives and tax relief for small-scale farmers adopting sustainable practices, such as hydroponics and solar-powered farming.

·        Strengthen funding mechanisms to incentivise private sector investments in resilient food systems and sustainable agriculture.

·        Develop a national action plan to leverage genomics, molecular markers and biotechnology for climate-resilient crop breeding.

·        Organise national expectation workshops and dialogue groups to advance food system transformation.

·        Promote the use of satellite data for improved weather forecasting and crop health monitoring.

Role of Civil Society & Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

·        Collaborate with local governments and communities to implement programmes that support the restoration of natural food systems.

·        Lead initiatives to promote affordable diets and combat malnutrition through awareness workshops, especially in vulnerable communities.

·        Support joint initiatives at the local level to strengthen food systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

·        Facilitate awareness campaigns on climate-resilient practices, particularly targeting small-scale and women farmers.

·        Assist in building digital and financial literacy for farmers, especially women, empowering them with market access and modern farming techniques.

Role of Academia and Research Institutions

·        Conduct joint research and development on identifying genes that enhance stress and salinity tolerance in crops like rice.

·        Promote the use of diagnostics, genomics, and biotechnology to accelerate crop breeding for climate resilience.

·        Focus on developing high-yield, low-water crops and exploring hydroponic systems that conserve water.

·        Integrate digital literacy and education into agricultural training programmes to enhance farmers’ adaptation to modern technologies.

·        Collaborate with the government on region-specific research to align policies with local needs and climate challenges.

Role of the Private Sector

·        Invest in digital tools and technologies that promote sustainable farming, such as weather-adaptive tech and water-saving systems.

·        Collaborate with the government to fund and develop adaptive technologies, focusing on solar-powered farming and hydroponics.

·        Provide financial support and incentives for small-scale farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices.

·        Engage in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to co-finance initiatives (such as insurance schemes) aimed at transforming food systems and enhancing climate resilience.

·        Support credit access programmes for farmers, enabling them to adopt modern, sustainable practices.

Role of Media and Communication Platforms

·        Raise awareness about the importance of climate-resilient food systems through targeted campaigns and storytelling.

·        Promote success stories of sustainable agricultural practices to inspire broader adoption among farmers.

·        Use digital platforms to disseminate information on smart tech tools and innovations in agriculture.

Role of Local Communities and Farmers

·        Engage in community-driven programmes that promote biodiversity, sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation.

·        Participate in capacity-building workshops to enhance skills in using modern agricultural technologies.

·        Leverage community networks to implement localised food system strategies, ensuring adaptation to climate change.

Role of Philanthropic Organisations and International Donors

·        Fund initiatives focused on food system resilience and provide grants for research on drought-resistant crops and sustainable irrigation.

·        Support programmes aimed at enhancing digital access and financial literacy for farmers, particularly women.

·        Facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge through international collaborations and partnerships.