Borlaug Dialogue side event: Reducing food loss and waste to address climate change in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia

The problem of food loss and waste (FLW) undermines global food and nutrition security and makes a significant contribution to climate change, primarily through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing or minimizing FLW requires coordinated action to align stakeholders, promote responsible investments, and incentivize sustainable agricultural practices.

This was the theme of an October 22, 2024, World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue virtual side event organized by IFPRI, titled “Reducing the Impact of GHGs Through Managing Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Insights from Bangladesh, Guatemala, Malawi, and Nepal.” Panelists explored the state of progress and existing challenges in FLW management to help reduce GHG emissions and promote environmental co-benefits for biodiversity. Given the urgent need for action globally, panelists agreed that now is the time to integrate FLW management commitments under countries’ ongoing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) updates under the Paris Climate Agreement.