China can help ensure future food security

Op-Ed by Ismahane Elouafi CGIAR; and Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, CGIAR in China Daily

Like the economies of other countries across the planet, China’s economy, too, is feeling the sting of climate change. In recent months, the country has seen storms, droughts, floods and heat waves that have damaged crops, disrupted food supply chains, and led to higher prices for staple foods. These events threaten China’s food security and highlight a broader reality: climate change is undermining agricultural systems worldwide.

By hosting the 2024 World AgriFood Innovation Conference in October, China putting the focus on global food security and agricultural resilience could not be more timely.

China’s recent experience of extreme weather is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for more resilient agricultural systems. Rural livelihoods are under threat, and food prices are rising. This presents a challenge to China’s rural vitalization efforts, a central pillar of the country’s development strategy. Rural vitalization is not just about building infrastructure; it’s also about ensuring that rural communities can thrive in a world where climate change is an ever-present threat.

The same challenges are being faced on a larger scale in Africa where agricultural potential is increasingly at risk due to severe droughts, soil degradation and extreme weather patterns. In this context, China’s experience and leadership in agricultural modernization are critical.

Ismahane Elouafi is Executive Managing Director, CGIAR; and Lindiwe Majele Sibanda is Chair of the Integrated Partnership Board, CGIAR. Developed with support from Adam Hunt, CGIAR Senior Content Advisor