The United States needs to increase spending on programs that will help smallholder farmers in low-income countries to adapt to climate change and boost food production, according to a new report.
“The U.S., as a global leader in agricultural production and innovation, has a particularly important role to play in developing more sustainable, resilient, and equitable global food systems,” says the report sponsored by the Farm Journal Foundation and authored by Michigan State University economist Thomas Jayne.
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The report recommends prioritizing research, development and extension programs that “promote climate adaptation and resilience” and increase productivity on existing land. Several existing programs, including USAID's Feed the Future initiative and the new, multinational Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, could be scaled up to address the needs, the report says.
Increased funding also is needed for ag education programs, extension services, training for agricultural scientists as well as for weather and early warning information services, the report says.
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