Agriculture in the Negotiations George Wamukoya COMESA Secretariat Lusaka, Zambia

Outline Introduction Agriculture in the Negotiations – Pre Cancun Agriculture in the Negotiations – Post Cancun Conclusion

Introduction Agriculture is important for all countries of Africa. In most African countries more than 60–80% of the economically active population and their dependents rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, employment and income. The heterogeneity of farming systems require targeted interventions to support farmers in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. The impacts of climate change will affect food security

Introduction/2 Because climate change has a negative impact on agricultural production, achieving any given food security target will require greater investments in agricultural productivity To finance agricultural adaptation, international financing is a prerequisite. In the context of Africa, mitigation in agriculture is co-benefit.

Agriculture in the Negotiations Pre Cancun Agriculture does not form part of the Cancun Agreements due to other outstanding sectoral issues. However, in the context of REDD+, agriculture may be considered as a driver to deforestation and NAMA. From Copenhagen under 1(b)(iv), Parties negotiated a Draft Decision on agriculture that was anticipated to be adopted in Cancun. Primarily the Draft Decision was on promotion and cooperation in research, development and transfer of technologies for the mitigation of GHG emissions from the agricultural sector – MITIGATION.

Agriculture in the Negotiations Post Cancun Based on the agreed agenda from the Bangkok Session, agriculture may be discussed under: 1(b)(iv) of the Bali Action Plan – Cooperative sectoral approaches; and Additional issues – NZ and the EU did indicate that they would like to have agriculture discussed under additional issues so as to: decouple it from bunker fuels and other sectoral issues that have not progressed in negotiations; and expand the scope of agriculture so that it covers adaptation, mitigation and synergies between adaptation and mitigation. Thus implementing Art. 4.1(c)(d) and (e).

CONCLUSION Consider the merits and demerits of having agriculture negotiated under 1(b)(iv) of the Bali Action Plan or as an additional issue?