Boosting Climate-smart Agriculture in Colombia

Climate change is already hitting Colombia’s agricultural sector. Its effects include reduced crop yields, increased soil erosion, fewer livestock and reduced crop cycles. At the same time, livestock production and deforestation are raising the nation’s agricultural emissions.

The funds (USD 100 million) come from GCF and CAF, and the program is set to benefit around 1 million Colombians. For Colombia’s Agriculture Minister Luis Villegas, “agriculture is the sector through which we can take a step forward to curb climate change and fulfill the Paris agreements, and this will improve the quality of life of our farmers.” 

GCF CEO Yannick Glemarec also participated in the event, and said that this project with CAF combines adaptation and mitigation to bring about multiple development benefits, as it will contribute to reducing the worst impacts of global warming, while sequestering carbon.

Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity manager Alicia Montalvo stressed that “if we work as a team, things work out. This project illustrates the approach under which CAF wants to advance: Promotion of innovation, private sector involvement and integration of adaptation and mitigation measures in the agricultural sector.”