The need to improve productivity in the agri-food chain is an important message, but it is now an even bigger challenge because climate change is working against the productivity gains derived from science and technology that were previously a key part of agricultural economic development. If climate smart policies are to be successful, agriculture and its associated processing and distribution activities must be transformed.
This report reflects the programme of the Asia-Pacific Rural Development and Food Security Forum (RDFS Forum 2022) and embraces four main themes: sustainable and inclusive food systems and the contribution of digital technology; financing sustainable agriculture and natural capital; nutrition security and the double burden of malnutrition; and the rural–urban divide.
The content that forum participants delivered is incorporated in this report. It conveys the ideas and experiences of the forum participants and identifies the key challenges and levers for change in a world that is threatened by climate change. The concluding section presents readers with suggested approaches to the challenges that the developing world faces.