Strategic Objectives:

Program Description:The Climate Smart Agriculture program, integral to the Capacity Building Pillar of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) 2031 Vision, is designed to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability in OIC member states amid changing climatic conditions. This comprehensive initiative encompasses three key components: addressing climate impact on agriculture, optimizing water management in agriculture, and improving pest and diseases control management. The program aims to bolster food security through innovative strategies and technologies, facilitate efficient water use, and combat the challenges posed by transboundary pests and diseases.

Strategic Objectives:

- Develop a program for climate-resilient agriculture practices to enhance crop stability and productivity.

- Establish integrated pest management protocols to protect crops and agricultural ecosystems.

- Implement innovative irrigation and water-saving strategies for optimized water usage.

- Promote inclusive water strategies and modern water management technologies through partnerships.

- Support sustainable agricultural practices for long-term environmental health and food security.

Background:

Facing the urgent challenges posed by climate change, including increased temperatures, erratic weather, and the spread of pests and diseases, the OIC member states have initiated a program to strengthen agricultural resilience, ecosystem health, and water management. This program champions climate-smart agricultural practices and innovative water strategies to mitigate the risks of desertification, drought, and resource depletion. It emphasizes regional collaboration and capacity building, promoting the sharing of knowledge and joint efforts in sustainable practice implementation. In embracing technological advancements and inclusive governance, the program aims to arm member states with the necessary tools to adapt and prosper amidst the evolving climate landscape, safeguarding the region's food security, economic stability, and community well-being for the foreseeable future.

Goals:

1. Advance climate-smart agriculture to enhance productivity and stability of food supply.
2. Preserve agricultural ecosystems and strategic commodities with robust pest control strategies.
3. Foster regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in pest control and water management.
4. Promote advanced irrigation techniques and water-saving strategies in agriculture.
5. Advocate for inclusive water strategies and technology transfer among stakeholders.

Outcomes:

- Increased adoption of resilient farming practices will boost agricultural productivity and food security.

- Effective pest control measures will reduce crop damage and preserve agricultural ecosystems.

- Enhanced collaboration will improve agricultural knowledge and innovative solutions.

- Improved water conservation will enhance resilience to water scarcity and manage resources sustainably.

- Community involvement and advanced water management will create inclusive policies for member states.

Highlights of implemented activities:

Central Asia: Webinar on Pests and Diseases in Wheat and Rice Farming in Central Asia, 28 March 2024

Morocco: Arab Water Management Summit in Morocco from 4 to 7 March 2024

Tunisia: International Conference on Food Security in the Arab World During and After Crises, Tunis, Tunisia, December 20-21, 2023

Tunisia: Regional Conference on: Resilient Agriculture in IOFS-MS: Climate Adaptation and Food Security, Tunis, Tunisia, 12-13 September 2023

Niger: Workshop training on Addressing the challenges of Climate impact on Food Security in Sahel Region, 15-19 May 2023 Niamey Niger

MENA Region: Two days Webinars on Climate Adaptation and Food Security in MENA Region

Tunisia: Adaptation strategies and practices employed by Arab countries to mitigate the effects of climate change on agricultural production, Tunis Tunisia, 20-21 December 2023

Egypt: A round table on "Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Water Management in Agriculture in OIC member countries” (a side event at Cairo Water Week 2022) 16 October 2022, Egypt

Niger: Training workshop on Capacity Building for Farmers on Management of Water in Agriculture 16-17 May 2022, Niger

West Africa: IOFS Training Program within the framework of Water Hub for West African and Central Asian Member Countries 31 August 1^st September 2021 (Hybrid Format)

Highlights of planned activities:

- Capacity Building in Climate Smart Agriculture to Enhance Soil Health in Africa through Organic Fertilizers

- Conference on Resilient Mediterranean Agriculture and Adaptation to Climate Change

- Training Workshop on Xylella fastidiosa: Mitigating the Threat to Mediterranean Olive Trees

- Capacity Building in Climate Smart Agriculture to Enhance Soil Health in Africa through Organic Fertilizers

- Training on Climate-Smart Wheat Farming

- Capacity building for Young Farmers on Urban Agrifood System

- Round Table on Integrated Water Resource Management approaches (Cairo Water Week Side Event)

- Training Workshop on Pest and Disease Management in Cassava Farming