Regional analysis of the nationally determined contributions in the Near East and North Africa: Opportunities and gaps in the agriculture, water and land use sectors

The report provides a synthesis of the agriculture, water, and land use sectors in the nationally determined contributions from Near East and North Africa. It highlights the contributions made by countries, identifies opportunities for further action, and outlines gaps, barriers, and needs to address for raising mitigation and adaptation ambitions. The findings will help member countries reflect on progress and align with national climate goals. The analysis also highlights the links with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and provides guidance for international support.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 117 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

This comprehensive report offers a unique, sector-specific analysis of the agriculture, water, and land use sectors within the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) from Near East and North Africa. It provides aummary of the substantial contributions already made by countries in the region, highlights opportunities for further action, and identifies gaps, barriers, and needs that must be addressed to enhance mitigation and adaptation ambitions. The findings of this report will be invaluable to member countries as they reflect on their progress in advancing towards nationally determined contributions priorities for agriculture, water, and land use, as well as associated national climate goals, including related targets under the Sustainable Development Goals.

The analysis also sheds light on the interconnectedness between the NDCs from the region and the ongoing work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in support of the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA). Furthermore, the report serves as a guide to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other international actors on the support required to assist countries in the region in implementing their agriculture, water, and land use priorities in their NDCs and ensuring that future commitments from the sector are quantifiable, verifiable, and sufficiently ambitious.

The report begins by providing an overview of the agriculture, water, and land use sectors in the Near East and North Africa region, highlighting their importance in supporting food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. It then examines the contributions made by countries in the region to date, including policy measures, investments, and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing water efficiency, and promoting sustainable land management practices.

The report identifies key opportunities for further action in the agriculture, water, and land use sectors, including:

Improving agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision agriculture, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture.

Enhancing water efficiency in agriculture through the development and implementation of water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring.

Promoting sustainable land management practices, such as land restoration, soil conservation, and sustainable grazing management, to mitigate soil degradation and enhance ecosystem services.

Addressing the challenges of climate change-induced desertification, including through the implementation of land and water management practices that promote soil fertility, vegetation cover, and water retention.

The report also highlights the gaps, barriers, and needs that must be addressed to enhance the contributions of the agriculture, water, and land use sectors in the region. These include:

Lack of financial resources and technical expertise to implement sustainable agriculture and land management practices.

Insufficient infrastructure and technology to support water efficiency and sustainable land management.

Policy and regulatory frameworks that are not conducive to sustainable development.

Social and economic barriers that hinder the adoption of sustainable practices.

The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and support to help countries in the region move forward to implement their agriculture, water, and land use priorities in their NDCs and achieve their climate goals. It suggests that international organizations, governments, and private sector actors should work together to provide financial resources, technical expertise, and policy support to countries in the region.

In conclusion, this comprehensive report provides a valuable synthesis of the agriculture, water, and land use sectors in the Near East and North Africa region. It highlights the substantial contributions already made by countries, identifies opportunities for further action, and identifies gaps, barriers, and needs that must be addressed to enhance mitigation and adaptation ambitions. The findings of this report will be instrumental in guiding member countries as they work towards implementing their agriculture, water, and land use priorities in their NDCs and achieving their climate goals.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251357804