Climate change puts growing pressure on global food production
Global food production faces growing uncertainty due to droughts, floods and extreme temperatures, with effects already reflected in international agricultural commodity prices.
Climate change is placing increasing pressure on the global agribusiness sector, affecting agricultural productivity, disrupting international markets and increasing risks to food security. Phenomena such as droughts, floods, heat waves, pests and diseases are changing production conditions amid growing food demand.
The challenge is becoming more significant in light of demographic projections. The global population is expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, significantly increasing food demand and the need to develop more efficient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Climate impacts are also reflected in international agricultural markets. Adverse conditions have driven increases of more than 100% in cocoa prices, rises of between 20% and 30% in coffee prices, and declines of up to 15% in global cereal production. These fluctuations create uncertainty for producers, companies and consumers.
In this context, the agribusiness sector faces the challenge of increasing its production capacity and adaptive capacity in response to increasingly demanding environmental conditions, while taking sustainability constraints into account.
“Climate change is no longer a future risk, but a reality that is transforming the way food is produced. The agribusiness sector faces the challenge of increasing production to meet growing demand, but in an increasingly complex environment with greater environmental constraints,” said Geovanny Triviño.
The transformation of production systems.
In addition to responding to climate-related phenomena, agribusiness must make progress in reducing its environmental footprint. Factors such as agricultural frontier expansion, intensive agrochemical use and emissions associated with livestock farming make it necessary to adopt more sustainable and resilient production models.
Advancing this transformation requires joint action by governments, companies and civil society. Proposed measures include promoting innovation, facilitating access to advanced agricultural technologies and strengthening sustainable financing mechanisms. These initiatives would help optimize resource use, increase the sector’s adaptive capacity and improve its competitiveness.
Technology and regenerative agriculture.
Among the alternatives identified are AgTech technologies and regenerative agriculture models. One example is the Evergreen system, implemented in Africa, which incorporates trees into production systems to improve water retention, increase soil fertility and help reduce emissions.
The adoption of these tools and practices aims to strengthen resilience in agricultural activities and reduce the environmental impact of food production.
“Solutions exist and are already demonstrating results. The adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable models will enable the agribusiness sector to increase its resilience, reduce its environmental impact and continue to ensure food security. The sector’s transformation is not optional; it is a strategic necessity for the future,” added Geovanny Triviño.
For the expert, accelerating innovation and strengthening collaboration among the different stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain will be crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring food availability for future generations.
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