Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans: FAO Report Reveals Gaps
Agrifood systems in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are widely recognized as the first line of defense against climate change, yet they remain critically underfunded. A landmark report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNDP at COP30 highlights a severe disconnect between the stated priorities of developing nations and the financial support they receive.
While 97% of developing countries identify agrifood systems as a top priority for climate adaptation, these sectors receive a fraction of the necessary global funding. The report emphasizes that without closing this finance and capacity gap, efforts to ensure food security and protect vulnerable livelihoods will continue to stall.
Belém, Brazil – Developing countries recognize the urgent need to adapt agrifood systems to climate change
Most National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are struggling to address key risks or protect vulnerable groups due to severe financing and capacity gaps, according to a landmark report released on Tuesday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The report, titled Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans, An analysis, was published during the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. It is the first comprehensive study of its kind to examine the agrifood component of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) – key frameworks that help countries, especially least developed nations, reduce climate vulnerability and integrate adaptation across sectors and communities. NAPs also play a vital role in mobilizing finance for national priorities.
Key Findings on Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans
Based on original analysis by FAO and UNDP of NAPs in 64 developing countries, the report closes critical knowledge gaps on how agrifood systems are addressed in climate strategies. The report finds that agrifood systems are universal priorities in the NAPs, with countries making concerted efforts to prioritize adaptation actions across the main agricultural subsectors (crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture).
“This analysis sends a clear message: countries know agrifood systems are the first line of defense against climate extremes, but they’re still not getting the support they need. The groundwork is there; now we need to close the finance and capacity gaps to turn those plans into real protection for food security and livelihoods,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.
- Adaptation actions don’t match the risks: Only 16 percent of agrifood adaptation measures directly address those climate impacts, and just 14 percent target the needs of vulnerable populations.
- Evidence-based planning remains limited: Only one-third of NAPs use climate risk and vulnerability assessments.
- Finance falls short: While agrifood systems require 54 percent of adaptation finance overall, they receive only 20 percent of adaptation funds.
- Loss and damage are already evident: Nearly half of NAPs report losses and damage in agrifood systems – more frequently than any other sector.
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