Strengthening Sri Lanka's Food Systems: A Comprehensive Approach to Climate and Disaster Risk Management

Climate change-related risks have emerged as a significant challenge in the 21st century, impacting food systems globally. In the context of Sri Lanka, a recent report by the think tank SLYCAN Trust titled "Strengthening Sri Lanka's ecosystem for climate and disaster risk management and finance" sheds light on the challenges faced by the country's food systems. This article delves into the key findings of the report, emphasizing the need for swift and scientific actions to address climate-related impacts and enhance the resilience of farmers and communities.

Challenges Faced by Sri Lanka's Food Systems

The report identifies a myriad of challenges faced by Sri Lanka's food systems, including direct climate and disaster-related risks such as increasing temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events. Additionally, compounding risks like market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and human-wildlife conflict further exacerbate the vulnerabilities of the food systems. The challenges highlighted in the report encompass a wide range of issues, from weather dependency and low mechanization to gender-related disparities and the lack of interest among the youth in farming.

Priorities for Food System Resilience

To tackle these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of enhancing risk management frameworks and climate and disaster risk finance and insurance (CDRFI) solutions. It underscores the need for these solutions to be evidence-based, responsive to actual needs, and ensure equitable access. The report also stresses the significance of addressing financial, risk, and insurance literacy, as well as promoting innovation and building a resilient food system.

Key Recommendations for Action

Innovation:

• ·         Establish innovation hubs and regulatory sandboxes to attract innovators.
• ·         Support innovators and investors in the agriculture sector.
• ·         Create a commodity market for direct transactions between farmers and buyers.
• ·  Digitize existing data on land, livestock, and cultivation for reliable risk assessments.

Mindset Shift:

• ·         Mainstream climate risk into the education system.
• ·         Incorporate climate change content into school syllabi.
• ·         Conduct training and skills development for relevant agencies.
• ·         Introduce mechanisms to reward proactive climate risk management.

 Multi-Actor Partnerships:

• ·         Create collaborative regulatory environments for multi-actor partnerships.
• ·         Develop forums and communication channels between the public and private sector.
• ·         Integrate climate risk assessments and finance into local planning processes.
• ·         Establish rural hubs for skills development and entrepreneurship.

Inclusive Processes:

• ·         Develop a common framework for climate impact assessment with farmers' perspectives.
• ·         Invest in technology and digitization for inclusive processes.
• ·         Create a comprehensive national policy for female finance.
• ·         Build capacities of youth and involve them in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The recommendations outlined in the report serve as building blocks to strengthen Sri Lanka's ecosystem for climate and disaster risk management and finance. By enhancing and scaling up CDRFI solutions in food systems, Sri Lanka can protect farmers and communities, ensure food security, and build resilience in the face of current and future climate challenges. A comprehensive and collaborative approach, as suggested by the report, is crucial for the sustainable development of Sri Lanka's food systems amidst the complexities of climate change.