Low emission development envisions farmers reducing emissions while contributing to economic growth. Dhaki Wako Baneta, a pastoralist who sells milk, is saving time, earning more, and experiencing less spoilage due to value chain improvements. By increasing productivity, she is also reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk.

Low-Emissions Opportunities in Agriculture

Supporting food security, economic growth, and biodiversity conservation

USAID and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) are collaborating to support partner countries on their priorities in the land use sector, including in agriculture.  Of the 189 countries that committed in 2016 to limiting climate change to 2°C—if possible to 1.5°C—105 specifically named agriculture as a source of mitigation.  Developing countries, in particular, prioritized mitigation in the sector. 

Agriculture must reduce emissions by 1 gigatonne of carbon dioxide equivalents per year (GtCO2e/yr) by 2030 to achieve the 2°C limit, a significant challenge given increasing demand for food from the world’s growing population.  Together with partner countries, USAID and CCAFS are exploring opportunities – and finding solutions. 

Banner photo credit: USAID

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USAID Implementer:

CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
The University of Vermont Gund Institute for Environment|

Lili Szilagyi
Communications Officer, Low Emissions Development
lili.szilagyi [at] cgiar [dot] org

USAID Contact: 

Noel Gurwick
ngurwick [at] usaid [dot] gov