In response to the Paris Agreement’s call for greater ambition, new or updated nationally determined contributions (NDC) show a steady improvement in both the coverage and quality of mitigation and adaptation in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors (“agricultural sectors” for short) and tend to be aligned with longer-term low-emissions and climate-resilient goals and pathways. New/updated NDCs reflect more attributes of adequate and effective planning and implementation than previous NDC submissions, including participatory stakeholder engagement, cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms, alignment with National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and elements of enhanced transparency. They show significantly greater recognition of the vulnerabilities, needs and capacities of women and other marginalized groups, including smallholders, Indigenous Peoples and youth, to enhance the ambition and effectiveness of climate action. There are still gaps however in the specificity of finance, technology, and capacity needs, and only some countries articulate measurable goals and targets for climate action in the agricultural sectors. While non-state and sub-national actors are more frequently consulted in the overall NDC planning process, including private sector, women’s organizations and civil society, there is less evidence of active engagement mechanisms in place when it comes to implementation.
The findings of this report will help member countries to reflect on their progress; whilst serving as a basis to FAO and other international actors, for the support that will be required to move on implementation of agricultural sector priorities in their NDCs. The analysis also helps to make clear the links between the NDCs and the ongoing work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in support of the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture to which FAO is a key supporter.