Analysis of National Adaptation Plans by FAO and UNDP reveals urgent action needed in developing countries Developing countries recognize the urgent need to adapt agrifood systems to climate change, but…

Analysis of National Adaptation Plans by FAO and UNDP reveals urgent action needed in developing countries

Developing countries recognize the urgent need to adapt agrifood systems to climate change, but 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 mobilising finance for national priorities.

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, examining risks, priority actions, financing needs, implementation barriers, monitoring, gender equality, and loss and damage.

The report finds that agrifood systems are universal priorities in the NAPs, with countries making concerted efforts to prioritise adaptation actions across the main agricultural subsectors (crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture). However, gaps and barriers in terms of turning the plans into concrete action remain. The report finds that agrifood systems account for more than half of adaptation finance needs in developing countries, yet receive only 20 per cent of global adaptation funding – or just 1 per cent of total climate finance.

“This analysis sends a clear message: countries know agrifood systems are the first line of defence 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.