small-scale farmers

The head of the International Fund for Agricultural Development warned that conflicts and energy market disruptions could push millions into hunger by increasing fuel, fertilizer, and food costs. A UN report highlights that progress against global hunger remains fragile, with over 500 million people projected to face chronic hunger by 2030, particularly in Africa. Rising energy prices and climate shocks are straining food systems, especially affecting small-scale farmers.

The EU has approved the broader use of gene-edited crops using new genomic techniques (NGTs), aiming to enhance resistance to drought and disease amid climate change. However, small-scale farmers express concerns that the high cost and corporate control of these seeds by biotech firms may exacerbate inequality.