G20 china_web

Agriculture, food and nutrition
Innovation in support of agriculture
can take many forms
The G20 needs to champion new
financial products and technology
ALL PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD: IFAD/SUSAN BECCIO
A farmer in Chetambe, Kenya, tends
to her livestock (opposite and above
right), herbs and vegetables (left) and
utilises a biogas digester (above left)
and biogas-powered stove (right)
Technology is only a
tool. It is not an end
in itself. Agricultural
research must meet the
needs of poor farmers
and running generators. They can generate
income from animals that produce milk,
meat, wool and eggs, as well as the dung
needed for the biogas digesters. The project
was so successful that it is being scaled up
in rural areas including in Eritrea, Nigeria
and Rwanda, with a new generation of
low-cost, portable biogas systems.
Many forms of support
Innovation can also come from finding
novel ways to use established technologies.
A technique developed by ICRSAT and
its partners is helping farmers grow more
food without exploiting the soil by using a
bottle cap to measure out small, affordable
amounts of fertiliser and place it precisely
with or near the seed.
Even a farmer who is illiterate can easily
apply the correct amount, avoiding the
indiscriminate use of chemicals. It is an
elegant solution to an age-old problem.
Poor farmers are able to grow more food
without overly exploiting the soil.
Innovation in support of agriculture
can take many forms, from developments
in science and technology to financing and
land rights. Digital technology is creating
opportunities for younger generations.
The G20 plays an important role in
supporting innovation. It has taken an
important step by strengthening the
meeting of agriculture chief scientists,
helping to coordinate efforts among
G20 members and sharing knowledge
and experience both within the G20 and
with non-G20 developing countries. G20
members can also demonstrate leadership
by supporting inclusive business models
and business practices in the
agri-food sector. I applaud the G20 for
its first agri-business forum this past
June in Xi’an, China.
The G20 has done good work on
inclusive finance through the Global
Partnership for Financial Inclusion.
Now it needs to champion innovative
approaches such as introducing new
financial products, risk management and
technology that improve financing for
smallholder agriculture and rural small
and medium-sized enterprises.
By working together to support
innovation in agriculture, we can accelerate
progress under 2030 Agenda and transform
rural areas in developing countries so that
they provide decent and dignified lives for
millions of people. G20
G7G20.com September 2016 • G20 China: The Hangzhou Summit 223