• Mission: Ambitious climate contributions in agricultural and food systems - Bolivie, Cambodge, Nigeria
• Client: GIZ
• Implementation period: 07/2024-03/2025 

ICM has developed the BMZ-funded global project Ambitious climate contributions in agricultural and food systems (EUR 7 million) on behalf of GIZ. Agriculture and food systems contribute around 31 % of global GHG emissions, particularly through livestock, land use change, and upstream production. Emissions are growing rapidly in emerging and developing countries, which are also highly affected by climate change. While technical and economic solutions such as reforestation, agroforestry, and fertilizer management exist, implementation is hindered by food security concerns, incoherent policies, and limited financing. Most international climate finance fails to reach smallholder farmers, while harmful subsidies worsen the problem.

Promising concepts like climate-smart agriculture, IPCC's climate-resilient development pathways (CRDPs), and national climate contributions (NDCs) exist but require scaling and better funding. International events like COP27/28 and new alliances show momentum, but more ambitious NDCs depend on robust MRV systems and institutional capacity.

The project supports improved institutional, strategic, and financial frameworks for ambitious climate action in agriculture and food systems across Bolivia, Nigeria, Cambodia, and beyond. It offers policy advice through dialogue with partner governments and cooperation with global actors such as FAO and WWF. Bolivia is exploring carbon mechanisms; Nigeria offers potential in soil protection, rice, and agri-finance; Cambodia is reform-minded and building climate structures within its agriculture ministry.

The project also strengthens the role of women, youth, and Indigenous peoples in implementing climate actions, enhancing legitimacy and participation. Lastly, it supports institutions in accessing public and private finance, developing business models, and scaling up climate measures.