IFAD Leads the Charge in Cutting Agricultural Methane Emissions at COP29
As the global push to achieve a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030 intensifies, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has stepped up with a groundbreaking tool: a guidebook designed to help developing countries weave agricultural methane reduction strategies into their climate action plans. This critical resource will take center stage at COP29 during the high-profile event, “The NDC 3.0 Navigator: A Deeper Dive on Methane Reduction in Food Systems,” in Baku.
A Roadmap to Curb Methane in Agriculture
The newly launched Practical Guide for Including Agricultural Methane Emission Reduction Targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) equips nations with actionable strategies to address methane emissions in two key agricultural sectors: livestock and rice production. Offering step-by-step guidance, the guide outlines cost-effective approaches such as:
– Improved water management in rice cultivation, which optimizes yields while lowering methane emissions.
– Feed additives for livestock, enhancing productivity while curbing emissions from enteric fermentation.
“Adapting food systems to reduce methane emissions is crucial to the success of our climate efforts,” said Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President for IFAD’s Department for Country Operations. “This guide gives developing countries an innovative tool to design and execute robust strategies to cut methane emissions, bringing immediate benefits for farmers and the environment alike.”
Building on the Global Methane Pledge
The Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26 in 2021, saw over 150 countries commit to cutting methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Achieving this target could lower global warming by 0.2°C by 2050. However, agricultural methane—a sector responsible for 42% of methane emissions—remains under-addressed.
As of 2021, only 36% of NDCs included measures targeting methane emissions in agriculture. The Practical Guide is a game-changer, enabling nations to integrate agricultural methane reduction into their updated NDCs by 2025, accelerating progress toward the pledge.
The Reducing Agricultural Methane Programme (RAMP)
The guidebook is a cornerstone of IFAD’s *Reducing Agricultural Methane Programme (RAMP)*, launched in 2023 with support from the Global Methane Hub and the U.S. State Department. RAMP already provides technical assistance to 17 countries, including Kenya, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Tajikistan, helping them incorporate methane reduction strategies into their climate plans.
Under RAMP, IFAD is designing 10 projects to tackle methane emissions in agriculture, particularly focusing on rice and livestock. These projects, spanning at least 15 countries, aim to benefit over 3 million smallholder farmers and rural communities while leveraging up to $900 million in funding.
Collaboration for a Methane-Free Future
IFAD has also spearheaded the creation of the Reducing Agrifood Systems Methane Emissions Informal Coordination Group, uniting 13 partners, including international organizations and national authorities. During COP29, the group will unveil the publication, “Walking the Walk: Reducing Methane Emissions from Agrifood Systems,” highlighting real-world case studies and success stories.
Empowering Small Farmers for Big Change
While smallholder farmers emit far less methane than large-scale industrial operations, they are essential players in mitigation efforts. With the right support, they can adopt sustainable practices to reduce methane emissions without jeopardizing their incomes.
“Investing in methane reduction is a win-win for the planet and people,” Brown emphasized. “It helps limit global warming to below 2°C, the target of the Paris Agreement, while empowering farmers to secure their livelihoods.”
A Collective Effort to Protect the Planet
As the second-largest contributor to global warming, methane reduction offers a unique opportunity to make meaningful climate progress. Through innovation, collaboration, and investment, IFAD and its partners are ensuring that agriculture becomes a powerful ally in combating climate change—while safeguarding food security for generations to come.
