FAO’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative Helps Sri Lanka Boost Climate Resilience Through First Investment Plan

To address the challenges presented by climate change, Sri Lanka has initiated the development of its first Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Plan. Supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, this significant endeavor aims to create a comprehensive strategy to protect the country’s agricultural sector from the negative impacts of climate change.

Given Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, the country is highly vulnerable to climate change, consistently ranking among the top ten nations at risk of extreme weather events based on the Global Climate Risk Index. Predictions suggest significant changes in weather patterns, such as higher temperatures, irregular rainfall, and more frequent extreme events, which are already affecting agricultural productivity and water availability in the country.

The agricultural areas in the dry and intermediate zones are especially at risk due to climate change, with studies indicating a potential 10-12% decrease in yield if appropriate measures are not taken to address these challenges. The CSA Investment Plan aims to be a strategic roadmap for promoting resilient agricultural development in the face of climate change. Through this plan, FAO experts, both local and international, will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector, and academic institutions, to identify national climate finance priorities and create innovative investment strategies tailored to Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and representative of the National Designated Authority, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Sri Lanka’s susceptibility to climate change is a critical issue, particularly for our farmers who are on the frontline of this challenge. Developing a Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan is a timely and essential step to equip our agricultural sector with the necessary tools to adapt and succeed in a changing climate. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.”

This investment plan will facilitate connections between farmers and investors, attract private sector funding for climate-smart initiatives, and create opportunities for youth and young entrepreneurs. Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, stressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “Climate change is not a distant threat—it is a current reality that is already impacting our farmers and food security. The Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan will be a crucial resource in ensuring that Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector can adapt to these changes and continue to prosper despite challenges.”

This workshop represents the first in a series of consultations planned as part of the development of the CSA Investment Plan, underscoring FAO’s commitment to an inclusive, participatory approach that brings together all relevant voices in the battle against climate change.

About FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads global efforts to combat hunger. It assists countries in modernizing and enhancing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries practices to make them more sustainable and ensure food security and nutrition for all. FAO places special emphasis on developing rural areas, where the majority of the world’s poor and hungry reside. For more information, visit: www.fao.org or follow FAO on Twitter @FAOSriLanka @FAOnews @FAOknowledge