logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
6m 19s

When farmers go hungry, innovation to th...

United Nations
About this episode

As the focus at COP28 turns to food and agriculture, the spotlight is on smallholder farmers in developing countries on the frontlines of climate change, clinging on to their livelihoods amid drought and floods.

Bernhard Kowatsch, the head and founder of the UN World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator, told UN News’ Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer that innovation is the key to helping climate-proof their businesses – not just tomorrow, but right now. He called for more investments in small projects that can go big, ramping up funds for recovery but also anticipatory action before disaster strikes, and making more climate microfinance available to women food entrepreneurs.

Up next
May 29
UN News Today 29 May 2025
WFP food warehouse stormed by desperate civilians, as starvation loomsThe UN honours the service and sacrifice of peacekeepersA new $15 million initiative to boost sustainable development in the Congo Basin 
3m 28s
May 28
UN News Today 28 May 2025
Climate change: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in next five yearsGaza: 50,000 children killed in less than 600 days warns UNICEFEssential supplies reach Sudanese hospital: WHO 
4m 23s
May 27
UN News Today 27 May 2025
Gaza: UN agencies call for an aid ‘surge’ as Israeli distribution plan beginsUkraine’s battered communities face ongoing deadly Russian attacksSudan’s health system is on the brink of collapse, warns the WHO 
4m 9s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
To fight global hunger, farmers know best - Beth Bechdol - Deputy Director-General - UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Growing up on a farm, Beth Bechdol never dreamed of following in her agricultural family’s footsteps. Now Deputy Director-General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), she has not only returned to her roots, but is now fighting the corner of farmers the world over. ... Show More
35m 40s
Aug 2024
Seeding Sustainability: Agriculture Innovations to Feed Future Generations
The agriculture industry will need to feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050. To meet this demand, project teams are transforming production—finding climate-friendly ways to maximize yields. Guests share how they’re helping agriculture giants like Cargill reduce carbon emissi ... Show More
25m 19s
Dec 2024
Buck Brief - How to Make America Healthy Again with Chef Gruel
Chef Andrew Gruel joins to discuss how America can revamp its approach to food, health, and small business. From reforming the FDA and USDA to improving food labeling, Chef Gruel outlines practical solutions for building a healthier nation. Plus, insights on the impact of local f ... Show More
20m 29s
Nov 2024
How to empower farmers — and nourish the planet | Agnes Kalibata
Africa's smallholder farmers feed millions of people and uplift economies, yet they often lack the basic resources needed to thrive, says agricultural scientist and policymaker Agnes Kalibata. She outlines how to empower these farmers with better tools, climate resilience strateg ... Show More
14m 26s
Jun 2023
Investing in the Food Transformation with Elysabeth Alfano
There is an upcoming disruption of the food systems industry, and investors today can get in ahead of an exciting new S-Curve that's developing. Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech Invest, and also advisor to the EATV ETF. EATV is the world’s only Plant-based Innovation & ... Show More
29m 32s
Apr 8
Funding Change, Not Just Charity: Maysa Jalbout on Driving Lasting Impact in Philanthropy
The act of giving isn’t just tradition—it’s a responsibility. But to create real, lasting impact, philanthropy must go beyond generosity. It needs strategy, collaboration, and a long-term vision.In this episode of Flavors of Ambition, we sit down with Maysa Jalbout, Global Educat ... Show More
47m 50s
Dec 2024
Food & Hunger With Rein Paulsen
Jamie McGoldrick speaks with Rein Paulsen. He’s the Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Office of Emergency and Resilience. They discuss how climate change and conflicts are impacting food security around the world. Jamie asks Rein about COP 29 ... Show More
39m 57s
Oct 2024
A walk to raise funds for the Charlotte Maxeke Future Farmers and women in farming initiative
Bongani Bingwa speaks to Thulasizwe Makhanya, Chairperson of the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute about a “Walk with Maxeke”, The walk is raisin aimed at  funds for the Charlotte Maxeke Future Farmers and Women in Farming Initiative, a program that teaches high school learners a ... Show More
6m 6s
Nov 2024
Are food shortages the farmers' secret weapon?
Over ten thousand farmers marched on Westminster this week, protesting changes to inheritance tax. But does the government’s new policy mean the end of family farms or is it a sensible move that only targets the richest landowners? And as nearly 60% of the food we eat in the UK i ... Show More
27m 12s