Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Hugh Bayley (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 11 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Food and Agriculture Organisation

Question: Climate change is forcing up agricultural and food prices throughout the world. The Secretary of State is right to say that increasing agricultural productivity, particularly in Africa, is important. What is his Department doing to progress that?

Answer: My hon. Friend is correct in recognising that the challenge of replicating the agrarian revolution witnessed in India two or three decades ago will be made significantly harder in Africa by the changes in climate that are anticipated. That is why, as a Department, we are taking forward work, not least on building capacity within African countries. We are committing £100 million to adaptation research over the coming five years, including £25 million already under way to support innovation and climate change adaptation in Africa.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 477 c289
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Agriculture Climate change Developing countries Africa Food Food supply Prices Research Conferences Productivity Food and Agriculture Organization Rome
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk