The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, expressed serious concerns about the lack of climate finance reaching sugarcane farmers in Fiji. Speaking at the “Beyond Big Banks: Financing Decentralized Climate Solutions to the Global South” session during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, he pointed out that farmers affected by natural disasters like floods and cyclones have not received any financial assistance from banks or financial institutions for recovery and resilience projects.
Minister Singh highlighted the urgent need for change, stating that in a nation often at the mercy of climate change, not a single farmer has been able to secure funding to help rebuild their livelihoods after devastating weather events. He urged the international community to take decisive action to ensure that climate finance is directed towards those who truly need it, particularly at the grassroots level where farmers are struggling to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
This appeal for support is crucial as it underscores the importance of financial mechanisms that enable vulnerable communities to access funds and recover from climate impacts. If addressed timely, this could lead to stronger resilience strategies for local agriculture and economies.
In summary, Minister Singh’s remarks shed light on a pressing issue for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, emphasizing the need for improved access to climate finance to promote recovery and adaptation in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. The acknowledgment of this funding gap reflects a growing awareness that supporting local farmers is essential for sustainable development and climate resilience. A hopeful outcome could see new funding initiatives emerge, benefiting the agricultural sector and enhancing the community’s ability to withstand climate changes.
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