Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) | Source | Report |
This FAO flagship report quantifies the scale of disaster-related agricultural losses over three decades and examines how digital technologies can reduce vulnerability. Between 1991 and 2023, disasters caused an estimated USD 3.26 trillion in global agricultural production losses, with annual losses rising from USD 64 billion in the 1990s to USD 144 billion in recent years. Climate-related hazards account for approximately USD 2.9 trillion of total losses, disproportionately affecting Asia, which bears 47% of global agricultural losses, and Africa, where losses average 7.4% of agricultural GDP. Cumulative cereal production losses reached 4.6 billion tonnes—equivalent to 320 kilocalories per person per day globally—while marine heatwaves alone caused USD 6.6 billion in fisheries and aquaculture losses. The report makes a compelling case for anticipatory action: every USD 1 invested in early action generates approximately USD 7 in returns through avoided losses. Digital tools are highlighted as critical enablers, with 9.1 million farmers now accessing parametric insurance through digital platforms. The report also identifies human-centred design as essential for developing inclusive and scalable digital solutions across diverse farming contexts. Its findings are positioned within the broader global frameworks for disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, reinforcing the case for aligning national agricultural resilience strategies with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
