By Abbas Nazil
Nearly half of respondents across Africa have identified climate-smart agriculture and food security as the continent’s most urgent funding priority ahead of COP30, according to a new poll conducted by NatureNews Africa across its social media platforms.
The survey, which gathered public opinions from Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, revealed that 49 percent of participants believe agricultural adaptation should lead Africa’s climate agenda as the region continues to confront rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and worsening food insecurity.
This strong preference underscores widespread concern over the vulnerability of Africa’s food systems, where millions rely on rain-fed agriculture and are increasingly exposed to climate shocks.
Forest and ecosystem restoration emerged as the second most supported measure, receiving 33 percent of the votes.
Respondents emphasized the need to revive degraded landscapes, strengthen biodiversity, and restore natural barriers that protect communities from climate-related disasters such as flooding, soil erosion, and heatwaves.
A smaller but notable portion of participants, 14 percent, expressed support for prioritizing resilient infrastructural development.
This reflects growing recognition of the continent’s infrastructural fragility, especially amid intensifying storms, extreme rainfall patterns, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements prone to environmental hazards.
Only 4% of those who took part in the poll highlighted early warning systems for floods and droughts as the top priority, despite the increasing frequency of extreme climate events and the proven benefits of timely alerts in reducing loss of life and property.
NatureNews Africa, reacting to the outcome of the poll, noted that the results reflect a strong public demand for practical, livelihood-centered solutions that directly address the climate pressures already affecting communities.
The platform emphasized that climate-smart agriculture remains a cornerstone of Africa’s resilience strategy because it directly links climate adaptation with food production, rural income, and community stability.
NatureNews also highlighted that the significant support for ecosystem restoration indicates a growing public understanding that healthy natural systems underpin water security, carbon sequestration, and climate-buffering functions essential to human survival.
According to the media organization, the low ranking of early warning systems suggests that many Africans prioritize visible, immediate interventions over technological preparedness, a trend that underscores the need for greater awareness of how forecasting tools save lives.
The poll results offer early insight into what many Africans expect leaders and negotiators to champion at the upcoming COP30 climate conference.
As the world turns its attention to Belém, Brazil, where COP30 will focus heavily on adaptation financing and loss-and-damage commitments, these findings signal the continent’s desire for solutions that strengthen food systems, restore ecosystems, and support long-term resilience.