By Faridat Salifu
As climate change continues to exacerbate food insecurity and conflict across Africa, experts emphasize the critical need for climate finance to prioritize investments in agriculture.
Recognizing the pivotal role of agriculture in climate resilience, stakeholders underscore the urgency of mainstreaming climate considerations into agricultural practices.
They say alarming pace of global heating, coupled with shifting rainfall patterns and intensified storms, poses severe threats to food production across the continent.
Without decisive action to mitigate these impacts, food shortages, price spikes, and malnutrition are inevitable, with far-reaching implications for both national and food security.
To address these challenges, the outcomes of the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable investment in Africa’s natural assets, particularly agriculture. However, unlocking finance for adaptation in agriculture necessitates a robust policy and institutional framework that fosters collaboration among stakeholders at all levels.
In Kenya, where climate change already accounts for a significant percentage of GDP losses, the government has taken proactive measures to mitigate its effects. The implementation of policies such as the National Climate Change Action Plans and the Climate Change Act of 2016, alongside the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy, demonstrates a commitment to climate-resilient agriculture.
A key strategy in catalyzing climate action in agriculture is mainstreaming climate considerations into sectoral activities, ensuring alignment with development goals. This approach enables efficient planning, budgeting, and implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices, thereby enhancing resilience and sustainability.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program highlight the importance of grassroots engagement and local ownership in climate adaptation efforts. By empowering communities to identify climate risks and implement actionable solutions, such programs facilitate effective utilization of climate finance at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, investing in agriculture and food security is not only prudent but also essential for Africa’s sustainable development. With targeted climate finance and innovative solutions, the continent can navigate the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring food security and prosperity for its people.