Kenya has delivered a firm appeal to developed countries and international investors: step up financing for climate-smart agriculture in Africa without delay. Failure to act, officials warn, threatens to undermine worldwide food systems already under strain.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe issued the call today at the 3rd Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa. The two-day event, running March 23-24 in Nairobi, brings together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss industry’s role in building climate-resilient solutions across the continent.
Climate Change Hits Farming Hard Now
CS Kagwe described climate change as an immediate crisis, not a distant risk. Erratic weather, prolonged droughts, floods, and pests already disrupt planting cycles and reduce yields in Kenya and much of sub-Saharan Africa.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat but a present crisis already disrupting farming systems,” Kagwe said during his address. He stressed that African smallholders bear the heaviest burden despite contributing least to global emissions.
Kenya pushes for urgent support to shift toward resilient practices. These include drought-tolerant crops, improved irrigation, soil conservation, renewable energy in farming, and better water management.
Call for Fair Finance and Polluter Pays Principle
The CS urged developed nations to honor commitments and apply the “polluter pays” principle. Wealthier economies, he argued, must provide accessible, affordable funding to match their historical responsibility for emissions.
He positioned climate-smart agriculture as a smart investment opportunity. With proper backing, Africa could strengthen its role in global food security rather than become a source of instability.
Kagwe highlighted Kenya’s own steps forward. The country invests in renewable energy for farms, climate-resilient technologies, expanded irrigation schemes, and research into adaptive crop varieties. These efforts show what scaled-up finance could achieve continent-wide.
Summit Focus on Private Sector Role
The Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa builds on the 2023 Africa Climate Summit hosted by President William Ruto in Nairobi. This third edition spotlights private-public partnerships for equitable, sustainable solutions.
Discussions cover climate finance equity, unlocking private investment, and transitioning to low-carbon growth. Kagwe’s remarks align with the summit’s goal: catalyze industry action to make Africa more resilient.
Investors face a clear choice. View climate-smart agriculture as high-risk, or as a pathway to stable supplies, new markets, and shared global benefits.
Stakes High for Food Systems Worldwide
Disrupted African production ripples far beyond the continent. Reduced harvests drive up global prices, heighten hunger risks, and strain supply chains.
Kenya’s message is direct: finance adaptation now to safeguard tomorrow’s food security. With increased private and public flows, Africa can lead in regenerative, resilient farming.
As the summit continues tomorrow, expectations rise for concrete commitments. Kagwe’s warning underscores the urgency—inaction today means greater instability ahead.
