ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – In a significant appeal, the African Union Commission (AUC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) have jointly urged African leaders to prioritize agriculture and bolster climate finance to safeguard food security against the backdrop of escalating climate change effects.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during a high-level event in Addis Ababa, the trio highlighted the acute impact of climate change on Africa, underscoring the continent’s heightened vulnerability to growing hunger threats. Semedo emphasized the crucial role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security while addressing climate challenges. She called for focused investments in sustainable food systems and the prioritization of small-scale producers within climate funding mechanisms.
AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the necessity of augmenting financial support for Africa’s agricultural systems, noting the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions. Mahamat argued for the cost-effectiveness of climate adaptation funding over the expense of emergency interventions.
Kenyan President and CAHOSCC Coordinator William Ruto underscored the paramount importance of agriculture to Africa, where it accounts for 35 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs the largest number of people. However, Ruto highlighted the sector’s susceptibility to climate change, which disproportionately affects farmers and communities already facing food insecurity. He stressed the critical need for investment in adaptation measures and food sovereignty to mitigate these challenges.
Ruto summarized the collective position, stating, “Together we can overcome climate change challenges through strategic investments and policies to transform Africa into a global breadbasket while ensuring regional food security.” The leaders advocated for increased adaptation finance, the forging of innovative partnerships, and the collaboration between governments and the private sector to develop a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Africa.
Additionally, they announced plans to establish frameworks to guide agricultural policy post-2025, following the expiration of the Malabo Declaration, setting a course for future efforts to enhance food security and climate resilience across the continent.