By “Wole Fatunbi”
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa participated actively in the discussion organized by the AICCRA project through the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), at The Urban Hotel, Lusaka Zambia between 19th -21st August 2024. The discussion engaged more than 30 intellectuals representing key continental and regional organizations and leading countries in Eastern and South Africa. The gathering discussed how to leverage Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Multi-stakeholders’ platforms for sustainable investment and action.
It is well known that CSA is the way to ensure that Africa continues to feed its teaming population and sustain the agrarian livelihood on the continent. The actualization of this feat needs good science and investments. Circumventing the negative effects of climate change will need smart preparation in terms of generating adaptable technologies and putting the right infrastructures in place. While this is acceptable to all stakeholders, putting together the right investment strategies at all levels remains the next hurdle to scale in Africa. It is apparent that the right investment will be made at the country level to leverage the power of science and key infrastructures to ensure resilience. Africa needs to increase its investment in irrigation facilities and to optimize the existing irrigation schemes for delivery. Investment in soil health and fertilizer systems is required to ensure sustainable production for smart livelihood also needs to be considered.
I am of the opinion that Africa needs to think about the sustainability of the current food system; we need to think green. I observe that front-line countries are already investing in food production systems that avoid the risks of traditional open-field productions; they are increasing food production from the protected greenhouse systems, hydroponics, aeroponics, and other urban agriculture-compliant systems.
Advancing the need for great partnerships among stakeholders and partner organizations is the way to go. Since 2021, FARA commenced the development of the “Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Framework” (ACSAF), which represents a Science-based response to the agriculture components of the Africa Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032); this is an instrument developed by the Africa Union Commission to be used by all stakeholders within and outside the continent as a guide for investment and action. The FARA presentations at the conference explicate the importance of the ACSAF and its merit to advance the African Climate Smart Agriculture and deliver the African agriculture we want in compliance with Agenda 2063.
Bringing ACSAF to the fore is vital to ensuring that African agriculture becomes truly “Climate Smart.”
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