Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Monday, November 7, 2016

Agriculture at COP Marrakesh


7-18 November 2016. Marrakesh. Countries fast-tracked the political and practical aims of the landmark Paris Climate Change Agreement and accelerated global climate action at the 2016 UN climate change conference. 

The 22nd Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 22, hosted by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, saw nearly 500 heads of state or government and ministers attend. By the end of the two-week climate summit, more than 100 countries, representing over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, had formally joined the Paris Agreement. Over 190 governments agreed to the Marrakech Action Proclamation.
The official outcomes of the COP are a collection of diverse documents. But some of the more substantial questions and discussions were captured in a series of “informal notes”.
“Much remains to be done,” says one of the formal documents from the sessions, adding that countries would work “diligently and expeditiously” to complete their workload as soon as possible.
9 November 2016. Marrakesh. The role of farmers in implementing the Paris Agreement.
  • Organised by the World Farmers' Organisation (WFO) and the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA).
  • Discussion about farming’s role in meeting the world’s food security and nutritional needs whilst contributing to the delivery of the COP21 Agreement. Opportunities to improve productivity and enhance sequestration, alongside building resilience and maintaining production will be identified. 
  • Speakers: Evelyn Nguleka (WFO), CCAFS, IFA Representative and representatives from international organisations on animal health and trade
9 November 2016Adaptation Fund – What next? On past experiences and future prospects for the Adaptation Fund
  • Organised by: GERMANWATCH , Indigo Development and Change, Observatoire du Sahara et du Sahel (OSS)
  • Discussion: The first part will feature lessons from engaging stakeholders in the project design and implementation phase of AF projects and discuss proactive options for the future of the AF. The second part will showcase experiences from the OSS, particularly on accessing and mobilising finance. 
  • Speakers: Adaptation Fund, Germanwatch, Adaptation Fund NGO Network, New Climate Institute, OSS, Funds ACCF/Africa Development Bank, delegates from Uganda and Tunisia
10 November 2016. Family and Community Agriculture: Developing & Implementing Sustainable Climate-Resilient Solutions
  • Organised by: Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) 
  • Discussion: Adaptation Fund presents experiences in executing agricultural adaptation projects in developing countries. Presenters from the AF’s pioneering Direct Access modality, other implementing entities and NGOs will showcase projects featuring the theme of family and community agriculture. 
  • Speakers: Mr. Walter Oyhantcabal (Climate Change Unit, Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Uruguay), Ms. Marcia Levaggi (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Argentina), Ms. Meryem Andaloussi (ADA, Morocco), Mr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, (UNDP), Mr. Emmanuel Seck (ENDA), Mr. Naresh Sharma (AF Board)
15 November 2016. Understanding agriculture in relation to industrial food systems, compensation and food security
  • Organised by: Comité Catholique contre la Faim et pour le Développement 13 Terre solidaire (CCFD-Terre Solidaire) ; Action Against Hunger (ACF) ; Cooperation internationale pour le développement et la solidarité (CIDSE) 
  • Discussion: Sustainable production and consumption are at the heart of climate change when taking into account deforestation, waste, meat consumption, transport, etc. But more research and knowledge sharing is needed in order to address this issue. 
  • Speakers:  Olivier de Schutter Hilal Elver IPES Food
15 November 2016. Woody Biomass Energy to Meet NDCs and SDGs in Developing Countries
  • Organised by: International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) Mr. Henry Neufeldt ; International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
  • Discussion: Tree-based bioenergy systems can contribute to sustainable development in developing countries while providing strong mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The event will present solutions how bioenergy systems can be modern, accessible and affordable within a realistic development perspective. 
  • Speakers: ICRAF, INBAR, African country
16 November 2016. Implementation of regional climate smart agriculture approaches: the case of East & Southern Africa
  • Organised by: Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) 
  • Discussion: What barriers are preventing smallholder farmers from improving their livelihood in the face of negative climate change impact? How can the systems in which they operate be strengthened so as to facilitate transformative change? How can low levels of youth involvement and gender parity be addressed? 
  • Speakers:  Hon Oppah C. Z. Muchinguri, Minister, Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate. The Republic of Zimbabwe ; Mr Golden Mahove, Deputy Team Leader and Agricultural Development Facility Lead, Vuna ; Mr Ishmael Sunga , Chief Executive Officer, Southern Africa Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)
17 November 2016. From science to services: improving climate resilience in Africa
  • Organised by: Met Office Hadley Center Ms. Fiona Carroll ; SouthSouthNorth Projects Africa (SSN Africa)
  • Discussion: How can Africa increase its resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to climate extremes? This event will look at how innovative climate science and services can help people across a diverse range of African contexts to manage climate risks. 
  • Speakers:  Professor Richard Jones, Claire Scannell (Met Office Hadley Centre), Abebe Tadege (ICPAC), Raffaello Cervigni (World Bank), Fiona Percy (CARE International) Dr. Arame Tall (WMO), Chair: Stefan Raubenheimer (SouthSouthNorth)
From L-R: Teresia Powell, Fiji; Gottfried Von Gemmingen,
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development, Germany;
Peter Tarfa, Director, Climate Change Department, Nigeria;
and Sabine Minninger, Bread for the World, Germany.
18 November 2016. Addressing Loss and Damage in Developing Countries: Need for Global Agricultural Insurance Mechanism

  • Organised by: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) ; ACT Alliance - Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance)
  • Discussion: Agriculture sector in developing countries suffers the maximum loss and damage due to climate impacts. Therefore, a global agricultural insurance mechanism serves as an important tool to address loss and damage due to climate impacts in developing countries within the UNFCCC network. 
  • Speakers:   1. Chandra Bhushan (India) 2. Gottfried Von Gemmingen, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany 3. Teresia Powell, Fiji 4. Peter Tarfa, Director, Climate Change Department, Nigeria ; 5. Sabine Minninger, Bread for the World, Germany
Related topics:
8 November 2016. Access to means of implementation a key concern for Africa Post-Paris
  • Organised by: African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Association La Voûte Nubienne (AVN)
  • Discussion: The side event co-organized by the AfDB and partners will focus on identifying the Africa-specific challenges, options and needs for the successful implementation of Paris Agreement such as: finance, institutional and human capacity development, policy reforms & technology development and transfer. 
  • Speakers: - The President of the AfDB - Director -Quality Assurance and Results
8 November 2016. Zambia and Renewable Energy: Rural Electrification Technology Transfer & Hydropower Vulnerability
  • Organised by: University of Cape Town (UCT) 
  • Discussion: Zambia’s NDC goals in off-grid renewable energy for rural electrification include innovative technology partnerships with China, Denmark & UNDP. At the same time, responding to climate impacts on hydropower in Zambia requires integrated planning, adaptive design & strong cross-sectoral institutions 
  • Speakers: Zambia Govt representative, Zambia UNDP representative, Chinese Govt representative, Randall Spalding-Fecher, University of Cape Town/Carbon Limits/GERERE Francis Yamba, CEEEZ ; Marcus Wishart or Ijeoma Emenanjo, World Bank
9 November 2016. Economic Advantage of Agriculture in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
From L-R: Laurie Goering, Thomson-Reuters Foundation;
Sonja Vermeulen, CCAFS; Peter Läderach, CIAT;
Imelda (Dada) Bacudo, ASEAN-German
Programme on Response to Climate Change;
Ilaria Firmian, IFAD; and Chebet Maikut,
Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment
  • Organised by: the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
  • Discussion: The ensuing discussion addressed, inter alia: the need to further study how much investment is required; the competition for investment between agriculture and other sectors; how agriculture can
    deliver on investment and offer co-benefits; nature-based agriculture; the low number of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in agriculture; risk transfer mechanisms and insurance for the impacts of climate change on agriculture; the inclusion of food trees in climate smart agriculture (CSA) and capacity building to ensure investments pay off.
  • SpeakersSonja Vermeulen, CCAFS, introduced a report titled, “The Economic Advantage: Assessing the Value of Climate-Change Actions in Agriculture.” (© 2016 by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 77 pages). This work was implemented as part of the “Learning Alliance for Adaptation in Smallholder Agriculture” between the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).

    She summarized the report’s main findings that, inter alia: economic and financial assessments are valuable tools to support decision making; there is a need to mainstream economic assessments in development and climate policies, including in agriculture; and there is a need for a mix of farm- and landscape-level actions, including for capacity building and policy work. She presented several case studies, underscoring the socio-economic benefits of new climate technologies and techniques for agricultural production.


10 November 2016. Zero carbon transition: shifting investment towards renewable energy & achieving energy for all.
  • Organised by: Christian Aid (CA) ; Climate Action Network - Europe (CAN Europe); Climate Action Network - Latin America (CAN-LA) 
  • Discussion: We will present national and regional evidence for the case for a shift to renewable energy and energy for all in developing countries, to deliver targeted engagement with the drivers of change. We will discuss ways forward to closing the ambition gap, while delivering sustainable energy development 
  • Speakers: Civil society experts’ presentations: on the results of research from LAC; Asia and Africa on identifying spaces/actors the CSOs Equity Review of INDCs & lessons learned, 2. Ways forward to closing the ambition gap; then a panel of Party representatives responds; then questions and comments.
14 November 2016. Realising Renewable Energy Potential in Africa through NDC Implementation
  • Organised by: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ; Environnement et Developpement du Tiers-Monde (ENDA-TM) 
  • Discussion:With the objective of exchanging experiences, this high level event will discuss the process of realising renewable energy potential through NDC implementation. A particular focus will be given to accessing available and emerging financing option.
  • Speakers:  H.E. O.C.Z. Muchinguri, Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Change, Zimbabwe; H.E. Cheptoris Sam, Minister of Water and Environment Uganda; Mr. Andrew M. Herscowitz, Coordinator, Power Africa.
14 November 2016. Implementing the Paris Agreement: Kenya’s national enabling environment
  • Organised by: Leadership for Environment and Development International (LEAD International) 
  • Discussion: Interactive event to show role of domestic policy and legal frameworks in implementing the Paris Agreement, focusing on Kenya’s experiences in responding to climate change: Climate Change Act, Climate Action Plans and NDC implementation (by piloting a practical tool to support NDC implementation). 
  • Speakers:  Prof. Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary, MENR ; Mr. Sam Bickersteth, CEO, CDKN DFID Kenya, Co-chair of Climate Change Donor Coordination group ; Dr. Harun Warui, USAID ; Dr. Mary Nyasimi, CCAFS ; Prof. Robert Nicholls, University of Southampton Transparency International-Kenya Subnational government
14 November 2016. How technology and business are mobilizing climate change adaptation & mitigation at scale
  • Organised by: SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) ; Cameroon  ; University of Cambridge
  • Discussion: Scaling resilience & mitigation in developing regions demands innovative approaches. In partnership with business & government, low income groups are using satellite, drone & mobile technology to be more climate responsive. Insights & tools from varied cases in West Africa & Asia will be shared. 
  • Speakers:  Representative of the Government of Burkina Faso, Representative of a large Multinational company, Representative of technology innovation enterprise
16 November 2016. Agriculture and Food Security Action Event.

  • Organised bythe Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Kingdom of Morocco
  • DiscussionThis event marked the unveiling of three new initiatives to showcase the enormous potential of the agriculture sector for climate actions. During the discussion, participants addressed, inter alia: depletion of natural resources as a threat to global security; strategies to promote linkages between agricultural investments, policies and practice; and land-grabbing as a driver of food insecurity.
  • Speakers:  The session was moderated by Rattan Lal, Ohio State University. Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner, Climate and Energy ; Aziz Akhannouch, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Morocco ; Stéphane Le Foll, Minister of Agriculture, France ; José Graziano da Silva, Director General, FAO ; Emmanuel Faber, CEO, Danone; Laura Tuck, Vice President for Sustainable Development, World Bank ; Mohammed Badraoui, Director General, National Agronomic Research Institute, Morocco; Pietro Sebastiani, Director
    Johnson Boanuh, 

    Director of Environment, 

    ECOWAS
    General, Development Cooperation, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ;  Amira Gornass, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) ; Tabaré Aguerre, Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Uruguay ; Charles Ogang, President, Uganda National Farmers Federation, emphasized the strategic importance of food security as part of climate change solutions ; Saleemul Huq, Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development.

    Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General, Natural Resources and Environment, FAO, introduced the FAO’s Global Framework for Action to Cope with Water Scarcity in Agriculture in the Context of Climate Change, which draws on the sector’s existing initiatives, tools and best practices.
    Jean-Baptiste Dollé, French Livestock Institute, highlighted the Life Beef Carbon project, which aims to reduce European beef production’s carbon footprint by 15% in the next decade compared to 2015.
    Johnson Boanuh, Director of Environment, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), launched ECOWAS’ Promotion of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-Ecology Transition in West Africa initiative, which aims to enhance food security and resilience in rural communities.

16 November 2016. Accelerating Investments in Renewable Energy in Africa: Challenges and success stories-Ghana & Kenya
  • Organised byHATOF Foundation
  • Discussion: An enhanced dissemination, adoption and utilisation of renewable energy sources are critical for climate change mitigation. Unfortunately, investments in RE in Africa are inadequate. The event will unravel successes, opportunities and constraints to renewable energy investments in Ghana and Kenya 
  • Speakers: Minister of power, Dr. Kwame Ampofo-Board Chair,Energy Commission, Mr. Otu Danquah - Ag. Director, Energy Commission, Prof. Felix Asante, University of Ghana ; Dr. Ana Pueyo, Institute of Development Studies, UK, Dr. Dickson Khainga, Kenya Institute for Public Policy and Research and Analysis
16 November 2016. Accelerating Implementation: Transitioning to Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Development Pathways
  • Organised by: International Development Research Centre (IDRC) ; African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)  ; Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) ; The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
  • Discussion: This side event will provide a forum at which different countries and experts share their experiences, challenges and lessons learned with a view to identifying keys issues and solutions that would enhance transitioning to low green house gas emissions and climate resilient development pathways. 
  • Speakers: Hon. Chebet Maikut, Ag. Climate Change Commissioner and UNFCCC Focal Point - Uganda ; Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI ; Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI ; Dr. Edward Cameron, Managing Director, BSR ; Dr. Cosmas Ochieng, Executive Director, ACTS
16 November 2016. Devolved climate finance: how to reach the most vulnerable
  • Organised by: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) ; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 
  • Discussion: Devolving climate finance in Kenya, Tanzania, Mali & Senegal is demonstrating how to support equitable, local level resilience building. The value of local knowledge in setting priorities is echoed in other approaches for locally led resilience building. The event will distil practical ways forward 
  • Speakers: Representatives from governments and civil society partners will share experiences of devolved climate finance and using local knowledge to enhance the resilience of the most vulnerable. The event will be interactive to enable networking, sharing tools and learning about what works in practice
16 November 2016. Africa Day Side Events at COP 22
“Implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Africa: Moving from Commitment to Action"
  • Organised by: African Union Commission (AUC)
  • Speakers:  1.Keynote addresses by Chairperson of AUC, UNECA, AfDB, President AMCEN, Nigerian Minister and Chair Pan-African Parliament 2.Expert Panel Discussion, with a presentation on ”Implementing the NDCs in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” 3.Ministerial Dialogue on ”NDCs in Africa: Policy implication
18 November 2016. Innover et mobiliser pour améliorer la résilience des populations dans les PMA – Expérience du Niger
  • Organised by: Energies 2050 (Energies 2050)
  • Discussion: Conséquences des changements climatiques dans les PMA sur les populations vulnérables. Réponses africaines et initiatives misent en œuvre au Niger. Besoins en innovation, valorisation, mutualisation 
  • Speakers:  Pr Abdelkrim Ben Mohamed, Dr Yahaya Nazoumou, Dr Kamayé Maâzou Stéphane POUFFARY, ENERGIES 2050 Tosi MPANU MPANU, DRC, chair LDC group ; Seyni NAFO, Climate Ambassador, Mali ; Sandra FREITAS, Climate Analytics, Togo
18 November 2016Re-framing Food and Agriculture: From Degeneration to Regeneration.
  • Organised by: organized by Regeneration International, Organic Consumers Association, IFOAM Organic International, Shumei International, and Biovision Foundation. 
  • Discussion: The event featured a panel of agricultural and food experts, community leaders, and farmers from around the world who are leading the charge of regenerative food and farming initiatives. This video by IISD Reporting Services provides an overview, which aimed to mobilize the power of regenerative agriculture as a “shovel-ready” solution to the climate crisis, as well as poverty, food security and public health. In the ensuing discussion, participants addressed: improving coordination between government ministries to ensure a coherent message; paradigm shifts to avoid business-as-usual in farming; the increasing amount of food aid required for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; blue carbon farming practices and their benefits, including food security; and work on regenerating farms around Fukushima, Japan.
  • Speakers: moderated by Alexis Baden-Mayer, Organic Consumers Association, US, ; Konrad Meyer, Biovision Foundation ; John D. Liu, Environmental Education Media Project ; Andre Leu, President, IFOAM-Organics International ; Abdellah Boudhira, Regenerative Farmer, Morocco ; Barbara Hachipuka Banda, Natural Agriculture Development Program, Zambia Murielle Trouillet, 4p1000 Initiative, Ministry of Agriculture, France.


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