WAFI 2026: Green and Healthy Transformation of Agrifood Systems

17–19 September 2026, Pinggu, Beijing, China. The World AgriFood Innovation Conference (WAFI 2026) brought together the global agricultural innovation community in , under the theme “Green and Healthy Transformation of Agrifood Systems.” 

• Video recordings are available here

WAFI positioned innovation as a key driver for making agrifood systems healthier, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable. The conference is conceived not simply as an annual event, but as a platform for continuing collaboration among governments, research and academia, industry, practitioners and other actors working on food security, climate change and sustainable development. 

The 2026 conference was jointly hosted by China Agricultural University, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the People’s Government of Pinggu District, and CGIAR. The programme combined plenary and thematic discussions with parallel sessions, side events, innovation showcases and the World AgriFood Technology Expo, creating opportunities to connect scientific advances with policy, investment, entrepreneurship and practical application.

Innovation across the agrifood system

Reflecting the breadth of agrifood transformation, WAFI 2026 addressed topics including artificial
intelligence and digital technologies, smart agriculture, future foods, nutrition and health, livestock and aquaculture, biotechnology, policy and governance, resilience and sustainability, smallholder agriculture and green finance. This broad agenda underscored that transforming agrifood systems requires more than increasing agricultural productivity: technological innovation needs to connect with environmental sustainability, human health, viable businesses and effective institutions.

16 + 17/09 AI-Driven Global Agrifood Transformation 

• Watch the recording here of 16/09: AI and Agriculture Forum
• Watch the recording here of 17/09: AI-Driven Global Agrifood Transformation

Digital innovation featured prominently. Discussions on AI and agriculture examined how emerging technologies can support agricultural modernisation and smallholder development, while other sessions explored remote sensing and the digital transformation of land and agricultural management. At the same time, the programme gave attention to regenerative agriculture, illustrating the growing interest in approaches that combine agricultural production with restoration of soils and ecosystems.

This session asked a very practical question: whether AI can actually help farmers make better decisions rather than simply produce increasingly sophisticated models. Digital Green presented farmer-facing digital extension approaches. The discussion stressed that reaching farmers digitally is only the starting point; the larger challenge is converting AI-generated information into usable agricultural decisions.

• Yvonne Pinto, Director General, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) – moderator
• Silvia Maria Fonseca Silveira Massruha, President, Embrapa Solos
• Liu Jie, Chair Professor and Dean, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Harbin Institute of Technology
• Rikin Gandhi, Co-founder and CEO, Digital Green.

17/09 Transforming the Food Industry for Healthy Diets and Better Nutrition

Watch the recording here of 17/09: Transforming the Food Industry for Healthy Diets and Better Nutrition

Among WAFI's prominent nutrition voices was Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, CGIAR Platform Director for Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact and 2021 World Food Prize Laureate.

18/09 Protein Diversification and Dietary Transformation

Watch the recording here of 18/09: Protein Diversification and Dietary Transformation

The emphasis on a “green and healthy” transformation also placed nutrition and health firmly within the
agricultural innovation agenda. Sessions included discussions around novel and future foods, nutrition, One Health and dietary innovation. 

This session linked dietary diversity with diversification of the food and protein base. The forum explored how protein diversification can contribute to more nutritious, sustainable and resilient food systems, including the transition from technological breakthroughs to market adoption.

• Francesco Branca, former Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO
• Mengshan Chen, Director, China National Food and Nutrition Advisory Committee
• Shenggen Fan, Dean, Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University
• Bruce Friedrich, Founder and President, Good Food Institute; and Nicole Wu, Chief Representative & Executive Director, ProVeg China, who moderated the high-level dialogue on industrialisation of novel proteins.

19/09 Coarse Grains, Whole Grains, and the Green and Low-Carbon Transformation of Agrifood Systems

Watch the recording here of 19/09: Coarse Grains, Whole Grains, and the Green and Low-Carbon Transformation of Agrifood Systems

On the final day, WAFI hosted a dietary-fibre innovation forum addressing Low glycemic index (GI) foods and prebiotics, while a One Health forum explored connections between agrifood systems and wider health governance. 

19/09 China Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Industrial Cooperation Forum

Watch the recording here of 19/09:  China Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Industrial Cooperation Forum

This session focused on a central challenge in China–Africa agricultural cooperation: how to move from scientific and technological innovation to adoption, commercialisation and impact at scale. Discussions connected agricultural research with technology transfer, institutional capacity, markets, private-sector investment and locally appropriate innovation ecosystems.

• Antony Chapoto — Executive Director, ANAPRI. His contribution addressed the policy and institutional environment required for technology adoption, scaling and sustained private-sector investment in Africa.
• Esther Van de Voort — Director, Innovation Portfolio & Ecosystem Partnerships, Yara International. She participated in the panel “From Technology to Market: Building Sustainable China–Africa Agricultural Innovation Ecosystems,” looking at how cross-border partnerships can accelerate technology commercialisation, market access and scalable agricultural impact.
• Issa Ouedraogo — Senior Scientist, Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and Country Representative in Senegal. He focused on connecting agricultural science and innovation with locally appropriate solutions and moving “from innovation to impact.”

19/09 Tropical Agriculture and South-South Cooperation

Watch the recording here of 19/09: Tropical Agriculture and South-South Cooperation

WAFI 2026 also highlighted the international character of contemporary agricultural research and innovation. Its partnership with CGIAR and engagement of international research, government and private-sector actors provided a space for linking China's agricultural science and innovation capacity with global research networks.

This session centred on two linked themes: “Green, Low-Carbon and Sustainable Transformation of Tropical Agriculture” and “Strengthening South–South Cooperation for a Green and Healthy Agricultural Future.” The forum examined how science, technology, investment, institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange can accelerate sustainable tropical agriculture, particularly across the Global South.

• Feng Weizhe — Dean/Director, Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University; opening-session moderator. He presented the institute's work in tropical agriculture and overseas Science and Technology Backyards, including initiatives in Malawi and Brazil.
  
• Ruben G. Echeverría (picture) — Senior Adviser, Agricultural Research for Development; opening remarks. He argued that South–South cooperation should evolve beyond one-way technology transfer toward long-term partnerships encompassing research, investment, business and innovation.
• Shenggen Fan — Dean and Chair Professor, Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University; opening remarks. He highlighted a shift from individual projects toward institutionalised South–South partnerships, including joint funds, networks and working groups.
• Sean de Cleene — Adjunct Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology; moderator of the keynote session. He proposed rapid “sprint” cooperation that brings research, finance, farmer training and private investment together around concrete bottlenecks.
• Jiang Changshun — Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS); keynote speaker. His contribution focused on international tropical-agriculture R&I cooperation, capacity building, germplasm, pest and disease management, technology transfer, standards and trade.
• Simon Heck — Director General, International Potato Center (CIP); keynote speaker. He discussed the expansion of potato production into tropical Asia and Africa and the need to translate advances in breeding more rapidly into farmer-accessible solutions.
• Lin Faqin — Professor, Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, China Agricultural University; keynote speaker. He addressed agrifood-system resilience amid geopolitical conflict, input-price increases, trade restrictions and climate change, with particular attention to smallholders.
• Conrad Rein — Secretary-General, Flagship Initiative for Global Food Security; keynote speaker. His presentation, “From Knowledge to Scaling: Advancing Resilient Tropical Agriculture through South–South Cooperation,” stressed connecting knowledge, partnerships and capital to take proven solutions to scale.

See: Comments from Ruben G. Echeverria : Strong science, technology, and innovation partnerships are essential to agricultural development. Scaling them requires partners—and partnership requires trust.

"Regional networks such as FARA, CORAF, ASARECA in Africa, APAARI in Asia, and FONTAGRO in LAC can connect local and global innovation. At the global level, CGIAR provides a trusted foundation for science-based partnerships with Chinese universities, academies of science, and other organizations represented at this conference."

Turn innovation to local contexts

The discussions in Pinggu ultimately reinforced a central message: green and healthy agrifood transformation depends on connecting technological innovation with ecological sustainability, nutrition, inclusive development and international cooperation. AI, biotechnology, regenerative agriculture and novel foods can provide new possibilities, but their contribution will depend on how effectively research institutions, farmers, businesses, governments and communities work together to turn innovation into solutions appropriate to diverse local contexts.

China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance

27–29 October 2025 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 2025 General Assembly of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss and advance cooperation. 

The China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) is a platform for collaboration between Chinese and African institutions to advance agricultural science, technology, and innovation in Africa. Co-hosted by the African Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, it aims to share China's agricultural advancements with Africa to improve food security, modernization, and sustainable development. CAASTIA facilitates joint research, technology transfer, and capacity building through initiatives like the recent General Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General: "CAASTIA is committed to driving innovation in agricultural science and technology. Today (27 October), multiple Chinese and African institutions signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for jointly implemented projects-pragmatic actions that advance this goal and are of historic significance."

Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS): "This platform will serve as our flagship for strengthening South-South cooperation. I look forward to it becoming a turning point for achieving food security across the African continent, and to learning extensively from China's experience in technology and innovation."

ARC President and CEO Dr. Litha Magingxa and Executive Manager for Research Support and Coordination Dr. Petronella Chaminuka are representing the ARC at this historic event, aimed at advancing food security and sustainable development across Africa, drawing lessons from China’s success in agriculture and poverty alleviation. During the Assembly, ARC also held bilateral discussions with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to explore new joint initiatives under the existing MoU between the two institutions.

China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA)

Key features

• 
  Goal: To strengthen China-Africa cooperation in agricultural research and development to
  address food insecurity and promote modernization in Africa.
• Membership: It brings together leaders from Chinese and African organizations, including research institutions, government agencies, and universities.

Activities:

• 
  Joint research: Conducting collaborative research projects, such as the one between Mekelle
  University in Ethiopia and the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute in China focusing on animal health.
• Technology transfer: Sharing agricultural technologies, including digital farming tools and techniques, to improve productivity.
• Capacity building: Providing training and support to African scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Governance: The alliance is supported by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and has its own steering bodies and communication channels.

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Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (4)

20 - 23 May 2025. Kunming, Yunnan, China. International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC)

25/05 Field visit: Kunming’s Dounan Flower Market

Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is one of the country's most agriculturally diverse regions due to its varied climate, topography, and rich biodiversity. Its subtropical and highland environments allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops throughout the year. One of Yunnan’s most prominent agricultural products is tobacco—the province is China’s leading tobacco producer, contributing significantly to the national supply. Other key crops include rice, maize, and wheat, which are grown across its fertile river valleys and plateaus. Yunnan is also a major producer of vegetables, rapeseed, and soybeans, supporting both local consumption and broader domestic markets.

In addition to staple crops, Yunnan is renowned for its specialty agricultural products. These include tea—particularly Pu'er tea, which has gained international recognition—coffee, grown in the warm southern regions like Pu’er and Baoshan, and flowers, with Yunnan being the top cut flower producer in China.

The province also grows a variety of tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and pineapples in its southern parts, and is well-known for its mushrooms, both wild and cultivated, including the prized matsutake. Ethnic diversity and traditional farming methods contribute to a rich agricultural culture, making Yunnan both a breadbasket and a biodiversity hotspot within China.

Kunming’s Dounan Flower Market

Kunming’s Dounan Flower Market, located in the Chenggong District, is the largest flower trading and distribution center in China and one of the most important in Asia. Established in the 1980s, the Dounan market has grown alongside Yunnan’s booming floriculture industry, which benefits from the province's favorable climate, diverse topography, and year-round growing season. Today, Dounan serves as the primary hub for cut flower auctions, wholesale trade, and international exports, playing a central role in the supply chain that links Yunnan’s flower growers to both domestic and international buyers.

The Dounan market operates a modern, clock-style flower auction system, modeled after Dutch practices, which ensures transparent pricing and efficient sales. Every day, millions of stems—mainly roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, and carnations—are traded through this system. The market has integrated digital platforms, allowing remote bidding and online transactions, which has expanded its reach to buyers across China and Southeast Asia. From Dounan, flowers are shipped via cold-chain logistics to major Chinese cities within 48 hours and are increasingly exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. As China positions itself as a global flower supplier, the Dounan Flower Market is not just a regional asset—it is emerging as a continental distribution nerve center for Asia’s fresh flower trade.

Yunnan, as China’s top producer of cut flowers

Yunnan, as China’s top producer of cut flowers, has seen rapid growth in its floriculture industry, bringing economic benefits and employment to the region. However, this expansion has come with significant environmental costs. The large-scale cultivation of flowers requires heavy use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to soil degradation, water pollution, and chemical runoff. These practices contribute to the eutrophication of water bodies and greenhouse gas emissions, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. In addition, intensive irrigation—especially during dry seasons—can strain local water resources and disrupt the balance between agricultural and domestic water needs.

The environmental footprint is further amplified by land use changes, as flower farms increasingly encroach on natural habitats, contributing to biodiversity loss and reducing land available for food crops. In response, efforts are being made to promote sustainability in Yunnan’s floriculture sector, including the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies, integrated pest management (IPM), and environmentally friendly fertilizers. Research into low-input flower varieties and comprehensive land-use planning are also gaining traction. These strategies aim to balance economic growth with ecological preservation, ensuring that Yunnan’s flower industry can thrive without compromising its environmental integrity.

Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (3)

20 - 23 May 2025. Kunming, Yunnan, China. International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC)

23/05. One of the side events at hashtag#AgrobioCongress2025 sparked a rich dialogue with Chinese students on "Can the diet of generation Zed (Gen Z) save Biodiversity? It was organised by GFAiR and PAFO.

Speakers:

• Francois Stepman, Advisor Global forum for agricultural research and innovation (GFAiR)
• Dr. Babafemi Oyewole,  CEO of Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO) 
• Gunsham Seeborun, President F.A.L.C.O.N. (Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative, Organic Network) from Mauritius and  who succeededs Ms Elizabeth Nsimadala as the representative for the African Constituency for the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO)
• Michael Waiyaki Nganga Founder & Ceo of Miti Alliance Ltd, a social enterprise whose focus is on planting and growing trees across Kenya.

Background

Generation Z in China, typically defined as those born between 1995 and 2010, is characterized by digital nativity, pragmatism, and strong national identity. Raised in an era of rapid economic growth, internet proliferation, and government-led modernization, they are highly tech-savvy and rely heavily on mobile platforms like WeChat, Douyin (TikTok), and Xiaohongshu for communication, entertainment, and shopping. Unlike previous generations, they are more individualistic yet socially conscious, showing interest in sustainability, local brands, and cultural pride. They value authenticity, creative self-expression, and experiences over material possessions, while also facing intense academic and career pressures shaped by China’s competitive environment.

Generation Z in Africa differs from China’s Gen Z in several keyways, shaped by distinct socio-economic, technological, and cultural contexts. While both are digitally savvy, Africa’s Gen Z often navigates digital spaces with more limited infrastructure—access to the internet and devices can be uneven, particularly in rural areas. This has led to high levels of creativity and innovation in using mobile-first platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok for entrepreneurship, activism, and education. Culturally, Africa’s Gen Z tends to be deeply community-oriented and entrepreneurial, driven by high youth unemployment and economic uncertainty. Many are engaged in side hustles, informal economies, or tech startups. In contrast, China’s Gen Z has broader access to structured education and formal job markets, with government policies more directly shaping their career paths. Politically, African Gen Z is often more outspoken, using social media for activism and social change. A notable example of Kenyan Gen Z is the #RejectFinanceBill2023 movement. Sparked primarily by young Kenyans, this online campaign protested proposed tax increases in the Finance Bill that were seen as harmful to low- and middle-income citizens.

Gen Z and biodiversity

Gen Z sees biodiversity not as a niche issue but as a defining challenge of their time

Generation Z relates to biodiversity issues with a strong sense of urgency, activism, and innovation, often viewing environmental protection as integral to their future and identity. Growing up amid visible climate impacts, habitat loss, and global species decline, many Gen Z individuals are deeply concerned about the planet’s ecological health.

They engage with biodiversity through digital advocacy, using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to raise awareness, share conservation content, and pressure governments and corporations to act. Campaigns for reforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable consumption often gain traction among Gen Z audiences, who are more likely to adopt plant-based diets, support ethical brands, and participate in citizen science or local conservation efforts. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z blends environmental concerns with broader social justice narratives—linking biodiversity loss to Indigenous rights, food systems, and climate equity. They often seek holistic, intersectional solutions, and many are founding or joining startups, NGOs, and youth movements focused on regenerative agriculture, nature-based solutions, and protecting ecosystems.

Gen Z and funding

Youth can benefit from funding opportunities that link diet to improved biodiversity by engaging in initiatives such as school and community gardens, forgotten foods projects, and food waste valorization. Programs like Slow Food Gardens in Africa and the One Planet Network provide direct support—up to $15,000—for youth-led projects that promote agroecology, preserve indigenous crops, and teach sustainable food practices. 

Through collective actions, such as write shops and consortia-building (e.g., with Foodbridge or universities), youth can access mentorship and resources to scale innovative solutions that enrich diets while conserving biodiversity. These opportunities empower youth to reclaim traditional food knowledge, diversify consumption habits, and contribute to food sovereignty and ecosystem health.

Video testimonies

Testimony by Angelo Rodriguez, coordinator of “El colectivo de Educación Ambiental Huerteros en Movimiento” (The Environmental Education Movement Collective Horticulturists), and representative of the International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD) Cali, Colombia: “Youth Peace Seedbed” 

Testimonies and presentations

Testimony by Oluwaferanmi Darasimi OLATILO. She is a Food Microbiologist, Gastronome, and Sustainable Food Systems Advocate. She currently work as the Director of Programs and Project Management and Internal Affairs, Slow Food Nigeria Network.

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All around the world, it's not a new fact that young people are now redefining how we eat. But behind every meal - nutritious or otherwise, diverse or not diverse - something often lies overlooked, and that is agrobiodiversity. 

My name is Oluwaferanmi, and I work with slow food (Nigeria) as a programmes and project manager. Today I'm going to be talking about the nexus between diets and youths. But before I talk about the impact of diets on youth empowerment, I want to talk about agrobiodiversity.  Agrobiodiversity has to do with the variety of crops, fruits and vegetables that make up our diet. For young adults and youth, a diverse diet and rich in essential nutrients, not just macro and micronutrients, is essential for a healthy lifestyle and reduces a greater risk of chronic diseases. 

But the problem of the diet of today is that it is limited. There are limited food options in the market, and traditional food choices, like vegetables and indigenous food crops (for example, Bambara groundnut), are missing from the diet. Now the solution is not just more staple food crops, but agrobiodiversity in diet. 

There is a need for youth empowerment for agrobiodiversity. From establishing school gardens to creating digital platforms to encourage the adoption of a healthy and bio diverse diet for youth. 

What we do at slow food Nigeria is that we are advocate for good, clean and fair food through silver programmes and thematic networks like the Ark of taste, the slow food recipe for change and Project Green futures. What we seek to adopt is that we want to influence more youths to influence a change in their diets. 

We have the opinion that agrobiodiversity is rooted in our past, fixed in our present, and is our future, empowering youth in agriculture. Advocating for agrobiodiversity not only nourishes our bodies and improves our health, but it's also supportive of a good ecosystem and a better generation. It is important that we conserve indigenous knowledge, advocating for agricultural biodiversity and pass it down to the next generation.

Presentation by Michael Waiyaki, Founder & CEO Miti Alliance Ltd

Presentation by Francois STEPMAN (GFAiR)

Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (2)

20 - 23 May 2025. Kunming, Yunnan, China. International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC)

20/05. GFAiR joined a panel discussion on Agrobiodiversity for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

This topic discussed the restoration of ecosystem with agrobiodiversity for carbon sinks, the adaptability of species, varieties, traits or genes to climate change, the role of integrated farming system in reducing carbon emissions, and the importance of carbon or climate finance in advancing the biodiversity and climate agenda. 

• Sam Pironon - Climate change adaptation: global plant diversity to the rescue
• Hui Ju - Strengthening Crop resilience and safeguarding Agrobiodiversity - Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Agricultural Systems in China  
• Kuldeep Tripathi - The Stress Tolerant Orphan Legumes (STOL) Consortium: Efforts towards mainstreaming orphan legumes in India and Africa
• Francois Stepman Advisor GFAiR
  
  "Opportunity, orphan, or forgotten crop are indigenous crops from diverse food systems mainly from the developing world which research and which donors and governments have overlooked and forgotten in policymaking, adequate funding and support while focus on cash /commodity crops. However, the food that is defined as forgotten as we know, form the bulk of the staple for many rural communities in the developing world."“Orphan,” “neglected,” or “underutilized” crops are traditionally important to local diets and agroecosystems, but have received limited investment in breeding, commercialization, or policy support, particularly compared to global staples like maize, wheat, and rice."

Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (1)

20 - 23 May 2025. Kunming, Yunnan, China. International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC)

The Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC), convened over 800 participants from more than 60 countries. Under the theme “Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet,” the Congress aimed to address global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and biodiversity loss by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity.

Through over 40 thematic reports, 15 side events and an exhibition featuring 16 case studies, the conference addressed the challenges in agricultural biodiversity protection. It also fostered a global consensus and exchange of new knowledge, technologies and experiences to enhance international cooperation.

At the closing ceremony, delegates released the 2025 Kunming Manifesto. The document clarifies the strategic importance of agrobiodiversity in addressing food crises and climate change, provides guidance for the research, conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity in the future, and contributes wisdom and strength to building a more sustainable and resilient global food system.

Key Outcomes and Conclusions

1. Adoption of the 2025 Kunming Manifesto

The Congress culminated in the release of the 2025 Kunming Manifesto, a strategic document emphasizing the critical role of agrobiodiversity in tackling food crises and climate change. It provides guidance for future research, conservation, and utilization efforts, aligning with the Kunming Declaration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

2. Emphasis on International Cooperation

Delegates highlighted the necessity of global collaboration to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. China showcased its commitment through initiatives like integrating biodiversity conservation into national development plans and supporting rural income growth. 

3. Thematic Focus Areas

The Congress addressed six critical topics:

• Economic Growth: Exploring how agrobiodiversity can drive livelihoods and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Discussing the role of diverse agricultural systems in enhancing resilience and reducing emissions.

• Environmental Health and Biodiversity: Examining the benefits of agrobiodiversity for ecosystem services and land restoration.

• Healthy Diets: Promoting diverse diets to combat malnutrition and improve health outcomes.

• Gender and Social Inclusion: Recognizing the contributions of women and youth in managing agrobiodiversity.

• Conservation and Management Strategies: Developing effective approaches for preserving genetic resources. 

4. China's Leadership in Agrobiodiversity

China was acknowledged for its significant efforts in agrobiodiversity conservation, including maintaining 25 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. The country's integration of traditional practices with modern innovations serves as a model for sustainable agriculture. 

5. Proposal of a New Fiscal Mechanism

A new financial mechanism was proposed to support cross-border cooperation, facilitating the exchange of germplasm resources, technology transfer, and capacity building.

The Congress reinforced the importance of agrobiodiversity in achieving sustainable development goals and called for continued international collaboration to build resilient and inclusive food systems.

"At present, the world is confronted with challenges such as climate change and food security, and the significance of agrobiodiversity has become increasingly prominent. I was pleased to see the progress that China has made in protecting its nature, " Marcela Quintero, associate director general for the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture.

"Agrobiodiversity also plays a key role in public health  I hope that hope we will reach a consensus, respond actively to global challenges, and work toward a win-win situation for the protection of agricultural biodiversity and food security" Lynnette Neufeld, director of the Food and Nutrition Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

"There are very big efforts made by the Chinese government to promote biodiversity in

order to have a more sustainable agriculture, decreasing the use of chemicals. This is the main goal while continuing to feed people," Elisabeth Fournier , a scientist at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment

"Agrobiodiversity is important for us as agriculture is the backbone of the Lao economy." Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, vice minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos

China-Africa forum to fast-track agricultural transformation

12-15 August 2024. Experts from China and Africa convened for a meeting in Nairobi for a high-level forum on agricultural science and technology in an effort to harness the potential of technology to revolutionize agriculture.

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China jointly organized the pivotal forum, which brings together over 150 leaders, agricultural experts, and representatives from renowned companies across Africa.

The gathering aimed to accelerate advancements in the agricultural sector, particularly in response to the pressing challenges of climate change and food security across the continent.

Countries represented include Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal, with the event taking place at the World Agroforestry Centre over four days.

Director General of CIMMYT Bram Govaerts said the forum’s objective is to enhance research and innovation and ensure such advancements reach the farmers who need them most.

“Through this platform, we aim to improve the delivery of research and innovation to farmers. We will develop a strategic and tactical plan, seek resources for implementation, and ultimately benefit African farmers,” Govaerts said

Yujiang Ye, the Vice President of CAAS highlighted the academy’s ongoing commitment to supporting African nations and the broader Global South through training and technology transfer.

“CAAS has trained 276 students from 38 African countries, making it a leading institution in agricultural education for African students,” said Ye, underscoring the significance of the China-Africa modern agriculture technology exchange.

The forum also provided an occasion to clarify strategies for increasing crop yields in Africa, particularly for corn, wheat, and dryland crops. It also seeks to share China’s experience in agricultural modernization and identify areas for collaborative cooperation between China, Africa, and CIMMYT.

China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA)

12 - 13 of June 2024.  Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, China. A two-day conference was  organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division and deliberated on the status of African agricultural research and innovation and how to optimize the partnership between China and the African continent with its 55 independent countries. The conference was attended by about 100 high-level scientists of Africa and China.

 The Chinese science and technology cooperation in Africa agriculture needs to be coordinated and the focus needs to be defined. The introduced Chinese technologies need to be adapted to the local context in Africa. Recent observations with agricultural processing and industrial machineries from China on their serviceable years or how long they lasts, showed the need to run strong adaptation of the machineries to general behaviors of users in Africa.

The upcoming China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA),which was initiated by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences, has huge potential to promote effective partnerships and exchanges between African agricultural stakeholders and that of China. 

• China has established cooperative relations with 23 African countries. In recent years, under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the two sides have carried out practical cooperation on major issues such as food security, poverty reduction, and agricultural green development,
• It was advised that FARA would play a constructive role in coordinating and implementing CAASTIA activities, to ensure its effective formation and operation.

Capacity building through training

Capacity building through training is the key to sustainable agricultural productivity, China has established joint laboratories in Africa for advanced research. These include the establishment of 

• Sino-Egyptian Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Green Development between IARRP, CAAS and NARSS for joint research in remote sensing-based monitoring, efficient utilization of water resources, etc.,
• Sino-African Joint Laboratory in Nairobi-Kenya by CAS for Biodiversity studies, 
• Biogas facilities by CAAS and training of over 1530 local technicians in African countries (e.g. Rwanda, Tanzania, Mauritania, and Angola) for socio-economic development, 
• Capacity building in agricultural R&D for Africa by CAAS, which trained 276 PhD students from 38 African countries as at July 2023, and hosted 21 visiting scholars from Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Rwanda under the Talented Young Scientists Program, and 
• Training courses for African agricultural technicians every year by CAAS and CATAS to bridge the technology gap in crop breeding and cultivation, plant disease and pest control, animal disease monitoring and control, biomass energy, agricultural machinery, etc.

The importance of the China-Africa cooperation on agriculture was underscored when in 2023 the CAAS and MARA organized the 2nd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Sanya city, which attracted some 39 Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture from across Africa and High-Level Officials from the African Union.

In 2023 the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) signed and implemented MOUs with various Academies in China, which include the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF).

Related 

KIGALI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on China-Africa agriculture development was held Friday in Rwanda, with participants emphasizing the need to strengthen the partnership with China for agricultural modernization aimed at addressing the challenge of low food production on the African continent.

The one-day event in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, was organized by the Rwanda Institute of International Affairs (RIIA), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, themed "Practice and vision on China-Africa agricultural high-quality development: food security, improve added value and facilitate trade of agricultural products."

Revamping Manufacturing of Agricultural Machinery in Africa

13 June 2024. Webinar 12 Discussion Revamping Manufacturing of Agricultural Machinery in Africa

The estimated 250 Participants in Webinar 12 will be drawn mainly from private sector agricultural machinery manufacturers, farmers’ organizations, not for profit organizations, Directors of Agricultural Mechanization and Engineering Services [DAMES] from all African countries, representatives of the Regional Economic Communities [RECs], AUC, FAO and ACT.

• The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org
• Note conceptuelle: Africa Mechanize Webinaire 12
• Concept Note: Africa Mechanize Webinar No12
• Webinar 12: Brève annonce
• Webinar 12: Announcement

Availability of machinery, equipment, spare parts and other supplies is essential for successful and sustainable agricultural mechanization. Agricultural mechanization includes the development of local industries that produce machinery and implements. Where production is not feasible, local franchise holders must be established and developed to import these goods. The development of supply chains and services should be an integral part of the agricultural mechanization process to ensure a better choice of equipment for particular types of users and uses and to guarantee the availability of spare parts and technical services.

The Objective of Webinar 12 is to initiate collaboration between African countries and the agricultural machinery manufacturing association of India, the Research Centre for Agricultural Mechanization Development of China, and the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association (CEMA). 

• Opening Remarks • John Bosco, CEO, East African Business Council (EABC) (tbc). 
• Objectives of the Webinar: Facilitator • Mark Fynn, Regional Policy Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa, Accra, Ghana. 
• Overview of agricultural machinery trade and manufacturing in Africa: UNIDO • Niels Schulz, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Vienna, Austria 
• China's agricultural mechanization and international cooperation. • Prof Minli Yang - College of Engineering, China Agricultural University. 
• Enhancing Africa-India collaboration on machinery manufacturing and supply: Experiences of the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (AMMA) - India. • Sarbjeet Singh Panesar - General Manager Land Force & Vice President, AMMA – India. 
• Agricultural machinery manufacturing in Africa: Perspectives of the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association (CEMA) • Jelte Wiersma, Secretary General, CEMA aisbl, Brussels, Belgium 

Plenary discussions including question and answer session 

Concluding Discussions and Way Forward Presentation and discussions on the key 3-4 outcomes and proposed way forward actions of Webinar 

Closing by Mr Patrice Talla Takoukam, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa (SFS) and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini (tbc).

Resource: 

Towards inclusive mechanization? Two-wheel tractor-based service markets in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe - Article publication date: 21 May 2024

Two-wheel tractor-based service provision is economically highly viable, largely due to multifunctionality. Post-production services such as threshing and transportation are particularly lucrative. However, the emergence and economic sustainability of service providers can be undermined by bottlenecks such as access to finance, knowledge and skills development, access to fuel and spare parts, and infrastructure problems.

Funding opportunity:

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) and the Office of Innovation (OIN) of the FAO launched the Global Innovation Challenge on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization
and Farmer Field Schools for small-scale producers. It invites FAO Country Offices with ongoing or upcoming FFS projects to participate in this Challenge.

• Submission Deadline: June 26, 2024
• Find out more information and criteria here

Forum on China-Africa agricultural cooperation

13 - 15 November 2023.  The Second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture was held  in Sanya, Hainan Province. 

China has signed 34 agricultural cooperation agreements with 19 African countries and organizations, fostering collaboration in various aspects of agriculture. China has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers, which have benefited over a million small-scale farmers. This year, China-Africa agricultural trade is expected to exceed $10 billion, reflecting the growing economic ties between the two regions.

Similarly, the Governor of Hainan Province, Liu Xiaoming, emphasized the potential of the Hainan Free Trade Port to enhance preferential tariff benefits.

He proposed the cultivation of complete industrial chains for key agricultural products and the expansion of trading partnerships for tropical agricultural goods within the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC framework. Furthermore, the forum outlined a comprehensive plan for the coming years, focusing on agricultural modernization in African nations.

China pledged to deepen the alignment of agricultural development strategies, intensify policy consultations, and ensure full coverage of bilateral agricultural cooperation mechanisms. Plans include bolstering agricultural technology cooperation, enhancing grain production, establishing joint laboratories and research centers, and training an additional 1,000 agricultural science and technology personnel for Africa over the next three years.

14/11 Participants of 2nd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture went on field trips in Sanya

Africa Climate Week (ACW 2023): sessions on agriculture and food systems

4 - 8 September 2023. Africa Climate Week (ACW 2023) + African Climate Action SummitThe Africa Climate Action Summit is being co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the African Union Commission and is co-convened by the African Development Bank and GCA.
The Summit will coalesce partners, including international financial institutions and the private sector, around accelerating adaptation financing and climate action leading into the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit and COP28.

ACW 2023 will be organized into four systems-based tracks, each focusing on specific themes: 

1. Energy systems and industry. 
2. Cities, urban and rural settlements
3. Infrastructure and transport. 
4. Land, ocean, food and water.

Extracts of the main programme

04/09 Opening ceremony

04/09 Climate innovation in agriculture - practical solutions and lessons to be shared from Israel

This event explored innovative ways and technology how to maintain and increase agricultural production in the face of growing draught and water scarcity. It used the example of the TIPA project in Senegal to illustrate how to move to drip irrigated agriculture using solar power to pump water, growing up to 3 harvests per year.

TIPA is a small-scale horticultural production package based on low-pressure drip-irrigation, a mix of vegetables and tree crops, and modern crop management systems. TIPA is engineered towards small scale farmers and rural communities in Senegal. The TIPA project is a MASHAV initiative. (MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation).

Related: 03/09 Israel, NGOs Launch New Farming Innovation Center In Kenya. AITEC was jointly developed by the Israeli Embassy and several Israeli and international NGOs focusing on agricultural and technological development. Embu County Government and Don Bosco Tech Africa, which empowers African youth by providing them with technical training also contributed to the project. 

04/09 AB Testing for Farming - Unlocking Transformation of Smallholder Livelihoods in Africa

Chinese-led FarmWorks is empowering farmers in Africa through technology.

The event discussed the approach of FarmWorks Field School - an effective approach of applying tech-industry's A/B testing method to farming. in field schools, farmers divide their plots into 2, one using traditional techniques and the other using recommended techniques - a group of farmers meet at the school weekly to monitor crop growth and learn the impact of different techniques. 

Using this method, we've significant changed farmer behavior, encourage them to use more climate-resilient farming methods, while improving their yield and income. We will share the case study and propose ideas to engage the broader community of stakeholders to build partnerships and replicate the good lessons learnt globally.

05/09 @10:00-11:30 CEST (11:00 to 12:30 EAT) Charting the pathway towards an inclusive green transition – The unique role of local digital innovations in driving climate action

IFAD, GIZ, WFP

To participate online please click this link.

Launch of Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme (DGIx) - DGIx Charting the pathway towards an inclusive green transition – The unique role of local digital innovations in driving climate action!

05/09 @11:45 - 12:15 CEST (10:45 - 11:15 EAT) Just Transition: Panacea for Africa’s climate, energy and development agenda

MS Teams link

A new report co-authored by a collective of independent experts coordinated by Power Shift Africa titled: Just Transition: A Climate, Energy and Development Vision for Africa (# 92 p.), shows how the continent can embark on an African Just Transition that strengthens food and energy infrastructure and sets out a more resilient and just development path.

06/09 @11:30 - 12:30 CEST (10:30 - 11:30 EAT) The Connections Between Food Security and Climate

MS Teams link

The report CITI-GPS (2022) Food Security Tackling the Current Crisis and Building Future Resilience (# 80 p.)  discusses the main causes of food insecurity which include conflict, environmental challenges and social, political and economic shifts. 

In another report CITI-GPS (2022) Food and Climate Change- Creating Sustainable Food Systems for a Net Zero Future   (# 76 p.) argues that climate change would have a devastating impact on food production affecting the most vulnerable communities. 

This event aimed to discuss the following questions: 

1. What solutions are available to reduce food insecurity? 
2. What role do governments, MDBs and the private sector have in helping solve food insecurity in Africa? 
3. How do we mobilise financing to tackle this?

06/09 @15:00 - 16:00 CEST (14:00 - 15:00 EAT) Science and Practice: Water-Food-Energy nexus for resilient conservation landscapes

MS Teams link

To effectively address the resilience of landscapes to climate change, a comprehensive approach is necessary, transcending sector-based initiatives and embracing the nexus approach. This approach allows for the identification of landscape solutions that benefit multiple sectors like agriculture, energy, and water, and emphasizes their interconnectedness in enhancing conservation efforts. During the event, panelists will present emerging evidence, sharing examples and experiences from Africa, to develop a framework that unites key sectors based on the nexus approach.

06/09 @16:30 - 17:30 CEST (15:30 - 16:30 EAT) Learning to Build Better Food Systems through the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative – a regional multi-stakeholder platform in West & Central Africa

MS Teams link

This event will share lessons from 8 years of partnership, culminating in the Africa Sustainable Commodity Initiative (ASCI), a multi-stakeholder platform, inclusive of government, communities, companies and NGOs. African owned and led, ASCI is a single set of principles for the responsible production of agricultural commodities: protecting forests, while ensuring social benefits for farmers (the majority of whom are women), communities, indigenous peoples and their human rights. 

This event would highlight the progress being made across the ten countries in West and Central Africa (accounting for 75% of Africa’s forests), from policy (FPIC in Liberia) and legislation (Forest Law in Edo State, Nigeria), to capacity building (sustainable forest management) and institutionalization of responsible principles of production (Tree Crops Development Authority in Ghana). The event will also highlight the key role of women, the majority of smallholder farmers in Africa, and the importance of engaging their voice in such multistakeholder initiatives. Panelists will include representatives from Sesdev, a civil society organisation in Liberia, the ministry of Environment in Cameroon, and private sector in Ghana, moderated by Proforest, which has facilitated the platform for many years, working at a regional and national level.

07/09 @10:00 - 10:30 CEST (09:00 - 09:30 EAT) Safeguarding human and animal health in a changing environment

MS Teams Link

ILRI, VSF Germany, Zoonosis Disease Unit, Swiss Tropical and Pubic Health Institute, University of Greenwich, Natural Resource Institute, University of Liverpool, University of Copenhagen

This event will demonstrate tools and approaches that are being developed to support early detection and response to these diseases in order to minimise health and socio-economic impacts that they cause. Such interventions include data-driven disease forecasting and mapping systems, community-based participatory surveillance systems, and more efficient ways of bundling of health care services to enhance their coverage.

07/09 @ 12:30 - 13:00 CEST (11:30 - 12:00 EAT) Considering GST outcomes to drive nature-positive climate action in Africa

MS Teams Link

Conservation International

Nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate mitigation and adaptation are a huge win-win for African countries to meet their climate, sustainable development, food security, and biodiversity goals – and the GST outcomes can be a powerful signal to the international community to prioritize support for these solutions. Yet, the urgency of pre-2030 NBS action – especially transformations necessary within food systems – and the large NBS financing gap have often been buried in general calls for ambition.

07/09 @13:00 - 14:00 CEST (12:00 - 13:00 EAT) Unlocking Nature based solutions for transformative climate adaptation in Africa

MS Teams Link

WWF and CARE, UNEP, AfDB, AU

Nature-based Solutions (NbS)  seeks to address societal challenges while ensuring biodiversity and wellbeing co-benefits. The side event will provide evidence and share experiences from WWF and partners on how NbS initiatives have contributed to strengthening climate resilience in Africa and what action and finance is needed to unlock their full potential. 

07/09 @14:30 - 15:30 CEST (13:30 - 14:30 EAT) Nature as the Backbone for Climate and Biodiversity Solution

MS Teams Link
UNEP , WWF , IUCN, AU, NEPAD, AFDB, FAO

Solving climate change, biodiversity loss and development in Africa cannot be separated. They must be done in tandem, simultaneously and with equal urgency. Healthy terrestrial and marine ecosystems are the foundations for natural systems in regulating climate including mitigation and adaptation. Healthy ecosystems also build resilience of communities to withstand impacts of climate change. This side event seeks to build momentum and promote nature-based solutions as a means for co-implementing the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to address the planetary crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. 

07/09 Adapting Agrifood Systems and Ensuring Food Security in Africa Amidst Climate Change

MS Teams Link

FAO, Ban Ki-Moon Center for Global Citizens, and UNDP

Extreme weather events in sub-Saharan and North Africa caused a staggering USD30 billion in losses in 2020, leading to declines in crop and livestock production. This has had devastating effects on rural livelihoods, food supplies, and exacerbated hunger. The event aims to unveil essential finance, policy, innovation, and knowledge interventions that support the development of resilient agrifood systems in Africa. The aim is to contribute to the region's economic growth, improve the livelihoods of local farmers and food producers, and enhance food and nutrition security. By leveraging existing regional initiatives and engaging stakeholders from agribusinesses and financial institutions, this panel seeks to promote blended finance, private capital investments, lending opportunities, and risk insurance to strengthen adaptation and transform agriculture and food systems.

07/09 @15:30-16:30 CEST (16:30-17:30 EAT) Leveraging finance and investments for food systems adaptation in Africa - Register for the event

MS Teams Link

ECDPM, AKADEMIYA2063 & UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition

Drawing from the Malabo Montpellier Panel’s report ADAPT and ECDPM’s AgrInvest project, this event will pinpoint food systems financing gaps and showcase lessons learned and best practices, drawing from recent experiences in five countries: Benin, Mali, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

• Ms. Kerstin Opfer, Policy Advisor Energy Policy and Civil Society, Germanwatch
• Presentation of the key findings from the Malabo Montpellier Panel report - Dr. Seraphin Niyonsenga, Senior Scientist, AKADEMIYA2063
• Presentation of the key findings of ECDPM’s AgrInvest project - Ms. Cecilia D'Alessandro, Policy Officer, Sustainable Food Systems, ECDPM
• Mr. Ayman Cherkaoui, Director, Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training
• Ms. Beatrice Cyiza, Director General, Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda
• Mr. Sauli Hurri, Senior Regional Technical Specialist, IFAD
• Ms. Lade Araba, Non-Executive Director, African Risk Capacity (ARC)
• Ms. Laureen Njuguna, General Manager Starlight Farmers’ Cooperative Kenya
• Ms. Enid Charana, CEO, Nyamira North Women Savings and Credit Society, Kenya

This Malabo Montpellier Panel report analyzes the experience of systematically selected four African countries: Benin, Mali, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe to apprehend what government actions – policy and institutional innovations and programmatic interventions – have contributed to building a conducive enabling environment for leveraging international climate finance for food systems transformation. The report brings to the fore what these four African countries are doing right and explores lessons for the continent for replication and scaling up.

07/09 @16:00 - 17:00 CEST (15:00 - 16:00 EAT)  Agroecology as a Pathway for Climate change Adaptation and Mitigation

MS Teams Link

AFSA

The side event, organized by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), aimed to promote and strengthen advocacy efforts for Agroecology as a sustainable approach to food systems and adaptation to the climate crisis in Africa. The event will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, youth, and Agroecological entrepreneurs

07/09 @16:00 - 17:00 CEST (15:00 - 16:00 EAT)  Supporting smallholder climate adaptation from seeds to basin

MS Teams Link
IWMI, IHE Delft, World Bank, The Alliance Bioversity - CIAT

The event brings together different actors to discuss how climate adaptation for agricultural farmers requires a systems approach to climate hazard identification, adaptation solution priority setting and impact evaluation. The panelists will discuss the role of the latest advanced digital and remote sensing innovations in supporting user-oriented agronomic solution bundles and scaling efforts from seeds to basin scale to ensure sustainable climate adaptation with mitigation co-benefits.

07/09 @16:30 - 17:30 CEST (16:30 - 17:30 EAT) Walking the talk : Advancing smallholder farmers land rights for climate adaptation and resilience

MS Teams Link

International Land Coalition Africa (ILC Africa) and International Land Coalition Africa The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) Pastoralist Women Council (PWC) Kenya Livestock Producers Association


Small holder farmers rely mostly on land for their livelihoods for food and income to support their basic needs. Since most farmers are smallholder farmers contributing to food production, a healthy and safe environment remains crucial to enable them till their lands and secure the right to food. However, the sad reality remains: the impacts of climate change are more manifest for smallholder farmers (including pastoralists), bearing the brunt of the crisis through climate-induced droughts and other extreme weather patterns, while having minimal contribution to its causes. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that these same smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths, often lack secure rights to their land. Indeed, limited access to natural resources like water and land may further push smallholder farmers into poverty and lead to political tensions and land conflicts. This calls for recognition of the crucial role of land rights in climate adaptation and resilience. Without tenure security, women, men, and communities who mostly rely on adaptation strategies continue facing numerous hurdles. There is need for smallholder farmers to contextualise adaptation programs to suit different contexts. Climate adaptation policies should also address socioeconomic conditions, and climatic stresses that smallholder farmers face.

07/09 @16:30 - 17:30 CEST (16:30 - 17:30 EAT) Climate Change and Food Security: The contribution of pastoralism through sustainable management of rangelands across the Horn of Africa: How improved pastoralism can contribute to increased food security, climate adaptation and mitigation.

MS Teams Link

Welthungerhilfe and Welthungerhilfe University Hohenheim Germany Local partner(s)

Protection and well-managed animal movement is key for a recovery of the often badly degraded vegetation. Most rangelands could harbor two to four times biomass. Simple rotational grazing may easily double the stocking rates. But success in area protection attracts more animals and more destructive use of the range if territorial governance is weak or non-existent. Such governance requires a fine-tuned balance of private owners, communities, and local authorities.

08/09 @11:30 - 12:30 CEST (10:30 - 11:30 EAT) From Farm to Fork – what is required to pivot agriculture and food systems towards food secure, regenerative, climate resilient outcomes - Event of the Climate Champions

MS Teams Link

UNFCCC

Led by the Climate Champions Team, this dialogue will explore the essential policy, finance and technical interventions which will deliver long term resilience via sustainable agriculture and improved food security outcomes in Africa and which contribute to the Sharm El Shaikh Adaptation Agenda on agriculture. An Africa-based study commissioned by IUCN for the Climate Champions in 2021 showed regenerative, sustainable agriculture model will add tens of billions to the economy, improve farmer livelihoods, food security and nutrition outcomes, and, when managed well, will reduce pressure on the land, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity and conservation.

08/09 @14:30 - 15:30 CEST (13:30 - 14:30 EAT) CompensACTION: Mobilizing carbon finance for food security and environmental benefits

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CompensACTION Initiative, GIZ, Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance Clim-EAT

Transforming agriculture and food systems requires a paradigm shift – away from a one-dimensional system that only produces food - to a system that provides multifunctional services. Smallholder farmers already make a significant contribution to nature- and climate positive agriculture but are not rewarded for it. The CompensACTION initiative has been launched under German G7 presidency in 2022. Its vision is that agricultural producers, especially smallholders in developing countries, receive adequate compensation for the multifunctional services they provide to ecosystems.

 

Extracts of the side events ACW 2023

06/09 7:00 - 8:00 AM by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), P4G and Danish Embassy Accelerating green business models through public private partnership - P4G contributes to green and inclusive growth in developing countries by supporting businesses to become investment ready and supporting country climate transitions in food, water and energy systems.
07/09 10:00 - 11:00 AM by ILRI: P4G contributes to green and inclusive growth in developing countries by supporting businesses to become investment ready and supporting country climate