What's Happening?
AGRA, an African-led institution based in Nairobi, Kenya, is calling for a shift from promises to concrete actions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The conference,
dubbed the 'Implementation COP' and the 'COP of Truth', is seen as a pivotal moment to drive real change benefiting smallholder farmers affected by climate impacts. AGRA is urging governments, development partners, and the private sector to deliver practical finance and policy mechanisms that reinforce resilience across Africa's food systems, while creating meaningful opportunities for youth and women. AGRA's agenda at COP30 includes spotlighting solutions such as stronger value chains, inclusive financing models, efficient markets, and soil stewardship practices that sustain productivity under a changing climate. This aligns with the Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Human-Centered Climate Action, endorsed by 43 countries and the European Union.
Why It's Important?
The call for farmer-first climate solutions is crucial as it addresses the needs of those most exposed to climate shocks, including Africa's smallholder farmers. AGRA emphasizes that farmers should be recognized not just as victims but as active drivers of resilience and innovation. The UNEP 'Adaptation Gap Report 2025' highlights a significant annual shortfall in funding required for developing countries to adapt to climate change, with current funding covering only 10% of the needs. AGRA argues that climate finance must flow directly to farmers, rural enterprises, and locally led initiatives driving transformation across Africa's food economies. Reforming regulations to speed the adoption of climate-resilient seed varieties and strengthening risk-sharing instruments are key focuses to unlock private investment and align donor programs with long-term national strategies.
What's Next?
AGRA is advocating for large-scale investment in soil health, diversified cropping systems, balanced organic and mineral nutrient use, and digital soil data systems for better national planning. The organization’s youth strategy prioritizes jobs and entrepreneurship beyond primary production, creating pathways into processing, logistics, inputs, and agri-services. AGRA is calling for measurable progress on youth financing indicators to retain skills and talent in the sector. The real test for COP30 will be whether commitments translate into accessible, affordable solutions for farmers on the ground.
Beyond the Headlines
The degradation of Africa's farmlands remains a major barrier to resilience, with nearly 65% of productive land already compromised, leading to declining yields and shrinking incomes. AGRA's focus on soil health and youth engagement aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable farming practices and creating economic opportunities in the agricultural sector. The Growing Innovations showcase, featuring collaborations with the Gates Foundation and other international partners, highlights scalable, farmer-designed climate-smart innovations transforming food systems globally.
