Former Ethiopian PM Calls for Revolutionization of Africa’s Food Systems as Inaugural Africa Climate Summit 2023 Kicks Off in Nairobi

By Jackson Okata

Worth Noting:

• At the same time, he noted that Africa does well in strategic planning and coordination but there is often an insufficient transition of the plans into action. He however expressed confidence in Africa’s power of agriculture and food systems
• “Food security for human development, economic growth and poverty reduction in Africa could all be achieved through transformation and revolutionization of the agriculture sector. Agriculture is the basis for human development in many ways,” he noted.
• Empowering of farmers and enhancing their productivity was key to realizing the goal of food security an approach he says could work for African nations citing the example of Ethiopia where he said it has been successful.

As the Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS) kicked off in Kenya’s Capital Nairobi on 4th September 2023, heads of governments, Ministers and policymakers, practitioners, business and civil society representatives and thousands of delegates were confronted with the harsh reality the African food systems are facing in the wake of devastating climate change related effects.

Speaking during a side event at the forum that runs from 4 to 8 September 2023, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Africa must take bold steps that will transform her food systems in the face of climate change through African solutions.

Desalegn, who is the Chairperson of the AGRA board warned that currently approximately 280 million Africans are undernourished, and that the continent was performing worse than the global average on food and agriculture

“We use USD 50 billion annually to import food and we rank poorly in climate vulnerability, agriculture productivity, nutrition and health” said Desalegn.

At the same time, he noted that Africa does well in strategic planning and coordination but there is often an insufficient transition of the plans into action. He however expressed confidence in Africa’s power of agriculture and food systems

“Food security for human development, economic growth and poverty reduction in Africa could all be achieved through transformation and revolutionization of the agriculture sector. Agriculture is the basis for human development in many ways,” he noted.

Empowering of farmers and enhancing their productivity was key to realizing the goal of food security an approach he says could work for African nations citing the example of Ethiopia where he said it has been successful.

“We must encourage our farmers to adopt the best agricultural practices. Agriculture productivity cannot be achieved until the natural resource base becomes better managed and protected. We need to encourage our people to protect their farms and landscape”

Desalegn challenged African nations to increases sustainability in production, improve soil and environmental health and adaptation to climate change through investment and policy reforms and revolutionizing Africa’s food systems through multi sector partnerships.

Africa will be seeking to use the ACS to build momentum towards positive and impactful outcomes at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking  when he officially opened the ministerial convening of the summit, President William Ruto called on African leaders to be bold in their climate change conversations.

“In the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change in Africa, we stand unwavering in our commitment to confront this existential threat to all of humanity,” said President William Ruto of Kenya.

“Africa’s abundance of wind and solar energy can power our development, creating jobs, protecting local economies, and accelerating the sustainable industrialization of the continent. But for us to lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future for our continent and the world, finance and technology must be provided to our developing countries. As we come together at the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week, we aim to weave a single, resounding African voice that will carry the outcomes of these crucial events to COP28 and beyond’’ said Ruto

While Africa’s per capita emissions are significantly lower than the global average, the continent is disproportionately affected by rising global temperatures and escalating climate consequences. Drought, desertification, and cyclones, among others, are causing food shortages, displacement, and migration.

Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme Inger Andersen said the Africa Climate Week provides a timely opportunity ahead of COP28 for regional stakeholders to exchange on barriers overcome and opportunities realized in different countries, showcasing how Africa’s industrial growth can be aligned with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and drive economic progress while curbing environmental impacts.

“Africa Climate Week must be the place where we accelerate climate action across the African continent and finance a just transition to a climate-resilient future – a transition that empowers Africa to take control of its own destiny and become a green leader and economic powerhouse,” said Andersen