Agriculture in Africa: Sadiki notes pressing need for robust adaptation strategies

The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, noted, Monday in Meknes, the pressing need to implement robust adaptation strategies in Africa, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“The pressing need for robust adaptation strategies has never been greater, at a time when funding to support these efforts remains insufficient,” Mr. Sadiki said at the 4th Annual Ministerial Conference of the Initiative for Adaptation of African Agriculture (AAA) to climate change, held under the theme “Innovative Financing to Accelerate the Adaptation of African Agriculture to Climate”, on the sidelines of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM).

According to the minister, Africa needs around $580 billion for adaptation measures between 2020 and 2030, with a particular focus on agriculture, noting that the actual adaptation funding received by the continent is was only $11.4 billion per year in 2019 and 2020, well below the projected $52.7 billion annually needed for 2030

Agriculture feeds African economies and supports more than half of the continent’s population, but it faces an existential threat, with droughts, floods and unpredictable weather jeopardizing its sustainability, he said. he noted, emphasizing the urgency of acting in the face of the climate crisis which “threatens the very survival of our agricultural sector”.

This conference aims to translate these priorities into action, said Mr. Sadiki, calling for collective action and commitment in order to forge a new pact for climate action, anchored in solidarity, innovation and ambition, by capitalizing in particular on the dynamics of Nairobi, COP28 and this conference with the aim of building the coalitions and partnerships necessary to make agricultural adaptation a leading political and financial priority.

For her part, Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union (AU) Commission, argued that it is essential to put innovative solutions, such as the AAA initiative, to strengthen climate action in Africa, identify specific challenges and promote sustainable development.

This initiative also aims to do justice to countries that do not have access to the necessary financing, which represents one of its main objectives, she said, noting that by supporting these countries, the AAA initiative contributes to establish a roadmap for the transformation of agriculture, drawing lessons from previous agricultural policies.

Africa now has a roadmap and continental policies adapted to respond to climate challenges, said Ms. Sacko, believing that the adaptation of African climate agendas and investment in the agricultural system are essential components. development of the continent.

According to the manager, this adaptation process is crucial to achieving significant transformation in the next 10 years, especially since the AAA initiative is committed to supporting this progress through a 10-year action plan, notably promising significant advances in food security.

A high-level event, the AAA Initiative Ministerial Conference provides a space for crucial policy dialogue for African ministers responsible for agriculture, as well as for representatives of regional organizations, technical and financial partners and key stakeholders in the sector.

Marked by the presence of the Secretary General of the AAA Initiative, Seyni Nafo, this Ministerial Conference brings together a coalition of actors committed to the climate future of African agriculture. It helps catalyze increased and coordinated resource mobilization to strengthen the resilience of African agriculture and food systems, improve the livelihoods of rural communities and promote sustainable development on the continent.

LNT with Map