Sefa Ikpa’s Post

Ahead of #COP29, I shared my thoughts on what Africa, and by extension, the Global South, must prioritise in upcoming climate negotiations. Drawing from the "documented lived experience" (a phrase I must attribute to the genius of Dr Joseph Mante) in Nigeria's Sankera region of Benue State, I make a case for establishing a dedicated Agriculture and Food Security Fund within the climate finance framework. Our farmers have long employed agroecological practices that work in harmony with natural ecosystems. Indeed, as it is often said, solving the climate crisis is intrinsically linked to solving the biodiversity crisis - a healthy ecosystem does more for climate stability than any artificial carbon reduction measure. These traditional methods, refined over generations, offer invaluable insights for climate-resilient agriculture. However, without proper financial backing, this potential remains largely untapped. The proposed fund would serve multiple critical functions: scaling climate-smart farming techniques, improving market access for smallholder farmers, and strengthening local food systems. This isn't merely about agriculture – it's about building resilient communities and preserving traditional knowledge while adapting to climate challenges. As we approach COP29, dubbed the '#FinanceCOP,' we have a unique opportunity to reshape the narrative around climate finance. The time has come to recognise agriculture's central role in climate resilience and food security.

At #COP29 this week, global leaders gathered to address the critical funding gaps for agrifood systems in fragile countries—a lifeline for communities on the frontlines of climate change. In this article, IISD captures this essential dialogue, highlighting the need for climate finance to strengthen food security and build resilience. Our senior director, Michelle Kagari, represented our commitment to smallholder farmers in discussions hosted by Green Climate Fund and FAO, sharing our approach to empowering farmers through sustainable practices like agroforestry and soil health initiatives. By equipping farmers to thrive amidst climate challenges, we strive to drive impactful change, but scaling these efforts requires robust financial support for agriculture. As the outcomes of COP29 unfold, let’s continue advocating for policies and funding that prioritize agrifood systems in vulnerable regions, underscoring the resilience and potential of smallholder farmers to lead sustainable solutions.

As global leaders prepare for #COP29 in #Baku next month, the urgency of #climatechange is clearer than ever. While we can’t reverse its effects, we can focus on building resilient ecosystems that adapt to these challenges. The pressing question is: how can we ensure our contributions lead to real, on-the-ground change? Kenya, as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), will represent Africa’s climate priorities at COP29. This is a crucial opportunity to advocate for meaningful, actionable progress. But are we truly ready to implement these priorities? We’ve made significant commitments at past COPs and developed climate policies at all levels, but how well do they align with the realities faced by the communities they are meant to serve? Are these strategies realistic, and are we all aware of their implications? While I don’t have all the answers, I strongly believe in the power of our #indigenousknowledge. Amongst other key issues, we must continue to voice include #climatejustice through #landrightsforwomenandyouth, the urgent need to phase out fossil fuel-based agrochemicals, and the importance of scaling up #agroecology. Agroecology can be a central part of #povertygraduation programs in rural areas, promoting food sovereignty and ecosystem restoration. We also need to emphasize the critical discussion of #increasedclimatefinancing in the #agriculturesector. It is worrying to note that about 1.7% of the climate financing budget goes to agriculture. A sector playing a significant role in African GDP and a livelihood to vulnerable small-scale farmers and pastoralists.  We must integrate these elements into our work and ensure they are not only discussed but also implemented effectively.

Fulcrum Commentary by Elyssa Kaur Ludher and Paul Teng - Following the letdown of COP29, ASEAN needs to step up and lead the way in controlling emissions from Southeast Asia’s agri-food system. https://lnkd.in/g5g2eZtt #Climatechange #Agriculture #Southeastasia

At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29 Azerbaijan), the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), co-led by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Minister Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, announced groundbreaking progress in #climatesmart #agriculture and #foodsystems innovation. With $29.2 billion in investments, 129 Innovation Sprints, and partnerships expanding from 600 to over 800 organizations, AIM for Climate is turning ambition into action to tackle the climate crisis while enhancing global food security. Highlights include: ✅ $16.7 billion invested by 56 government partners. ✅ $12.5 billion from public-private partnerships driving transformative solutions. ✅ Focus areas: smallholder farmers, emerging #technologies, #agroecological research, and #methane reduction. The announcements culminated in a powerful panel discussion at the U.S. Center, moderated by Jaime Adams from USDA, featuring innovation leaders like: John Tauzel, Senior Director, Global Agriculture Methane, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR Petter Østbø, Founder/CEO, Atlas Agro Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dCnpMWQB

💰 It’s time for a climate finance reset at #COP29Azerbaijan! 🌍 Food systems are vital for a sustainable future but remain critically underfunded. While public climate finance has increased overall, the portion allocated to food systems has dropped to just 2.5%, and sustainable food systems receive just 1.5% of public climate finance❗ This new report, developed together with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, reveals the urgent need to scale up climate finance by 10x to $500B annually to transform food systems and build resilience for those on the frontlines of the crisis—smallholder farmers, fishers, and Indigenous Peoples. 🌱 Key actions for resilient food systems include: ✅ Phase out fossil-fuel-based agrochemicals ✅ Shift to renewable energy in food processing ✅ Redirect harmful subsidies toward sustainable practices like agroecology ✅ Support local and Indigenous food systems The New Collective Quantified Goal (#NCQG) is a pivotal opportunity to channel resources where they’re needed most—food systems adaptation and mitigation. 📖 Discover actionable strategies to drive impactful change: https://lnkd.in/dMnKcddZ #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction #FoodSystemsTransformation COP29 Azerbaijan haseeb bakhtary Sara Minoli Lauren Baker Matheus Alves Zanella

💰 Did you know only 4% of #ClimateFinance is going toward #AgriFood systems despite the fact that food and #agriculture companies have the potential to reduce global agri-food systems emissions by almost half by 2030? 🍏As business leaders, farmers, policymakers and civil society discuss solutions needed to transform our food systems, we call for an acknowledgement of the role of #regenerative and #equitable agri-food systems and of the private sector in delivering positive outcomes related to climate, nature and equity goals. 👇 Play our video to learn more about the systems transition we're driving We must urgently raise ambition amongst all stakeholder group and continue to work to transform into regenerative and equitable agri-food systems producing quality products and nutritious food for all.  High-Level Climate Champions, OP2B, Just Rural Transition, COP29 Azerbaijan

What did civil society and frontline leaders think of the progress made at the recent Bonn Climate Conference? 💭 For Fabrício Muriana, co-founder of Instituto Regenera, it was an important moment to see negotiations on agriculture picking up following the stalemate in discussions at COP28, and meet with Brazilian negotiators. 💭 “The Bonn Climate Conference is not just about technicalities but about geopolitics and power.” said Sena ALOUKA, food sovereignty activist from Togo and Chair of the Climate Change Working Group of AFSA, “For many developing countries and civil society leaders from the Global South this is an important fora to raise our concerns. Food systems need to be higher on the priorities for climate action.” 💭 Proscovier Nnanyonjo Vikman, Chairperson Climate Action Network Uganda, said her highlight was observing the negotiations between the G77 + China and the EU and USA, which sometimes grew heated while finding consensus on issues. 💭 Rosinah Mbenya, country coordinator for PELUM, Kenya, was keenly following discussions on gender and protein diversification. She said, “There is a need to support livestock transition in Africa as this is a major source of livelihood and we cannot just condemn livestock without proper alternatives of livelihoods.” Read more from the frontline leaders: https://bit.ly/3YlYmO4 #BonnClimateConference #COP28 #COP29 #foodsystems

At COP29, world leaders are focusing on climate finance. This is a crucial opportunity to ensure farmers get the right support to transition to climate-smart agriculture practices. Less than 5% of climate finance currently reaches food and agriculture, even though the sector contributes one-third of global emissions and is on the frontlines of climate impacts. We need better, more accessible and impactful financing to help farmers reduce emissions, boost resilience and keep us all fed on a changing planet. High-quality climate finance means: 💸Accessible funds for farmers when they need them. 🚜Targeted investments that drive real climate action. 📢Concessional terms to avoid putting farmers and countries into unsustainable debt. Let’s push for climate finance that supports farmers around the world and secures a sustainable food future. Read Jennifer Chow new Environmental Defense Fund blog here : https://www.edf.org/Z6Ea #COP29 #ClimateFinance #ActiononFood

🌍 In the face of climate change in South Africa, innovative climate-smart agricultural technologies are here to help farmers adapt and thrive! 🌱 By investing in these sustainable solutions, we're not only fighting climate change but also ensuring food security and economic stability 🌾 https://lnkd.in/dcGf57kD #SustainableFarming #ClimateChangeSolutions #SouthAfrica