AGRA’s Kalibata speaks on the reality of climate change, securing African food systems

The latest climate data for Africa's agricultural sector paints a grim picture, highlighting the urgent need for a change in the approach to food systems transformation. Agnes Kalibata, the President of AGRA, emphasized the challenges faced in meeting the 1.5-degree target set in the Paris Agreement due to escalating coal consumption and other detrimental practices. The rapid pace of climate change has far exceeded previous projections, leading to devastating impacts on food production systems in Africa. In the last 30 to 50 years, the continent has witnessed a 34% decline in agricultural output, pushing millions of people into hunger and food insecurity. The failure to achieve set goals and targets, including the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, has left Africa in a vulnerable position, with limited resources for adaptation and mitigation. As global temperatures continue to rise, the agricultural sector becomes increasingly risky for investments, prompting a shift towards policy-driven solutions rather than relying solely on commercial lending. Agnes Kalibata emphasizes the need for bold actions and innovative approaches from both governments and the private sector to address the escalating challenges faced by African farmers and communities. Despite the historical underinvestment in agriculture by governments, the current crises present an opportunity for Africa to harness the potential of its agricultural sector and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.