Nairobi, Kenya, 14th November 2024… AGRA is proud to announce its participation in the UN Climate Change Conference – COP29, which is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting this week. Discussions around climate finance, resilience and adaptation are incomplete without the perspective and leadership of Africa’s youth, thus AGRA will bring forward the voices of seven African youth delegates, who will play a central role in advocating for the transformation of food systems across the continent and drawing on country and regional consultation processes over the past several months. These youth advocates, who represent a diverse range of sectors including agriculture, environmental activism, innovation, and policy, will present solutions-driven proposals and highlight the urgent need for an inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient food system in Africa.
AGRA’s delegation will bring Africa’s unique climate challenges to global attention, highlighting the urgent need to fortify food systems across the continent. The young advocates part of the delegation will bring to the discussions how targeted adaptation financing can protect smallholder farmers who stand at the frontline of climate shocks. With Africa’s food systems facing extreme vulnerabilities, the importance of robust financial support to drive resilience is a key message that AGRA will champion in Baku.
Empowering Youth and Women Leadership for Climate and Food Security
In line with its commitment to an inclusive transformation, AGRA will highlight the powerful role of youth and women in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. These groups are essential in driving the innovation and solutions needed to meet Africa’s food security and climate goals. At COP29, AGRA will showcase youth and women led initiatives that are driving innovation in climate-smart agriculture, food security, and sustainable food production practices. These young leaders are working tirelessly to combat the effects of climate change, which has exacerbated food insecurity, land degradation, and water scarcity across the continent.
“We are excited to elevate the voices of African youth leaders and agriprenuers at COP29. Young people are already pioneering innovative solutions to transform Africa’s food systems and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA.
“This is not just about their future; it is about their leadership today and the ideas, innovations, and energy they bring to shape priority decisions. Their inclusion in climate discussions is vital for creating a more equitable and sustainable food future for Africa.”
Youth-Led Solutions to Transform African Food Systems
At COP29, AGRA will also present the Kigali Youth Declaration on Food Systems, Policy and Climate Action 2024. This initiative emphasizes the vital role that African youth can play in revolutionizing the continent’s food systems through innovative practices and vibrant labor.
“The 2024 Youth Common Position paper highlights the current challenges and opportunities faced by youth in agriculture across various African countries. It also provides strategic recommendations to support their engagement and development,” said Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, Specialist in Food Systems and Land Use at AGRA.
The report draws on a comprehensive survey and a series of country and regional convenings conducted across 15 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Zambia. These engagements focused on understanding the dynamics of youth entrepreneurship ecosystems within the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of climate change.
“The 29th Conference of Parties to UNFCCC presents an opportunity for the international community and particularly Africa to design a climate finance mechanism that speaks to the very core of human existence which is food security. COP 29 must deliver a robust grant based climate finance goal that support sustainable food systems through programmes such as Climate Friendly School Feeding Programme,” Dolphine Magero, founder, the Green Youth Climate Fund Initiative explained.
Building on the Commitments of COP28
AGRA will further push for tangible action on the commitments outlined in the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action which was endorsed by 160 countries, focusing on the urgency required by all stakeholders to secure sustainable food supplies, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience against climate impacts. At COP29, AGRA will urge governments, the private sector, and civil society to accelerate progress on these fronts, emphasizing the need for a united effort to achieve meaningful change for Africa’s agriculture sector.
