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African experts renew call for investment in climate smart agriculture

Xinhua, October 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

There is need for African governments to enact robust policies that would stimulate investments in ecologically friendly farming practices, experts said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the second edition of Africa climate smart agriculture summit in Nairobi, the experts stated that a shift to farming systems that are resilient to weather shocks is an imperative to achieve food security and boost rural incomes in the continent.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Willy Bett in his opening remarks underscored the potential of climate resilient agriculture to catalyze sustainable development in Africa.

"This continent must find innovative ways to feed the ever-growing population against a backdrop of climate induced stresses like droughts and floods. Investment in climate smart agriculture is an option we cannot downplay," Bett said.

Senior policymakers, researchers and campaigners drawn from Sub-Saharan African countries attended the Nairobi forum to reactivate dialogue on climate smart agriculture.

Bett noted that adoption of climate resilient farming practices has gained traction in Africa thanks to renewed push by political and corporate leaders, researchers and grassroots campaigners.

"This continent has articulated clearly the critical role of climate smart agriculture to improve rural livelihoods. It guarantees communities food and nutrition security alongside jobs for youth and women," said Bett.

Kenya is signatory to Malabo Declaration adopted by African Heads of State in 2014 to catalyze agricultural revolution in the continent without compromising the integrity of vital ecosystems.

Bett said Kenya has already domesticated global and continental instruments to facilitate adoption of eco-friendly farming practices.

"The Kenyan government is fully behind a continental pact that calls for adoption of climate smart agriculture by 25 million households before 2025," Bett said.

The adoption of climate resilient farming systems in Africa has accelerated against a backdrop of political goodwill, enactment of vibrant policies and private sector investments.

Director of programs at NEPAD Agency, Estherine Fotabong said that establishment of strong institutions, technology adoption and quality research is key to boosting uptake of green farming in Africa.

"It is possible to scale up climate smart agriculture in Africa if governments invest in appropriate technologies, skills for smallholders, drought tolerant varieties and irrigation projects," Fotabong said. Endit