Forum seeks to address effects of climate change on agriculture

The effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions are increasingly threatening agriculture, the backbone of Kenya’s economy.

As a result, millions of Kenyans are grappling with food insecurity and malnutrition, deepening poverty, health complications and widening social inequality.

These challenges are driven by population growth, dwindling natural resources, socioeconomic pressure, overburdened health systems and lack of investment in agricultural research.

However, Kenya is keen to seek solutions at the inaugural Consortium of International Agriculture Research Centres (CGIAR) Science Week, beginning April 7-12, at the United Nations Office, Nairobi.

The event has attracted more than 10,000 delegates, including farmers, science experts, policymakers, partners and funders.

The week-long event will involve workshops, exhibitions and field trips as the participants explore ways to advance research and innovation, inspire action and establish critical partnerships to deliver resilient livelihoods and sustainable food systems in low-and middle-income countries.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, officially launched the CGIAR Science Week, co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro).

“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, providing over 60 per cent of employment in Kenya. Yet the sector faces a perfect storm of challenges in climate change, loss of biodiversity, and rapid population growth. The only way forward lies in science-driven solutions generated through robust partnerships among stakeholders,” Mudavadi said.

“Kenya is fully committed to supporting agricultural research and innovation. Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda prioritises the agri-food system as a key pillar of economic transformation. We believe that transforming this sector will drive poverty reduction and job creation, improved livelihoods and food security, gender equality and inclusion, and climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability,” he added.

Zainab Hawa, Director General of the UN Nairobi Office said: “It is an immense honour to host this event bringing together the brightest minds in agricultural science and development. Science Week will present unique opportunities to share knowledge to advance and develop the role that agriculture plays in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, lauded CGIAR as a longstanding and strategic partner in agricultural development and innovation.

“Kenya is honoured to co-host this important gathering. CGIAR has been a longstanding and strategic partner in agricultural development and innovation—not only here in Kenya but across the African continent,” Mueke said.

“The partnership between CGIAR and our national institutions, particularly Kalro, continues to bear fruit in research, capacity building, and the dissemination of innovations that uplift our farmers and communities,” he added.

CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi said that Science Week highlights CGIAR and its partners’ steadfast commitment to international agricultural research and the critical need for sustained global investment in innovation, technology and science.

“This week marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards transforming global agriculture and food systems. CGIAR is unwavering in our commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that research, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to overcoming the complex challenges facing agri-food systems today,” Elouafi says.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former Prime Minister of Mauritius emphasized the critical role women play in agriculture.

“Women feed Africa as they make up a high proportion of smallholder farmers. Yet where are the technology and tools that empower women and girls? When looking at the science to address challenges facing Africa, it is essential to do this through the gender lens to ensure innovations are equitable and inclusive,” Ameenah explains.

At a special panel titled “Council of the Wise, the Opening Ceremony” proved a unique opportunity for global leaders and science experts to share knowledge and insights, alongside farmer community members who offered inside knowledge from the frontline of agricultural challenges.

Delegates joined Science Week from all over the world, with a special focus this year on Africa as a living lab whose diverse ecosystems, mounting agricultural pressures, diminishing natural resources, and fast-expanding populations highlight its relevance to the advancement of global science.

“Science Week is about drawing on deep wells of experience. Delegates have led science institutions and navigated farming through complex and changing challenges. Their insights are invaluable as we work to transform agri-food systems towards resilience,” said Lindiwe Sibanda, Chair of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership Board and moderator for the Council of the Wise panel.

A key topic will be the impact of climate change on global agriculture and how mission-driven collaborations, particularly through South-South cooperation, can ensure that agricultural advancements reach marginalised and underserved farming communities.

“We have made considerable progress over the last decades in science and productivity, but demographic pressures have eroded the gains. We need to do more with less, combining political solutions with scientific solutions,” explained Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and Former Prime Minister of Niger.