The Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi has underscored a critical need: climate adaptation finance to Africa must increase up to tenfold by 2035 to counteract the growing effects of climate change. Despite being the most affected region, Africa currently receives only 3% of global climate finance, revealing a stark funding shortfall.
Kenyan farmer Phoebe Mwangangi shared her firsthand experiences at the summit, detailing how shifting rainfall patterns in Makueni have forced her to undertake long journeys daily to secure water for her livestock, significantly impacting her livelihood. “Farming and livestock is our livelihood, so we cannot do without it,” Mwangangi emphasized.
Research by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) suggests that without an annual investment of about £80 million until 2035, Africa could forfeit up to £4.8 trillion in economic benefits within the next decade. Former UN Secretary-General and GCA Chair Ban Ki-moon highlighted that current needs exceed earlier projections. “No country should be compelled to choose between tackling poverty, enhancing climate resilience, and repaying debt,” Ki-moon remarked, criticizing outdated climate impact estimates.
Africa is already grappling with severe climate impacts. Southern African countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe have experienced devastating cyclones, Western African nations such as Nigeria have faced destructive floods, and the Horn of Africa has been battling prolonged droughts, leading to widespread food insecurity. Experts assert that these extreme weather events are significantly worsened by climate change.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called for a shift away from historical debates over carbon emissions, which he believes have stalled progress. He pointed out the unfulfilled 2009 pledge by developed nations to provide $100 billion annually for climate finance. Ruto emphasised the need for innovative solutions, including alternative funding sources and debt relief.
Activists like Ugandan climate campaigner Vanessa Nakate caution that avoiding discussions about Western responsibility might be counterproductive. “It erases the experiences of those suffering right now,” Nakate argued, advocating for a balance between accountability and practical solutions.
African leaders are advocating for new financial strategies, including global carbon taxes and financial reforms, to unlock additional climate funding. They are also pushing for debt relief to support both development and climate initiatives.
In response to these challenges, agricultural organizations are promoting adaptive practices. The International Livestock Research Institute and AICCARA are training farmers like Mwangangi in techniques such as drought-resistant crops and water harvesting, which have shown promising improvements in agricultural productivity.
“This kind of information can change the lives of farmers,” Mwangangi said, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in mitigating climate change’s adverse effects.
