TheCable

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) in collaboration with the federal government, has organised a conference to explore accelerated agricultural adaptation in Africa.

The four-day event which started in Abuja on Monday, seeks to stimulate smallholder farmers’ proactive engagement in international climate dialogue and intervention processes.

Salisu Dahiru, director-general of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said the conference would be an opportunity to discuss climate change solutions and strategies for sustainable agricultural practices.

Dahiru said that ensuring food security is a matter of survival and should be addressed with urgency.

“This conference stands as a crucial platform where we can unite, share knowledge, and engage in fruitful discussions on strategies and solutions that will pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, even in the face of climate adversities,” he said.

“We hope to embark on a journey towards securing the future of food production and ensuring the wellbeing of our communities.

“Adaptation in the agriculture sector is an urgent priority for our region.

“It is a matter of survival, protecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, ensuring food security for our growing population, and preserving our rich natural resources for generations to come.

“We must act with a sense of urgency, with a recognition that the time for action is now.”

Anthony Nyong, director of climate change and green growth at the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), said the bank has several initiatives to address the continent’s social, economic and sustainable agenda in agriculture.

He said they include climate smart digital technologies for agriculture and food security, Africa infrastructure resilience accelerator, empowering youth for entrepreneurship and job creation in climate adaptation and resilience, and innovative finance initiatives.

“The African Development Bank recognises that achieving sustainability in our countries hinges upon the development of crucial sectors, with agriculture emerging as one of the most significant avenues for success,” he added.