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ECDPMPress ReleasesMaking agriculture in Africa climate-smart

Making agriculture in Africa climate-smart

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Up to 9 out of 10 Africans work in agriculture, and Africa is the most vulnerable continent when it comes to climate change. Despite agriculture being entirely climate dependent, the two policies often work in silo from each other.There is no other option than to make agriculture “climate-smart”, says the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM).

Climate Smart Agriculture is being promoted by African policy makers, however there is a clear lack of institutional coordination, technical know-how and money which stops smooth mainstreaming.

Investing in climate-sensitive agriculture is an opportunity for the private sector to make sustainable profits including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs can better address opportunities in local markets and can better adapt climate smart technologies to local markets.

To get there Climate Smart Agriculture needs to involve everyone from farmers to governments and businesses. It also needs to become a top priority at the COP21 in Paris.

We need to bridge the gap between climate change and agriculture, before it’s too late. Africa will benefit from agriculture that is climate smart.

Quotes can be attributed to Hanne Knaepen, Policy Officer for ECDPM.

Attached is a copy of our infographic. You can find the report here: Making agriculture in Africa climate-smart – From continental policies to local practices

Contact: Emily Barker on eb@ecdpm.org or by telephone +32 (0)474 12 34 73 for media inquires.

Experts are available for interview.

Sustainable food systemsClimate changeAfrica