Farmers want a say on climate change

A farmer grows grafted tomatoes in Nakuru County/Xinhua/HAN XU

Farmers are calling for their voices to be heard in climate change policies that affect their livelihoods.

The East African Farmers Federation, which represents 24 farmer organizations from 10 countries and more than 25 million farmers, has called for more support to address the climate challenges facing agriculture in East Africa.

Elizabeth Nsimadala, president of the EAFF, said farmers’ voices needed to be strengthened in global climate policy discussions.

She called for clear rules in carbon markets to ensure transparency, prevent land grabs and protect efforts to reduce emissions.

Nsimadala noted the importance of increasing farmers’ knowledge of carbon markets to create fair opportunities for them.

She noted that while most funding goes to renewable energy, agriculture remains underfunded even though it is highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

“While the majority of tracked climate finance goes to climate change mitigation activities, especially renewable energy and low-carbon transport, adaptation funding remains significantly insufficient. Africa’s agricultural sector, despite its high vulnerability, receives a disproportionately low share of this funding,” Nsimadala said.

She called for a new climate finance target based on the real needs of farmers.

EAFF advocates for increased support for activities that help achieve climate change adaptation goals and contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund.

A recent global analysis of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, concluded at COP28 in 2023, found that countries are failing to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

In addition, the findings of the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change showed that Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, especially in the agricultural sector.

As COP29 approaches in Baku. In November, Nsimadala stressed the need for countries to commit to strengthening climate finance that specifically supports farmers’ adaptation efforts.

Stephen Muchiri, director-general of the Federation, said climate finance must be improved.

He called for more grants and low-interest loans instead of burdensome debt. Muchiri stressed the need for agricultural finance to be part of larger climate finance institutions.

“EAFF is committed to working with international partners to develop climate finance proposals. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of its members, EAFF strives to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to practice sustainably,” he said.

“This collaboration will help bridge the gap between global funding mechanisms and grassroots adaptation efforts.”