Building resilient food systems for Africa

As the COP27 conference drew to a close, there was a significant focus on building resilient food systems, particularly in Africa, a continent that has been severely impacted by the effects of climate change. Players from non-governmental organizations are optimistic about the agreement reached to establish a loss and damage fund to address the challenges faced by the continent. CNBC Africa's Abiyagina spoke with Judy Wangari, an environmental and social justice attorney, to discuss the implications of this agreement for regenerative agriculture. Wangari emphasized the critical role that agriculture plays in mitigating the impacts of climate change and highlighted the importance of sustainable practices. She pointed out the contrasting approaches of traditional, integrated farming methods that have been practiced for generations, versus intensive factory farming that contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The interview shed light on the interconnectedness between animal welfare, agricultural practices, and environmental sustainability. Wangari also shared her experiences representing African countries at the COP, emphasizing the need to focus on food systems transformation and biodiversity conservation. While progress has been made in recognizing the importance of food systems in addressing climate change, there remains a lack of emphasis on biodiversity laws and the protection of species in agriculture. Wangari called for greater attention to these issues to ensure a holistic approach to environmental conservation. As a young advocate for a better environment, Wangari highlighted the importance of promoting alternative proteins and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of food production. She stressed the need for awareness and education on the interconnectedness of the environment, animals, and sustainability to effectively address the challenges of climate change, particularly in Africa, where the effects are most acutely felt.