Gates Foundation: Africa needs to intensify climate response, adaptation

The Director of agricultural delivery systems at the Gates Foundation, Enock Chikava, highlighted the growing disproportionate impact of climate extremes on women and rural communities during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Chikava emphasized the urgent need for intensified responses and a focus on adaptation to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The Gates Foundation has been actively supporting innovations and technologies to help farmers adapt to climate impacts, particularly through weather forecasting and improved crop breeding. Chikava pointed out that investment in smallholder agriculture is crucial for poverty reduction in these regions, as agriculture contributes significantly to the GDP and employs a large portion of the population. Despite the positive impact of smallholder agriculture, climate change poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of farmers, with Africa being disproportionately affected despite contributing the least to global emissions. Chikava highlighted the extreme weather conditions in West Africa, where high temperatures and humidity are detrimental to crops and livestock, posing a significant challenge to food security in the region. The Gates Foundation's investment focuses on bolstering innovations in crops and livestock that are essential for the African population, such as cassava, millet, and cowpea. Collaborating with global research organizations like CGIAR, the foundation works on improving crop yields and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region. Chikava emphasized the importance of providing evidence-based insights to governments to inform policy decisions related to agriculture and climate adaptation. The foundation's efforts are also concentrated on addressing soil health issues in Africa, with a focus on enhancing soil fertility and nutrient levels through innovative tools and practices. The upcoming African Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the soil health situation on the continent and explore strategies to support smallholder farmers in the face of rising fertilizer prices and climate challenges.