The Global Center on Adaptation formalized its partnership with the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The signing, that took place on 16 March, supports the African initiative to enhance food security and increase the incomes of smallholder farmers in Africa. 

Image
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon during his key note at the Climate Adptation Summit in January 2021
In his keynote at the Climate Adaptation Summit, president Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon explained the role of the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative and the need to increase food resiliency in Africa (Photo: GCA)
Image
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon during his key note at the Climate Adptation Summit in January 2021
In his keynote at the Climate Adaptation Summit, president Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon explained the role of the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative and the need to increase food resiliency in Africa (Photo: GCA)

Acceleration of climate adaptation

Specific attention will be given to project identification and implementation, experience sharing, and capacity development in accessing technology, knowledge and climate finance. Both organisations will also work together to mobilise support for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) and promote the voice of African organisations in resilience and adaptation discourse.

The African continent suffers heavily from climate change with more extreme flooding and periods of droughts. The natural disasters compromise Africa’s economic growth and fuel societal tensions.

The support by Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA) follows the Climate Adaptation Summit in January that called for an acceleration of climate adaptation in Africa by scaling up implementation programmes and more collaboration.

Image
 President Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021
President Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank announced the increase of climate adaptation funds at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021. (photo: GCA)
Image
 President Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021
President Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank announced the increase of climate adaptation funds at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021. (photo: GCA)

More climate financing

At the summit, the African Development Bank (AfdB) announced the mobilisation of 25 billion US dollar as climate finance between 2020 and 2025, of which at least 50 percent will support climate adaptation and resilience building. AfdB and GCA committed to leverage an additional 12.5 billion US dollar through other key partners. 

Two large scale programmes highlighted at the conference were the construction of large solar parks and the development of a green corridor through 11 African countries across the entire width of Africa.

Image
Second annual meeting of the African Agriculture Initiative
Second annual ministerial conference of the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA) in 2019 in Morocco. (photo: AAA)
Image
Second annual meeting of the African Agriculture Initiative
Second annual ministerial conference of the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA) in 2019 in Morocco. (photo: AAA)

No choice but to adapt

Commenting on the signing His Excellency President Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic and African Union nominated champion of the African Adaptation Initiative said: 'The devastating effects of climate change are on the rise, especially on the African continent. Africa has no choice but to adapt and chart a climate resilient future. I’m extremely pleased to see the strong collaboration emerging between the African Adaptation Initiative and GCA'.

Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation said: 'Africa is on the frontline of our climate emergency. It needs to adapt now and adapt fast but that adaptation also needs to be sensitive to local context and needs. That’s why the singing of today’s Memorandum of Understanding is so important – to put African leadership at the forefront of the continent’s efforts to adapt, facilitated by international support from GCA’s role as a solution broker.'

About AAA

The African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA) was launched during the COP22 held in Marrakesh in November 2016 with the support of 38 African countries.

The main objectives of the AAA are to contribute to food security in Africa, to improve the living conditions of vulnerable farmers and to foster employment in rural areas by promoting adaptation practices to climate change, building the capacity of actors and channeling financial flows to the most vulnerable farmers.

About GCA

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organisation hosted by the Netherlands that works as a solutions broker for climate change adaptation solutions.

The center has several regional offices, of which one is based in Ivory Coast, Africa. The regional center is hosted by the African Development Bank and professor Anthony Nyong at the Nigerian university of Jos, has recently been appointed as regional director.

In his opening statement at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021, H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, president of Gabon, said that Africa has no choice but to adapt. The continent is at the frontline of climate change.
This news item was originally published on the website of Global Center on Adaptation