Category: Agriculture

Agriculture

School farms boost food security in Kenya’s drylands

School farms are improving food security, nutrition and education in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands by combining climate-smart agriculture with school feeding programmes. A pilot initiative led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and partners is increasing school enrolment, diversifying children’s diets and creating new income opportunities for women farmers. The project demonstrates how regenerative agriculture and community partnerships can strengthen resilience to climate change while supporting sustainable food systems across Kenya’s drylands.

AI and the Reinvention of African Agriculture: A New Growth Frontier for Emerging Economies

As climate risk, food insecurity, and supply-chain disruptions reshape global investment priorities, artificial intelligence is emerging as a catalyst for the reinvention of African agriculture. This article explores how AI-driven precision farming, climate forecasting, supply-chain optimisation, and alternative data models are transforming Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector into a more predictable, investable growth industry. By reducing volatility, improving productivity, and unlocking access to finance, AI is repositioning agriculture as a strategic pillar for food security, rural income growth, and long-term economic development across emerging African economies.

First-Ever Large-Scale Climate Funding Targets Low-Emission, Climate-Resilient Dairy Systems in East Africa

A groundbreaking US$358 million Dairy Interventions for Mitigation and Adaptation (DaIMA) programme, led by IFAD and co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is transforming East Africa’s dairy sector into a low-emission, climate-resilient system. Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, DaIMA will directly benefit 2.5 million farmers, boost milk production by 34%, and cut emissions by 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Through innovation, policy reform, and climate finance, the programme strengthens food security, supports smallholders, and advances the region’s sustainable agricultural transformation.

Global Climate-Livestock Conference Comes to Africa for the First Time

For the first time, the International Greenhouse Gas & Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA) is being hosted in Africa, spotlighting the continent’s vital role in global efforts to reduce livestock-related emissions. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, GGAA2025 brings together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore climate-smart, locally tailored solutions that support both emissions reduction and food security. The conference highlights actionable innovations and champions the inclusion of the Global South in climate-livestock policy and research.

Opportunity International Agriculture Finance Programming Celebrates $500 Million Invested in Smallholder Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa

Opportunity International has reached a major milestone with $500 million invested in smallholder agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through partnerships with 26 financial service providers in 12 countries, the Agriculture Finance program has empowered over one million smallholder farming households with access to affordable finance, digital tools, regenerative agriculture practices, and localized support networks. These efforts are transforming rural communities, increasing food security, and reducing poverty through sustainable farming and inclusive economic growth.

How Fintech is Bridging the Financial Inclusion Gap for Africa’s Smallholder Farmers

Smallholder farmers in Africa face growing climate threats yet remain largely excluded from traditional financial systems due to lack of credit histories, collateral, and infrastructure. This article explores how fintech innovations — from mobile lending and digital wallets to AI-powered credit scoring and blockchain — are transforming financial access for rural farmers. By leveraging alternative data and user-friendly platforms, fintech is helping build climate resilience, boost agricultural productivity, and close a $117 billion financing gap. The piece also emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration to drive scalable, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions.