As climate change tightens its grip on Africa farmlands bringing heatwaves, erratic rain, and degraded soils millions of smallholder farmers are battling not just environmental shocks, but deepening poverty. Yet, in the face of crisis, farmers are turning to innovative, low-cost, and eco-friendly solutions rooted in local knowledge to boost yields and restore land.
From agroforestry in Ethiopia that has improved crop production by 30%, to zaï pits in Burkina Faso that reverse soil erosion, African farmers are quietly leading a grassroots climate revolution. But these efforts remain largely underfunded, under-recognized, and unsupported by global climate finance, especially from G20 nations.
A new review of over 120 studies across 10 African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, and South Africa reveals that sustainable practices such as conservation agriculture, rainwater harvesting, intercropping, and crop-livestock integration are already delivering results. These methods increase food security, improve soil health, and strengthen resilience against droughts and floods.
However, adoption is stalling. The barriers? Lack of funding, insecure land rights, and limited access for women and youth. Despite their success, many climate-resilient projects are slowed by policies that ignore local realities, and by international schemes that push costly, labour-intensive technologies ill-suited to smallholder needs.
A Missed Opportunity for the G20
With South Africa holding the G20 presidency, 2025 offers a rare chance to push African agricultural priorities onto the global climate agenda. The G20 has pledged to promote climate-smart agriculture but past promises have often lacked action.
Experts argue the G20 must go beyond statements and mobilize climate finance for African farmers, support inclusive agricultural policies, and forge partnerships with governments, development banks, and civil society.
Key recommendations include:
•Investing in public agricultural extension services that combine digital tools with local knowledge networks.
•Ensuring land, water, and credit access for women, youth, and marginalised groups.
•Channeling funds to proven, low-tech solutions, such as agroforestry, millet and sorghum farming, and integrated crop systems.
•Backing research tailored to Africa’s diverse agroecological zones instead of imposing one-size-fits-all approaches.
Farming Is Not Just a Victim It’s a Climate Solution
Agriculture, often seen as a casualty of climate change, must now be seen as a central pillar of climate resilience. Transforming food systems isn’t just about new technology it’s about equity, access, and restoring ecosystems.
As one of the world’s most vulnerable regions, sub-Saharan Africa can no longer afford to be sidelined in global climate finance discussions. Farmers are doing their part but for a just, climate-resilient transition, they need the world’s support.
If the G20 is serious about climate justice, it must act now to empower Africa farmers not with top-down aid, but with funding, fairness, and faith in homegrown solutions.