Brief Background

African member states have long recognized the substantial risk of climate change impacting on regional integration, economic development, sustainable livelihoods and security. In addition, the agriculture sector in the region is already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change. Strengthening regional resilience will require transformation of food systems. Mobilizing investment for scaling Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is central to supporting the necessary transformation. Investment decisions require evidence of successful scaling approaches. Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East Africa Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) play a key role in mobilizing climate finance. The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the SADC Programme on Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural Areas in Southern Africa (ACCRA), the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and CARE International are implementing initiatives aimed at providing regional evidence of successful scaling approaches for CSA and have embarked on the process of presenting a case for financing the upscaling of CSA approaches. To successfully do this, there is a need to develop innovative approaches to preparing and communicating an investment pitch for global climate financiers – while bringing local voices to this global audience.

Session Objectives

The side event will showcase how innovative approaches such as multi-stakeholder policy dialogues driven by community level Theatre for Policy Advocacy (TPA) engagements can be used to develop and communicate a climate smart agriculture investment pitch to attract climate financiers. The session will demonstrate how TPA can be used to amplify local voices to drive investment in climate smart agriculture and will draw in voices from the RECs.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Key opportunities and innovations to help leverage the finance needed to scale up CSA identified.
  • Collaboration among key actors who can create a multiplier effect furthered.
  • This event will act as a platform itself and the key discussion points and recommendations will feed into the development of the theatre script and key discussions that are planned as side-event at UNFCCC COP25.

Chairperson/Moderator

Sithembile Mwamakamba, FANRPAN

Rapporteur

Francis Hale, FANRPAN