Kenya has renewed calls for increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, warning that worsening climate shocks are placing growing pressure on food production systems across Africa and threatening long-term food security.

Speaking at the 3rd Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe urged investors, development finance institutions and international partners to accelerate funding for agricultural transformation initiatives across the continent.

Kagwe said Africa possesses the resources, agricultural potential and human capital needed to become a major contributor to global food security, but achieving that goal will require significant investment in climate resilience and sustainable farming systems.

The call comes as African countries face increasingly severe climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, floods and rising temperatures. These disruptions are affecting agricultural productivity, reducing crop yields and placing additional strain on rural communities that depend heavily on farming for their livelihoods.

“Climate shocks are no longer future risks; they are present disruptions. If agriculture in Africa fails, global food systems will feel the shock,” Kagwe said.

Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food production and export earnings. However, much of the country’s farming activity remains dependent on rainfall, leaving producers vulnerable to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

The challenges facing Kenya reflect broader trends across Africa, where climate change is becoming a major threat to food production, water resources and economic stability. Experts warn that without stronger adaptation measures, climate-related disruptions could undermine efforts to improve food security and reduce poverty.

Kagwe emphasised that climate adaptation financing should receive greater attention within global climate discussions. While efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remain important, he argued that vulnerable countries also need practical support to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.

He called for locally driven solutions that recognise the realities faced by farming communities and stressed the importance of involving African countries in the design and implementation of climate resilience strategies.

According to Kagwe, Africa should be viewed as a partner in developing climate solutions rather than simply a recipient of international assistance. He noted that local knowledge, indigenous farming practices and region-specific approaches are essential for building effective adaptation programmes.

The Cabinet Secretary also urged developed nations to honour climate finance commitments and increase support for adaptation initiatives in vulnerable regions. He reiterated calls for stronger implementation of the “polluter pays” principle, under which countries and industries responsible for the majority of historical emissions contribute more substantially to climate resilience efforts.

Kenya has already secured approximately $250 million in climate-related financing to support programmes focused on irrigation development, climate-smart technologies, improved seed systems and sustainable agricultural practices. These investments are aimed at helping farmers increase productivity while improving resilience to climate-related risks.

Despite recent progress, officials acknowledge that significantly more funding will be needed to transform agricultural systems and meet future food demand. Climate-smart agriculture has emerged as a key strategy for achieving this goal by combining productivity improvements with environmental sustainability and climate adaptation measures.

The approach seeks to help farmers increase yields, conserve natural resources and manage risks associated with changing weather conditions. Experts believe widespread adoption of climate-smart practices will be essential as Africa’s population continues to grow and demand for food rises.

Kagwe said Africa’s vast agricultural resources, expanding markets and youthful population position the continent to become a global leader in sustainable food production if adequate investment is mobilised.

The push for increased climate-smart agriculture financing aligns with broader continental development goals, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework, which prioritises food security, climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.

As governments, investors and development institutions search for solutions to growing climate and food security challenges, Kenya’s appeal highlights the urgent need for greater investment in agricultural adaptation. Policymakers increasingly view climate-smart agriculture as a critical tool for protecting food systems while unlocking Africa’s long-term agricultural potential.