Africa has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at strengthening the resilience of its agricultural sector as climate change increasingly affects food production, water availability, soil health and rural livelihoods.

The roadmap, titled The State of African Agricultural Adaptation, 2016–2026: Assessment and Roadmap to 2036, was presented at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome during an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Initiative for the Adaptation of African Agriculture (AAA Initiative).

The assessment was prepared by the AAA Initiative Foundation in partnership with FAO and provides a continent-wide review of agricultural adaptation efforts over the past decade.

It found that 46 of the 53 African countries covered have estimated their climate adaptation requirements at a combined $566 billion over the periods included in their national plans. This represents an average of about $56 billion a year.

At least $80 billion of the estimated requirement is linked specifically to agriculture, although the report says this figure represents a minimum because 22 countries include agricultural adaptation costs within broader national estimates.

The findings highlight the scale of investment required as African agricultural systems face increasingly unpredictable weather, changing rainfall patterns and other climate-related pressures.

FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi, speaking on behalf of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, said the next decade must focus on turning adaptation plans into practical action.

He called for stronger coordination between climate, agriculture, water and development policies, supported by science, innovation and solutions adapted to local conditions.

The report also stresses the importance of making climate finance more accessible, predictable and responsive to the needs of African countries.

Moving from national plans to implementation will require countries to develop investment-ready projects and strengthen their capacity to access available financing. The assessment proposes that continental support should be delivered through existing institutions rather than creating a new institution or fund.

The AAA Initiative, launched at the 2016 UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, has increasingly focused on connecting agricultural adaptation with climate finance and investment.

FAO is supporting countries in integrating agrifood systems into adaptation planning while linking climate action with financing and investment. The Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership is also helping countries strengthen capacity, identify financial solutions and improve access to finance for resilient agrifood systems.

Ghita El Ghorfi, Director General of the AAA Initiative Foundation, said the organisation’s priorities have evolved from raising awareness of African agricultural adaptation to providing measurable evidence and a roadmap for implementation.

The initiative’s 10th anniversary also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum through future UN climate conferences. Morocco launched the initiative during its COP22 presidency, while Türkiye is preparing to host COP31 and promote the Turquoise Nexus Initiative. Ethiopia has been designated to host COP32.

For African agriculture, the roadmap places greater emphasis on converting climate adaptation commitments into bankable projects, stronger policies and practical support for farmers and food systems.

The next decade will therefore be critical for mobilising investment and ensuring that Africa’s agricultural sector can continue producing food, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to economic development despite growing climate pressures.