Nakuru: Scholars are calling for increased global collaboration to combat hunger and land degradation caused by climate change, emphasizing the need for partnerships between African governments, the private sector, and international communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the scholars have highlighted the urgency of unified climate-responsive solutions by African governments in transforming food systems, safeguarding the environment, and building resilience to climate shocks, recognizing that no single country on the continent could address the challenges alone.
Chairperson of Egerton University's Department of Geography, Dr. Humphrey Were Obulinji, emphasized the need for environmental, energy, and food systems experts from the continent to come together to combat these challenges for economic prosperity. While officially inaugurating the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) partner's engagement forum, Dr. Obulinji indicated that climate change is the greatest threat to the future of humankind and presents significant environmental, ecological, and social challenges in the 21st century.
He noted that collaborative efforts would enable countries to pool resources, exchange best practices, scientific research, and adaptation strategies, share knowledge, and implement joint initiatives to tackle challenges like extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. The event at Egerton University's Njoro Main Campus, attended by experts from various African and international institutions, called for the creation of uniform standards for climate action in Africa.
Dr. Obulinji, representing Egerton University's Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resources Development, Professor Wilkister Moturi, stressed that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a human, economic, and social issue. He underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the continent's environmental and policy challenges, emphasizing that cross-border collaboration is essential.
Experts at the forum unanimously agreed that extreme weather, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged drought, and severe flooding are realities affecting livelihoods. They pointed out that the continent's agricultural sector, a crucial component of Africa's economies, is increasingly unpredictable due to shifting weather patterns, undermining food and nutrition security and resulting in economic instability, loss of income, and rising poverty rates.
Dr. Obulinji highlighted the opportunity to mitigate the effects of climate change through robust climate policies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more resilient and sustainable future. He emphasized the need for existing climate policies and actions to align with development priorities and aspirations, as articulated in Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The forum also discussed the role of research in shaping policy. Dr. Obulinji stressed that research on the impact of climate change on food security could help policymakers develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. He lamented the gaps between research, policy, and action and called for a commitment from government officials, researchers, and educators to build effective forums for exchanging ideas.
Professor Serge Zebaze from the University of Yaound©, Cameroon, discussed the significant role of wastewater in exacerbating climate change. He highlighted the need for innovative wastewater treatment solutions and policies prioritizing sustainability, noting that wastewater management could be part of the solution to climate change.
Dr. Dowtin Asia from Michigan State University emphasized the importance of evidence-based research in securing funding for environmental justice, climate change adaptation, and health sectors. He argued that strong business cases are needed to stimulate investments in climate adaptation projects, highlighting the role of research in developing these proposals.