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A woman feeds sheep in a rustic pen while a man observes during an agricultural event. | © Apollo Habtamu ILRI

Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the African livestock sector

A Contribution by ILRI and GIZ

The production of animal-source foods is becoming increasingly difficult due to the impact of climate change on the livestock sector in Africa. Though, Livestock make a crucial contribution to food security in Africa. Three papers by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, ILRI and World Bank analyze, how Africas future livestock sector can look like.

Lush green terraced fields curve around a winding river, showcasing nature's intricate patterns in action.

CompensACTION aims to reward farmers for climate performance

A Contribution of the Initiative

The CompensACTION Initiative for food security and a healthy planet, launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 2022, is gaining momentum. It aims to financially compensate smallholder farmers for their contribution to preserving ecosystems. Initial successes have been achieved in Ethiopia, Lesotho and Brazil.

A herd of cattle walks on a rural path, symbolizing efforts towards zero hunger and no poverty.

How food and agriculture can help reach climate and sustainability goals

Agriculture and food systems can make an important contribution towards European and global climate and sustainability goals. The necessary measures will need to be designed carefully to maximise synergies between emissions reductions, biodiversity protection and food security. These involve substantial changes for agriculture and food production in the EU, which – depending on how they are designed – could bring about synergies but also conflicts with the goal of global food security.

Icon depicting gender equality with a combined symbol and equal sign on a red background, labeled "Goal 5".

SDG 5 – Leave no women behind

By 2030, all forms of discrimination against women and girls worldwide should be ended, according to SDG 5. However, the involvement of women* is crucial to achieve the goals against poverty and hunger: SDG 1 and SDG 2. Therefore, policies must be designed with women's* empowerment in mind, says Sara Worku, coordinator of the Alliance 2015 in Ethiopia. In an interview with journalist Jan Rübel, she talks about the importance of access and why SDG 5 offers an important space for gender equality.

Read more SDG 5 – Leave no women behind

The image shows a symbol for clean water and sanitation with a water drop inside a glass on a blue background.

SDG 6 – Water scarcity in agriculture, an accessibility issue?

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) concerns availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. Water and sanitation are essential for sustainable development, providing a range of services which underpin poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Sten Schurer, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) on the problem of water scarcity and possible solutions for improved access to water.

Yellow graphic illustrating Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy with a sun and power button symbol.

SDG 7 – How to achieve a succesful energy transition in East Africa?

Everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and modern energy - these are the objectives of SDG7 on energy. But how can an energy transition be achieved that also promotes sustainable agricultural and food systems? An example from East Africa by Kilian Blumenthal, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Kenya.

Infographic of Sustainable Development Goal 12, highlighting responsible consumption and production on a brown background.

Ms von Reden, does SDG12 mean renouncing consumption?

Sustainable Development Goal 12 calls for sustainable production and consumption by 2030, which is what the certification organization Fairtrade Germany is dedicated to. But how far are we from reaching this goal, and what has already been achieved? Bettina von Reden talks about diversity, renunciation and more awareness.

Green graphic of Goal 13, Climate Action, featuring a globe within an eye symbol on a green background.

SDG 13 – The world doesn’t end in 2030

What about the Sustainable Development Goals on climate set out in SDG 13? An interview with climate and land use expert Dr Alisher Mirzabaev, Centre for Develpoment Research (ZEF), on COP28 and whether the 2030 Agenda will be achieved.

The image highlights Goal 14, "Life Below Water," with a fish and waves on a blue background.

SDG 14 – Living aquatic resources as part of the food system

Life below water – that’s the title of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14. The aim is to protect this life and its unique ecosystems through the sustainable use of the oceans and their resources. Having healthy oceans, as well as seas and rivers, is fundamental to the livelihoods and balanced diets of millions of people who rely on fish and other aquatic foodstuffs. A stocktacking by Julian Münster, GIZ.

Green background with "15 Life on Land" text, featuring a tree and birds symbolizing environmental sustainability.

SDG 15 – Eating up life on land

Often people and policy makers look at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) one at a time, but they can’t be addressed individually because they are intimately connected to one another. This means that we need systemic solutions that address several SDGs at the same time. Nowhere is this more evident than in consideration of SDG15 – life on land, in relation to SDG2 - zero hunger. Dr. Fergus Sinclair, Chief Scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF (Center for International Forest Research – World Agroforestry), gives a review.

Four individuals stand together, holding and presenting a large policy document at a "Partners for Change" event.

Partners for change - Network meeting on transforming agricultural and food systems

A Contribution by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

At the network meeting "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future", almost 250 participants from over 20 countries came together to exchange experiences and ideas on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. The final product, joint recommendations to transform agricultural and food systems, can now be read online.

A large audience attentively listens to a panel discussion on "Partnering for Change" in an elegant, arched venue.

Just change starts with listening

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

Halfway through the 2030 Agenda, the BMZ invited participants to a network meeting entitled "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future". Experts from around the world developed recommendations in a consultation process and then consolidated them in Berlin. A site visit.

Aerial view of a lush agricultural landscape in Ethiopia, showcasing neatly arranged crops and a small building. | © GIZ

The Key to Transforming Food Systems Lies in Inclusive Governance

A Contribution by Daniel Montas

Experts from Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Malawi came together to discuss inclusive governance in a workshop entitled "Inclusive Governance of Food Systems Transformation". Daniel Montas, TMG Research, on the findings.

Lush green hills stretch across the Chunati Wildlife Reserve in Bangladesh, showcasing vibrant natural beauty. | © GIZ

Working with nature for diversity in farming, climate protection and empowerment

Ein Beitrag von Friederike Bauer

Germany joins the international Agroecology Coalition, reinforcing its commitment to fair, sustainable agriculture and ensuring the future viability of rural areas. By adopting a holistic approach, agroecology is helping to address the greatest challenges of our time: protecting the climate, combating hunger and preserving biodiversity.

Solar panels are installed in a rural area, harnessing renewable energy under a clear blue sky.

Unlocking the potential of agrivoltaics

A contribution by Fraunhofer Institute

Agrivoltaics is a concept that combines photovoltaic electricity generation and agricultural production, providing the opportunity for a more efficient land use and contributing overall to the integration of food, energy and water systems. This can be particularly interesting for countries in the Global South, where rural electrification rates are often low and food security needs to be improved.

Wind turbines stand on a lush rural landscape, harnessing green energy under a cloudy sky.

The rush for green energy shouldn’t undermine rights of pastoralist communities

A contribution by Hussein Tadicha Wario

Africa’s drylands seem to be predestined for generating solar and wind power – especially given the current hype over green hydrogen. However, pastoral communities are often put at a disadvantage in this respect. Our author describes the arising conflicts and what successful coexistence of green energy projects and the communities could look like.

From field to fan shop: how to increase supply

A contribution by Jan Rübel

Organic cotton is extremely popular – but farmers still find it difficult to change their conventional cultivation methods. A new project addresses this dilemma: Bundesliga football teams in Germany are promoting the switch to organic cotton in India. And thereby setting an example.

Aerial view of two people guiding oxen across a red, plowed field, highlighting agrifood transformation themes.

BMZ releases video on the transformation of agricultural and food systems

A contribution by GIZ

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has released a video on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. In the video, Federal Minister Svenja Schulze also speaks about the urgent need to combat global hunger and contribute to resilient agricultural and food systems.

A goat grazes in a lush field near a charming house surrounded by palm trees under a clear sky.

How a Nigerian fintech wants to secure 1 billion US dollars for farms

An Interview with Blessing Mene

Small farmers often have a hard time getting financing. An app in Nigeria wants to change that: Founder Blessing Mene about what his app offers - and about the opportunities and limitations of agricultural financing.

Colorful illustrations depict diverse economic activities and cooperation under the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

“More of the same is not enough - we need to rethink”

An interview with Dirk Meyer

Four interviews kick off the relaunch under the new name „Food4Transformation“, asking the same questions from different perspectives. Dirk Meyer, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, thinks: less individual solutions are needed, but more systemic approaches. Because in addition to the goals for food security, the issues of climate and biodiversity must also be taken into account.

Young green seedlings sprout from the soil, showcasing new growth in a lush garden setting.

Agricultural policy belongs in prime time

An interview with Dr. Julia Köhn

Four interviews kick off the relaunch under the new name „Food4Transformation“, asking the same questions from different perspectives. Dr Julia Köhn, Chair of the German AgriFood Society, points out in the interview: Only if innovation and transformation are profitable in the medium term can they close the food gap in the long term.

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