A reflection on COP26

This post is a reflection on the discussions at COP26 and the future of my blog. I take a step back from looking solely at water and agriculture in Africa to look at the broader context of policies to address the growing threats of climate change. 

A word on COP26

COP26 discussions by-passed environmental loss and damage, instead focusing on climate finance and ‘western’ policy, failing to holistically address the future of agricultural systems. Perhaps a greater input on sustainable food systems from those on the frontline would have resulted in stronger policy, with more positive outcomes and a sustainable plan of action. Instead, voices, input and knowledge of the global south, indigenous communities and women were not included in the discussions of provisioning top-down adaptation measures. The conference had little mention of non-economic environmental loss and damage. This creates a disconnect that the implementation of measures such as mitigation of land degradation, habitat loss, and struggling food systems have from community lived experiences.

When considering just allocation of fundings I am skeptical, and from recent climate protests, it seems like I'm not the only one (figure 1). Just six years ago, at COP21, commitments were made by developed countries to mobilise $100 billion annually in climate finance for the Global South by 2020. Yet, why am I not surprised to read that such plans have fallen short. In the instance where the money was available, history has shown the cash is unlikely to actually reach those on the front line. In fact, just 1.7% of climate finance reached small holder farmers; nowhere near enough out of the billions required to mitigate and build resilience in farming practises and supply change. COP26 was a chance for this to change, but after broken promise after broken promise, I cannot help but feel unconvinced. Only when I start to see words turn into action and money turn to progress do I believe climate policies and financing small-holder farmers in Africa will begin to see long-term success. 

Figure 1: Climate activists stand with a large check symbolically signed by “Rich Countries”  promising to deliver “Empty Promises Only” to developing countries, as a sum of “USD Blah Blah Blah” representing the skepticism of the public in the some of the ‘empty promises’ that came from COP26. 

We are at the breaking point.  The world leaders need to step up to the challenge and give the local communities most vulnerable to environmental change a seat at the table. 

Coming up... 

Through writing this blog I intend to grow an understanding of water, agriculture and development in Africa and to do this I must look at both the challenges and the management techniques the continent has in place. So far, I have focused on the challenges facing East Africa, looking at Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Going forward I look to investigate the innovative solutions of these nations to combat the battles of the past and to mitigate the challenges of the future. I look to cover agroforestry systems and small-scale irrigation as ways to reform agricultural practises in Africa.  Stay tuned to discover more.