Belém, Brazil — As the UN Climate Conference (COP30) opens in Belém, AGRA is calling for a “farmer-first” breakthrough that places soils, youth, and food systems at the centre of global climate action.
Described as the “implementation COP” and the “COP of Truth”, this year’s summit marks a turning point for climate commitments.
AGRA is urging governments and partners to move from promises to practical actions that build resilience for smallholder farmers, create jobs for youth, and drive growth across Africa’s food economies.
“Africa’s farmers are not waiting for the future; they are shaping it. A farmer-first climate breakthrough means turning promises into progress, converting finance into resilience, and transforming ambition into action where it matters most – on farms,” said Alice Ruhweza, AGRA’s President.
AGRA sees COP30 as a critical moment to advance adaptation and resilience through agriculture.
The organisation will showcase evidence-based solutions, including better policies, accessible finance, functioning markets, and healthy soils. It aims to put youth and women at the centre of this transformation.
The call supports the recently adopted Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Human-Centred Climate Action, endorsed by 43 countries and the EU.
The declaration links climate action with social justice and calls for climate finance to reach those most exposed to climate shocks, especially smallholder farmers.
“Resilience is built when the right policies, finance, and technical solutions converge at the farm level,” said Dr Tilahun Amede, AGRA’s Director for Sustainable Farming, Climate Adaptation, and Resilience.
He noted that investments in soil health, water management, inclusive finance, and value chains can translate climate ambition into tangible results for farmers.
The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025 highlights a shortfall of up to USD 339 billion annually for developing countries.
AGRA is urging that climate finance reach the farmers and rural enterprises driving Africa’s food systems.
Years of land degradation have left nearly 65% of Africa’s productive land depleted, according to the Africa Food Systems Report 2025.
AGRA is calling for stronger soil health programmes, improved nutrient management, and data-driven planning to restore productivity.
AGRA’s youth agenda aims to equip young Africans with skills, finance, and enterprise opportunities in agribusiness and value chains.
The organisation is advocating for measurable progress in youth employment and investment in agri-SMEs.
At COP30, AGRA will join the Growing Innovations showcase alongside the Gates Foundation, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Embrapa, and others to present climate-smart solutions developed with and for farmers.
“The real test of COP30 is whether global commitments translate into tangible results that farmers can feel in their fields,” AGRA emphasised.
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