Empowering Sub-Saharan Africa’s Agricultural Visionaries in the Face of Climate Change
18 December 2023, Africa: While the world’s attention is fixed on COP28 in Dubai, an equally pivotal event unfolds in Saly, Senegal, from December 4 to 10, 2023.
The spotlight is on the “Developing Crop Modelling Experts Towards Climate Risk and Adaptation Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa” through a workshop, hosted by ICRISAT.
Here, a diverse assembly of representatives from various institutions convenes to unravel climate risks and pioneer adaptation strategies tailored to the region.
The mission is : to elevate participants’ expertise through hands-on exercises utilizing climate tools and the AquaCrop model model, a sophisticated crop growth simulation tool developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The workshop’s attendees, drawn from diverse sectors, are eager to sharpen their skills in crop simulation, with a keen eye on understanding the far-reaching implications for policy-making in the era of climate change.
Underpinning this collaborative effort is a tapestry of funding sources. The Flemish Government contributes through the ‘StratAdapt-Mali’ project, while two CGIAR project initiatives—AICCRA (Accelerating the Impact of Climate Research for Africa) and ClimBeR (Building Systemic Resilience Against Climate Variability and Extremes)—play a pivotal role in supporting the workshop. Together, these funding streams aim to address pressing food security concerns and meticulously assess the impact of environmental factors and management practices on agricultural production.
“As these dedicated professionals converge in Senegal, the collective goal is clear: to empower themselves with knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intricate challenges presented by a changing climate, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural landscape, ” says Dr. Jacqueline Hugues, Director General, ICRISAT.
