EBAFOSA aims to upscale ecosystem-based adaptation agriculture in Africa

Ecosystem- based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly, EBAFOSA is a new pan-African institution created to upscale Ecosystem-based agricultural policies in Africa. Launched after the 2^nd Ecosystem Based Adaptation Agriculture for Food Security Conference held by UNEP in Nairobi during July 30-31 2015, this new international body seeks to combat food insecurity, climate change, ecosystems degradation and poverty in Africa in a decentralized and inclusive manner.

EBAFOSA implementation is strategically categorized into 3 phases, introductory, growth and maturity, with each subsequent phase building on a preceding one. The introductory phase considered as the most-crucial which aims to secure commitment of the vital stakeholders, who will be the foundation of EBAFOSA. Implementation envisages activities on two levels – strategic and operational. EBAFOSA constitution is available online; it outlines the major activities step by step and includes ambitious media outreach of the initiative.

EBAFOSA framework integrates value chain and ecosystem- based approach, stressing efficient resource use, waste management, social inclusion and added value beyond the farm level.

Shifting to this way of doing things in African agriculture can potentially bring about five distinct benefits to African food sector: enhance food and nutritional security; enhance ecosystem productivity; build community climate resilience; enhance value chains by linking on farm production with opportunities for both demand and supply value chains; create jobs and increase incomes.

In order to operationalize EbA approaches in the continent, the report puts forward the following five key recommendations for a paradigm shift to safeguard Africa’s food and livelihood security:

1. Reform policies and institution, embedding  ‘good’ policies in both the public and the private sector, for example, through budgetary allocation to programmes and projects that can enable scaling up of EbA approaches
2. Strengthen knowledge management by including both indigenous and scientific knowledge
3. Increase communication and outreach
4. Support capacity building
5. Reinforce economic incentives and private sector engagement

Learn more about the EBAFOSA approach with Philip Osano, Research Fellow at Stockholm Environment Institute, SEI.

 

Registration for those who are willing to contribute to the operationalization of the EBAFOSA strategy is opened.

to EBAFOSA website