Nairobi: Agricultural stakeholders from sub-Saharan Africa are actively participating in a training session aimed at utilizing the Africa Agricultural Adaptation (AAA) Atlas tool and an AI-powered platform, PEPA.AI, to develop evidence-based climate adaptation interventions. This initiative involves representatives from at least 15 member countries under the Association for Strengthening Agriculture Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA).

According to Kenya News Agency, the training session in Nairobi aims to provide insights into data analysis to help shape food systems decision-making processes. Dr. Alice Murage, Deputy Director of Crops at the Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organisation (KALRO), emphasized the challenges posed by climate variability on food production, particularly for smallholder farmers, women, and youth. She highlighted the significance of advances in foresight, artificial intelligence, and digital tools in addressing these challenges.

Dr. Murage explained that the
tools being introduced represent a shift in how governments plan and invest in climate adaptation, providing policymakers, researchers, extension officers, and the private sector with data-driven insights. The tools are expected to improve climate advisories, guide farmers on planting decisions, and help identify suitable crops and technologies for specific conditions. Furthermore, they aim to ensure targeted investments by governments and partners, ultimately leading to more resilient harvests and improved livelihoods.

The training is seen as an opportunity to shape the future of food systems, and Dr. Murage urged participants to apply the tools effectively within their institutions to drive tangible improvements for farmers. She reiterated KALRO’s commitment to translating research and data into better yields and stronger resilience to climate shocks.

Dr. Sylvester Baguma, Executive Director of ASARECA, noted the importance of integrating tools from PEPA.AI and the AAA Atlas to support climate adaptation
and food systems transformation in Africa. He emphasized the region’s increasing climate variability and agricultural vulnerability, underscoring the need for advanced tools and competencies to respond effectively.

Nagnouma Kone, manager of partnerships and strategy for Africa at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), stressed their mission to promote sustainable economic and climate resilience in Africa. She highlighted the need for enabling infrastructures and institutions to catalyze change and noted GGGI’s collaboration with ASARECA in strengthening the institutional capacity of agricultural systems.

The training, organized by ASARECA in collaboration with several international organizations, aims to enhance climate adaptation and resilience in African agriculture through increased use of climate foresight data by AI decision-makers.