The AfCFTA Kazini Caravan, initiated by Youth Motion Kenya and its director Mr. Maina, is a mobile advocacy initiative that raises awareness among African youths about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The caravan uses creative means such as flash mobs and performances to engage audiences across Africa. The first caravan journeyed from Nairobi to Durban, and the second edition plans to cover 20 countries, ending in Cairo during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). The AfCFTA Protocol on Youth and Women, which is under development, aims to enhance free trade, and Youth Motion has launched AfCFTArt, a competition for student artists to submit works related to AfCFTA. Mr. Maina emphasizes the importance of youth leadership and the role of trade in unifying and providing opportunities for young Africans.

In Senegal, small-scale farmers are facing challenges due to climate change, including droughts, floods, and decreased productivity leading to food insecurity. A regional project, Adaptation and Valorization of Entrepreneurship in Irrigated Agriculture (Avenir), led by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates with participation from the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is training farmers in climate-adapted agriculture and agribusiness. The project aims to improve the social and economic well-being and resilience of agricultural households in the regions of Sedhiou and Tambacounda. It promotes climate-adapted agricultural and irrigation practices, increasing the profitability of agribusinesses in the production of various crops. The initiative is expected to benefit over 10,000 women and youth from farming families and indirectly impact another 35,000 individuals. Key components include the use of drought-tolerant seed varieties, climate-smart technologies, efficient irrigation techniques, and access to climate information services.

Africa needs to trade carbon credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finance the transition to renewable energies, and boost economic development, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Carbon credits offer an opportunity for African countries to protect against climate change while obtaining funding for renewable energy transitions. The World Bank reports that carbon pricing revenue increased by nearly 60% last year, reaching about $84 billion. Africa, which suffers from energy insecurity and relies heavily on fossil fuels, has untapped potential in the carbon trade market. However, transitioning from fossil fuels poses complex challenges for African countries, which could lose essential income and risk being stranded with natural resources as global demand shifts towards renewables. The ECA supports African countries in obtaining resources through carbon trading and emphasizes the need for proper oversight. Africa, responsible for only 3% of global CO2 emissions, is disproportionately affected by climate change, with many countries spending an average of 9% of their budgets on climate-related costs. The African Union has adopted a common position for energy transition, recognizing natural gas as a temporary energy necessity and allowing for increased investment in renewable energies.

In Zimbabwe's Masvingo Province, farmers like Aplonia Marutsvaka are successfully harvesting maize despite extreme heat and drought conditions, thanks to heat-tolerant maize seeds developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Research Programme on Maize of CGIAR. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, these seeds have been trialed in several African countries and have shown better performance than other hybrids. The seeds are also drought-tolerant, which is crucial for areas with low annual rainfall. The United Nations World Food Programme has noted a significant drop in maize production due to drought, which has led to food shortages. The heat-tolerant seeds are expected to be widely available by 2018, and local companies anticipate increased sales. The success of these seeds in Zaka District is encouraging other farmers to adopt them, with the potential to improve food security in regions affected by climate change.

Mango farmer Eufria Nyadome from Mhondiwa village in Zimbabwe faces reduced income due to the invasive Oriental fruit fly, which has affected her mango trees. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported that invasive species like the fruit fly are a major threat to biodiversity, causing irreversible damage and economic costs exceeding $423 billion annually. The report highlights the need for effective management and integrated approaches to address the issue, with only 17% of countries having specific regulations. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasizes the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems and biodiversity. In Zimbabwe, farmers are combating the issue with integrated pest management practices developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers significant potential for young African entrepreneurs by removing trade barriers and fostering a single market for goods and services. It encourages investment, industrialization, and emphasizes the digital economy, which can lead to job creation and economic prosperity. The AfCFTA also includes a protocol on the free movement of people within Africa. Market research is deemed crucial for young entrepreneurs to understand consumer preferences and market trends, which can help them succeed in the growing demand for goods and services across the continent.

Governments in Southern Africa are enacting laws that restrict civil society organizations, leading to a shrinking space for civil society and rising human rights violations, according to CIVICUS. Zimbabwe, ahead of its 2023 national elections, has passed the Patriotic Act and is considering the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, both of which could criminalize activities of NGOs and journalists. Similar restrictive measures are seen in Angola and Mozambique, where new legislation could severely limit the operations of civil society organizations. United Nations experts and civil society leaders have expressed concern and urged for the protection of freedoms and human rights.

Governments in Southern Africa are enacting laws that restrict civil society organizations, leading to a shrinking space for civil society and an increase in human rights violations. CIVICUS highlights that a significant portion of the global population lives in countries with severe restrictions on civil liberties. Zimbabwe's upcoming national elections are of particular concern, with the government approving laws that could criminalize activities deemed against national interests. United Nations experts and civil society organizations warn of the negative impacts of such legislation on human rights and democracy. Similar situations are reported in Angola and Mozambique, where governments are using the pretext of combating terrorism to pass laws that could stifle civil society. Civil society advocates call for international support and urge governments to adhere to human rights conventions.

Vulnerable countries are seeking an inclusive funding package to address climate change impacts, but the 2023 Bonn Climate Change Conference ended without concrete outcomes. Yamide Dagnet from Open Society Foundations emphasized the urgency of building resilient communities and the need for a financial package aligned with the Paris Agreement. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has called for accelerated action, and developed countries have been criticized for not delivering on financial pledges. Innovative financing solutions for loss and damage are being explored, and the upcoming COP 28 is seen as crucial for making progress on all pillars of the Paris Agreement.

The article discusses the deforestation problem in Benin, exacerbated by the use of wood for parboiling rice, a common cooking practice. The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) has developed a clean stove that uses rice husks, a sustainable and abundant by-product, as fuel. This innovation aims to reduce deforestation and health issues caused by wood smoke inhalation. The stove, powered by a solar panel, has low emissions and is now approved for commercial production. AfricaRice is also teaching local metal smiths in Benin and Nigeria to manufacture the stove, which comes in various sizes for different uses. The initiative is seen as a way to make cooking safer and more efficient while conserving the environment by reducing the reliance on wood fuel.

In March 2023, Malawi experienced devastating impacts from Tropical Cyclone Freddy, highlighting the urgent need for financial support to address loss and damage from climate change. COP 27 saw the historic agreement to establish a dedicated fund for this purpose, but operationalization and funding remain contentious issues. The Transitional Committee, established at COP27, met in March 2023 to discuss the fund's arrangements, but key questions remain unresolved. The committee aims to establish the fund by COP28 in November 2023. The United Nations and experts emphasize the importance of addressing loss and damage as a matter of climate justice and international solidarity.

The escalation of conflicts and climate change threaten the implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative, a land restoration project in Africa. Despite political will and investment, the project faces challenges from competition over natural resources exacerbated by climate change, particularly in West Africa. The initiative aims to restore over 100 million hectares of degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. Currently, over 4% of the land has been restored, with $27 billion committed out of the $50 billion needed. The project has gained international support, including from the United Nations, and is seen as a solution to land degradation, drought, and desertification. However, conflicts in regions like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Eritrea pose significant challenges to its progress.

Climate change is intensifying global injustice, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable communities. Yamide Dagnet, director for Climate Justice at Open Society Foundations, emphasizes the need for action on human rights and climate change. COP27 aims to address these issues, with vulnerable nations demanding social justice and reparations for losses and damages caused by climate change. Dagnet highlights the urgency of reducing emissions, protecting environmental defenders, and establishing a financial mechanism for affected countries. The talks at COP27 also include discussions on a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies to compensate for loss and damage.

The narrative that livestock contributes negatively to climate change is hindering the growth of the vital livestock sector in Africa, which sustains over 1.3 billion people globally. In Africa, livestock is crucial for food, nutrition, jobs, income, and cultural significance. Researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs argue for a balanced debate, viewing livestock production not as a problem but as a solution to climate change, especially in developing countries. Ian Wright of the International Livestock Research Institute emphasizes the sector's potential to boost economic growth, combat poverty, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the sector's low investment, it contributes significantly to Africa's GDP. Sustainable livestock management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon sequestration. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization notes livestock's substantial contribution to global agricultural value, while the World Bank highlights the role of animal-sourced foods in addressing malnutrition and economic losses in Africa.

Conservationists and scientists are urging China to set a date for the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to address urgent biodiversity loss. The meeting, now scheduled for December 5-17 in Montreal, aims to establish a blueprint for the next decade's work on biodiversity. The CBD is crucial as climate change and other factors are driving species towards extinction. The COP, which China currently presides over, is expected to agree on a target to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030. Delays in convening COP15 are seen as a setback, with the destruction of nature continuing. The Global Biodiversity Framework offers a rare opportunity to map out a new action plan, with a focus on innovation and science-based solutions. The CBD, a legally binding treaty, aims to reverse biodiversity loss and achieve harmony with nature by 2050.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture in South Africa's KwaZulu Natal Province, where a severe drought has led farmers to shift from cattle to goat farming. Bongekile Ndimande, a local farmer, has successfully transitioned to goat farming, which is more resilient to drought conditions. The Southern African Development Community has launched an emergency aid appeal due to the widespread drought affecting food security. The article highlights the importance of adapting agriculture to climate change, as emphasized at the COP 22 meeting in Marrakesh. Initiatives like the Adaptation of African Agriculture aim to transform African agriculture with climate-smart approaches. The Mdukatshani Rural Development Project, in partnership with Heifer International South Africa and other organizations, is working to double goat production and create jobs. The article underscores the role of science, innovation, and technology in adapting to climate change and the potential of goats as a sustainable livelihood for farmers in the face of environmental challenges.

The article discusses the impact of micro-dosing fertilizer on agriculture in Zimbabwe, where despite severe droughts, farmers like Phillip Tshuma have seen a significant increase in harvests. Micro-dosing involves applying small quantities of fertilizer, which has proven to be cost-effective and has increased yields. The article also touches on the broader context of fertilizer use in Africa, referencing the Abuja Declaration's goals for increased fertilizer use, which have not been fully met. It highlights the overall increase in fertilizer demand in Africa since 2008 and the potential for micro-dosing to improve food security and reduce import costs. The challenges of knowledge, availability, and affordability for smallholder farmers are also discussed, along with the need for private-sector investment and sustainable soil management practices to achieve a Green Revolution in Africa.

The article discusses Africa's commitment to combating climate change and its efforts to transition to renewable energy sources. Following the Paris Agreement, African countries are moving away from fossil fuels towards sustainable development, with investments in geothermal, wind, and solar power. Kenya is highlighted as a leader in geothermal power with the Olkaria IV Geothermal Power Plant. The article also touches on the challenges of water scarcity affecting hydropower and the need for public and private investments in green industrialization. It draws parallels with China's progress towards a low-carbon economy, suggesting that Africa could learn from China's experience. The article emphasizes the importance of structural transformation for Africa's sustainable development and industrialization, despite the continent's minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffering significantly from climate change effects.