African Negotiators to Seek More Ag Finance at COP31
Delegates will push for increased funding to support farmers and climate adaptation in global food systems.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Agriculture
Live Poll
Do you believe international climate funds are effective at reaching local farming communities?
African negotiators are preparing to demand a significant boost in agricultural climate finance during the upcoming COP31 summit. The initiative aims to address a long-term decline in development funding for global food systems.
Why it matters
Current climate financing for agriculture is insufficient to protect farmers or bolster food security globally. Complex accreditation processes and high costs currently prevent vulnerable populations from accessing necessary climate solutions.
International climate finance for agriculture currently accounts for 4% or less of total funding, with only 0.3% reaching farmers and vulnerable groups. This represents a steep decline from the 47% share of development finance for food systems recorded in 2000.
The players
African negotiators
These delegates represent the interests of African nations in international climate change discussions.
Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture
This is a four-year process created to coordinate agricultural climate efforts through workshops and reporting.
The details
Negotiators are aiming to strengthen the implementation of the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture, a process that utilizes national climate commitments and technology assessments to guide investment plans. They will specifically call for an expansion of grants and concessional funding to help farmers adopt adaptation strategies.
Timeline
In 2000, food systems received 47% of development finance.
The Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture was established at COP27.
By 2023, the share of finance for food systems had dropped to 19%.
African negotiators will advocate for increased funding at COP31.
Market Landscape
This push for funding builds directly upon the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture, which provides the formal structure for global agricultural climate cooperation. It highlights a growing gap between established policy mechanisms and the actual financial resources required for meaningful adaptation.
Increased climate funding for agriculture could stabilize food prices and improve food availability for consumers by reducing supply chain disruptions. For those working in the food sector, improved access to capital could lead to more sustainable and resilient farming operations.
The takeaway
Securing additional grants and concessional funding remains the primary goal for stabilizing global food production against climate change. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming COP31 negotiations for specific commitments regarding agricultural investment mandates.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving global strategies in the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgriFocus Africa.
Live Poll
Do you believe international climate funds are effective at reaching local farming communities?
