Nurturing Agricultural Resilience: Crop Modelling and Climate Strategies Unveiled at Senegal Workshop
Empowering Sub-Saharan Africa's Agricultural Visionaries in the Face of Climate Change
As the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP28, is underway in Dubai, UAE, an equally pivotal event unfolded in Saly, Senegal, from December 4-10, 2023.
The spotlight was on "Developing Crop Modelling Experts Towards Climate Risk and Adaptation Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa" through a workshop hosted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
A diverse assembly of representatives from various institutions convened to unravel climate risks and pioneer adaptation strategies tailored to the region.
The mission was to elevate participants' expertise through hands-on exercises utilizing climate tools and the AquaCrop model, a sophisticated crop growth simulation tool developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Attendees, spanning various sectors, eagerly sought to sharpen their skills in crop simulation, with a focus on understanding the far-reaching implications for policy-making in the era of climate change.
Underpinning the collaborative effort was a tapestry of funding sources. The Flemish Government contributed 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)—played a pivotal role in supporting the workshop.
Together, these funding streams aimed to address pressing food security concerns and meticulously assess the impact of environmental factors and management practices on agricultural production.
"As these committed professionals converge in Senegal, the collective goal is clear: to empower themselves with the 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," said Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT.
