World Bank releases US$40 million for climate research in Africa

Zambia is one of six countries selected by the World Bank for climate research focused on the development of agricultural supply chains.

Looking at Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Senegal and Zambia the World Bank will release $40 million through the International Development Agency (IDA) to fund the research. It is hope that the research will help improve access to data that can assist in the development of “climate-smart agricultural technologies to strengthen climate resilience and food security.”

Through the project farmers and livestock breeders will be supported with the aim of protecting their productivity and livelihoods. The new financing “will facilitate the validation and dissemination of CSA technologies and methods in the beneficiary countries”, the World Bank stated.

“With this operation, farmers and livestock keepers will be equipped to predict and prepare for climate-related events more effectively, along with improved access to climate advisories directly connected to actionable response measures,” it continued.

Commenting on the announcement the World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Development Chakid Jenane stated, “We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that farmers and other stakeholders benefit from innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change..”

As part of the initiative the IDA and World Bank Group have established a regional hub for fertilizer and soil health in West Africa.