WATDEV Conference 2026 Seeks Solutions to Africa’s Growing Food Security Challenges

By Wendy Keziah,

Agricultural experts, researchers, policymakers and development partners have renewed calls for closer collaboration between local farming communities and scientific institutions as Africa seeks solutions to growing food security challenges and the effects of climate change.

The call was made during a two-day international conference held in Nairobi on June 15 and 16, organized with support from the Climate Smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa initiative (WATDEV), which is supported through the European Union’s DeSIRA programme.

The meeting brought  together participants from across Africa and beyond to discuss sustainable management of water and soil resources in agriculture. It also  focused on how indigenous knowledge and scientific research can work together to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen resilience to climate change and support sustainable food systems across the continent.

Despite its vast agricultural potential, Africa continues to face significant obstacles in achieving food security. The continent’s rich ecosystems, including wetlands, forests and savannahs, support millions of livelihoods. However, changing weather patterns, prolonged droughts, soil degradation and limited access to agricultural inputs continue to undermine production in many regions.

Speaking during the conference, Dr. Tena Alamirew, Deputy Director of the Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC) and WATDEV Project Focal Person Ethiopia, said Africa’s future food systems would depend on how effectively research institutions engage with farmers and local communities.

“Across Africa, communities have developed valuable knowledge over many generations on how to manage water and land resources. Our responsibility as researchers is to build on that knowledge, strengthen it with science and ensure that solutions developed are practical and useful to farmers,” he said

He noted that climate-related challenges affecting agriculture require cooperation across borders and sectors.

“The challenges we face do not stop at national borders. Drought, land degradation and water scarcity affect many parts of the continent. Collaboration between countries, researchers and local communities is essential if we are to build resilient agricultural systems,” added Dr Alamirew,

Agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth across Africa, providing employment and income for millions of people. Yet increasing climate variability continues to place pressure on farming systems and natural resources.

Dr. Tsigemariam Kasahun, a Soil and Water Management Specialist at WLRC Ethiopia, emphasized the need to protect soil health as a foundation for sustainable agriculture.

“Healthy soils are the backbone of agriculture. When soils are degraded, crop yields decline, water retention reduces and farmers become more vulnerable to climate shocks. Investing in soil conservation is investing in food security,” he explained.

Dr. Kasahun also stressed that farmers should be recognized as important contributors to innovation.

“Farmers are not simply beneficiaries of research. They are innovators in their own right. We need to listen to their experiences and ensure that research responds to their needs and priorities,” he added.

Discussions during the conference explored practical approaches to improving water use efficiency, protecting soil resources and strengthening the resilience of farming systems at both local and regional levels.

Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma, Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), said Africa possesses the resources needed to transform its agricultural sector if investments in research and innovation are strengthened.

“Africa has the resources and potential to feed its growing population. What is needed is stronger investment in research, innovation and knowledge-sharing so that farmers can access technologies and practices that improve productivity while protecting natural resources,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of partnerships among governments, research institutions and development agencies.

“No single institution can address these challenges alone. Progress will come from bringing together governments, researchers, development partners and farming communities around common goals,” Dr. Baguma underscored.

The conference also examined the growing pressure climate change is placing on water resources across the continent.

Dr. Hellen Sang, a Soil and Water Engineering Expert from Kenya, said efficient water management would be critical in securing future food production.

“Water is becoming an increasingly scarce and valuable resource. We must improve how we harvest, store and use water in agriculture if we are to sustain food production in the face of changing climatic conditions,” she said.

According to Dr. Sang, technological innovations must remain practical and affordable for farmers.

“Technology and innovation are important, but they must be affordable, adaptable and relevant to local conditions if they are to make a meaningful difference at the farm level,” she highlighted.

Participants also discussed the relationship between agriculture, water and energy, noting that access to reliable energy remains essential for agricultural productivity and rural development.

Laura Dema, County Energy Officer with the Tana River County Government, said integrated planning is necessary to address challenges facing rural communities.

“Food production, water management and energy access are closely linked. When communities have reliable energy solutions, they are better able to irrigate farms, process agricultural products and strengthen local economies,” she emphasized

Dema added that county governments have a key role to play in supporting climate-smart agricultural development.

“Local governments are at the frontline of responding to climate challenges. Through partnerships and community engagement, we can help farmers adopt solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting the environment,” added Dema.

The Nairobi conference also served as a platform to review progress made under the WATDEV initiative and other agricultural research programmes operating across Africa. Organizers said the discussions would help strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers and farming communities while informing future interventions in water, soil and agricultural management.

About 70 participants attended the conference, including government officials, representatives of regional organisations, development partners, researchers, university scholars and members of the WATDEV Stakeholders’ Forum. While many attended in person, others joined virtually from different countries.

Day one of the conference, delegates agreed that Africa’s efforts to strengthen food security and climate resilience will depend on combining scientific research with the experience and knowledge already held by local communities.

The participants expressed optimism that stronger partnerships, greater investment in research and wider adoption of successful farming practices can help build resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting the continent’s future food and nutrition needs.