AU-IBAR Champions Climate Finance Solutions for Livestock at AfDB Annual Meetings

@auibar2025

From 26–30 May 2025, AU-IBAR is participating in high-level side events during the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The discussions have focused on accelerating access to climate finance for sustainable livestock development and management across the continent.

During the Davos panel side event, "Accelerating Climate Finance for Sustainable Livestock Development in Africa," held on Monday, 26 May 2025, AU-IBAR, represented by Dr. Patrick Karani, Climate Change Expert at AU-IBAR, emphasized that climate finance presents a strategic opportunity to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the livestock sector. This can be achieved through the adoption of improved practices, innovative technologies, and community awareness, while simultaneously enhancing livestock productivity and resilience.

Key recommendations from the deliberations to support a nature-positive livestock food system include:

  1. Stakeholder Sensitization: Promoting awareness on the central role of livestock in sustainable livelihoods and economic development.

  2. Evidence-Based Policymaking: Supporting research and data generation to inform policy development, investment planning, and national development strategies.

  3. Community-Led Demonstrations: Initiating pilot projects with strong local engagement, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and youth inclusion, acknowledging the long-term nature of climate solutions.

AU-IBAR reaffirmed that information exchange, knowledge transfer, and South-South cooperation are essential pillars in building resilient systems. Ultimately, with strong backing from AU Member States, AU-IBAR aims to spearhead the development of an African Common Position on Sustainable and Resilient Livestock Food Systems—ensuring the sector contributes to climate goals and inclusive growth.

The side event was co-organised by the German development cooperation agency (GIZ), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Africa Development Bank (AfDB), AU-IBAR, and West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF).