Big3Africa.org - Climate | Conservation

Africa Pushes Drought Finance and Pastoralist Protections at COP17

Neville Ng'ambwa August 22, 2026

As UNCCD COP17 continues in Ulaanbaatar, Africa is pushing for stronger drought action, predictable finance and pastoralist-led restoration. The negotiations matter deeply to East Africa, where land degradation, drought, food insecurity and displacement are closely linked.

Conservation Green Finance

Carbon Credits Deliver KES655 Million Boost to Northern Kenya Communities

Peter Ngare August 21, 2026

Pastoral communities across northern Kenya are set to receive KES655.15 million from carbon credit sales through the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project. The funding will support education, healthcare, water infrastructure, livelihoods and conservation initiatives, while reigniting debate over transparency, community consent and the role of carbon markets in supporting climate action and pastoral livelihoods.

El Niño Watch

East Africa Told to Prepare for Climate Shocks Beyond El Niño

Neville Ng'ambwa August 19, 2026

East African governments are being urged to look beyond the immediate threat of El Niño and build permanent defences against increasingly severe climate shocks. VI Agroforestry says the region needs stronger early-warning systems, resilient infrastructure, sustainable farming, watershed restoration and locally led adaptation to reduce the risks of floods, landslides, drought and displacement.

Conservation

Six People, Seven Elephants Killed as Conflict Worsens Over Resources

Correspondent August 18, 2026

Human-wildlife conflict is intensifying across northern Kenya, where six people and seven elephants were killed in the first half of 2026. A Northern Rangelands Trust report recorded 26 conflict incidents as elephants and other wildlife increasingly share scarce water, pasture and migration corridors with communities and livestock.

Food Systems

Africa Must Grow More Food Without Worsening Climate Crisis, Warns FAO

Peter Ngare August 18, 2026

Africa must urgently produce more food for its growing population—but not at the expense of its forests, water supplies, soil and climate. A new FAO report warns that the continent is falling behind on key food-system goals, while conflict, climate shocks, rising costs and weak infrastructure continue to deepen hunger.

Conservation

Kenyan Teen Leads Charge on Tree Planting and Climate Awareness

Correspondent August 17, 2026

At just 13 years old, Baraka Moruri is emerging as one of Kenya’s youngest climate champions. Having planted more than 7,600 trees with the support of family, friends and partners, Baraka is using tree planting, climate walks and environmental education to inspire young people to take action against climate change while advocating for greater youth participation in environmental decision-making.

Green Finance

KDC Plans Kenya’s First Green Fund as Climate Financing Gap Widens

Dan Kaburu August 14, 2026

Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) plans to establish what it describes as the country’s first green fund, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s efforts to finance renewable energy, climate-resilient enterprises and environmentally sustainable development.

Food Systems

Africa’s Bakers Turn to Climate-Resilient Crops as Wheat-Free Market Grows

Correspondent August 14, 2026

African bakers and food manufacturers are turning indigenous crops into breads, cakes, pasta and snacks, linking the growing market for gluten-free food to a wider effort to build food systems that can withstand climate change.

International Youth Day Tech & Energy

The Farmer’s Daughter Using Solar and AI to Keep Harvests Alive

Correspondent August 12, 2026

A Ugandan farmer’s daughter is turning the problem of post-harvest losses into a technology-driven opportunity. Through Solafam Uganda, Shifra Ainomugisha combines solar-powered cold storage, solar irrigation and AI-powered farm advice to help farmers preserve produce, improve productivity and adapt to climate challenges. Her work earned her the 2026 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year award.

International Youth Day

Solar, Recycling And E-Mobility Projected To Drive Africa’s Next Jobs Boom

Peter Ngare August 12, 2026

Africa’s transition to cleaner energy, transport and production could generate up to 7.9 million green jobs by 2030 and 84.5 million by 2050, according to a new FSD Africa study. But without greater investment, skills training and worker protections, much of this employment could remain informal, limiting the benefits for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population