A Review of Agricultural, Food Security, Food Systems and Climate Change Adaptation Policies, Institutions and Actors in East Africa

Abstract

Agricultural production systems in East Africa are mainly rain-fed and highly vulnerable to climate change and variability. Moreover, the smallholder subsistence production base increases the vulnerability of the agricultural sector in East Africa to climate risks. The frequency and severity of climate shocks such as drought, heat and cold stress as well as floods are increasing and likely to lead to major food crises. Governmental and non-governmental actors in East African countries have instituted policies and programs aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving food security and enhancing adaptation to climate change. This paper examines the various policies, institutions and actors related to climate change adaptation, food security, food system and agricultural development in East Africa—focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The paper combines a review of literature with key informant interviews from various actors in the four countries. Governmental and non-governmental institutions are actively involved in the formulation of food security, food systems and climate change adaptation policies in East Africa. Several policies related to agriculture, food security and climate change already exist. Majority of the institutions interviewed had made progress in implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects. The most common mitigation projects undertaken relate to Clean Development Mechanisms (CMD) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). The challenges in implementing agriculture and climate change related policies include limited technical capacity, program funding and infrastructure. Previously, efforts towards addressing climate change in East Africa by the different actors were largely uncoordinated. In order to improve coordination of climate change issues in the region, climate change coordination units (CCCU) have been set up across the four countries. In Ethiopia, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) coordinates climate change initiatives in the country. In Kenya, a CCCU was set up at the Prime Minister’s office. In Tanzania, a CCCU exists at the Vice President’s Office, while in Uganda a similar CCCU has been set up under the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). These findings give credence to calls for increased funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation in East Africa. Other alternative policy options emanating from the study include 4 increased investment in human capital development to enhance policy formulation and implementation, investment in agricultural infrastructure and markets and partnerships between local and international institutions to enhance the capacities of the local institutions.