Climate funding has never been more urgent, and the World Bank president is absolutely correct to urge wealthy nations not to ignore Africa (“World Bank head tells rich nations not to ignore Africa funding needs”, Interview, May 1). More specifically, the global north must be sure to include the voices that have historically been left out of these conversations: those of the 33mn smallholder farmers across Africa. These farmers are among the least responsible for — and the most susceptible to — the effects of the climate crisis. Yet, time and again, they have proven to be some of the most innovative champions of climate solutions.
Despite this, smallholder farmers today receive less than 1 per cent of current global climate financing. It is well past time for them to take their rightful place centre stage in the global climate finance conversation.
Peter Onguka
Head of Lending — Africa, Root Capital
Nairobi, Kenya
