Some experts have emphasised the critical role of indigenous knowledge systems in developing effective climate change adaptation strategies for African communities.
According to them, by focusing on indigenous knowledge, African nations can develop more sustainable, locally appropriate climate adaptation strategies that genuinely serve vulnerable populations.
Consequently, they say there is a need for policy frameworks that recognise traditional expertise.
Dr Alvin Munyaisa, a Climate Fellow with AGNES, emphasises the importance of embedding community-based knowledge into national climate resilience plans.
“Vulnerable populations must be at the decision-making table, contributing directly to solutions that respond to climate change impacts.’’
Munyaisa spoke at a media roundtable hosted on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by Global Health Strategies (GHS) and AfriCatalyst.
He recommends a multi-pronged approach to integrating indigenous knowledge, focusing on key sectors including agriculture, water management, and food security.
The strategy, Munyaisa says, should involve investing in research that validates traditional adaptation techniques while avoiding potential maladaptation risks.
The Kampala Declaration provides a foundational framework, urging national governments to allocate at least 10 per cent of budgetary resources to support local community adaptation initiatives.
This approach ensures that indigenous communities are not merely passive recipients but active contributors to climate solutions.
Specific recommendations include developing policy environments that promote synergies between global conventions and local knowledge systems and investing in research documenting indigenous adaptation strategies.
Also, providing financial and technical support to rural communities and integrating traditional expertise into national climate adaptation plans.
It notes that indigenous knowledge systems differ across African countries, necessitating context-specific approaches that respect local cultural nuances.
The initiative aims to shift from a victimhood narrative to one of resilience, showcasing African communities’ innovative approaches to climate challenges.
Also speaking, Dr Hamady Diop, Senior Advisor to the AU Special Envoy on Food Systems, notes that the African Union was championing a transformative approach to international climate negotiations.
Diop emphasised the critical need for a unified continental strategy in global forums.
He highlights the evolution of Africa’s engagement in global climate discussions, tracing the continent’s journey from fragmented participation to a cohesive, strategic approach.
“During the Paris climate summit, agriculture was marginally included in climate discussions.
“However, by COP28 in Dubai, we witnessed a significant shift,” the official stated.
The African Union’s strategic pivot involves developing common positions that represent the collective interests of 55 member states, challenging historical power dynamics where larger global entities often dictate terms.
“We are 1.2 billion people with a right to shape our narrative,” the diplomat emphasises, underscoring the continent’s growing diplomatic confidence.
The approach has already yielded tangible results, with African candidates successfully securing leadership positions in international organisations like the World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation through coordinated AU processes.
This new strategy signals Africa’s emerging role as a proactive, unified force in global climate and agricultural policy negotiations.
Earlier during the webinar, the experts noted that the AU was developing comprehensive strategies to enhance its influence within the G20, addressing critical challenges in global representation.
They identified four key obstacles facing African participation in the global platform to be potential symbolic engagement, coordination fragmentation, limited technical capacity, and complex geopolitical dynamics.
Diop harped on the need to build robust structures to support a global voice, stressing the importance of establishing a dedicated secretariat to coordinate African interests effectively.
The experts highlighted the urgent need for developing evidence-based policy proposals and strengthening coordination mechanisms across regional economic committees and UN systems.
Critical focus areas include addressing climate change, digital infrastructure development, and creating unified African positions on global economic issues.
The event unveiled two significant reports – The African Union, in the G20 report jointly produced by Global Health Strategies (GHS) and Africa Catalyst.
Also, the companion policy brief “Maximising Africa’s Influence in the G20”, which offers a forward-looking blueprint for Africa’s transition from a symbolic presence to a strategic influence in global forums.
By Vivian Ihechu