Agricultural Climate Finance to See Push at COP31
Global agricultural operators may see increased grant access if negotiators successfully secure higher climate funding targets.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Agriculture
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African negotiators are preparing to push for a significant increase in agricultural climate finance at the upcoming COP31. This push comes as data shows that international funding for food systems has dropped substantially over the last two decades.
Why it matters
Current climate financing levels are widely considered insufficient to bolster global food security or protect farmers from climate volatility. High upfront costs and complex accreditation procedures continue to create barriers for operators needing to adopt sustainable climate solutions.
The share of development finance directed toward food systems dropped from 47% in 2000 to 19% in 2023. Currently, only 4% or less of total international climate finance supports agriculture, with a mere 0.3% reaching individual farmers and pastoralists.
The players
African negotiators
A bloc of representatives advocating for policy shifts and increased financial support for agricultural adaptation at international climate forums.
Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture
A four-year climate policy process established at COP27 to integrate agricultural adaptation and food security into global climate commitments.
The details
The strategy centers on the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture, a process initiated at COP27 to streamline investment plans. Negotiators aim to leverage national adaptation plans and technology needs assessments to prove the necessity for increased grants. By simplifying complex accreditation requirements, the goal is to shift capital toward frontline agricultural producers currently excluded by traditional financing hurdles.
Timeline
2000: Food systems development finance share reached 47%.
COP27: The Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture was established.
2023: Food systems development finance share fell to 19%.
COP31: African negotiators are scheduled to push for climate finance increases.
Market Landscape
This push at COP31 follows the pattern set by the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture, which provides the framework for global agricultural climate policy. It marks a departure from historical funding trends, as negotiators seek to force a pivot away from the declining share of food-system finance.
Operators in the agricultural sector should monitor these negotiations as they will influence the availability of future grants and concessional loan programs. Businesses relying on climate adaptation technology should track the status of national investment plans and new accreditation guidelines.
The takeaway
The widening gap between agricultural needs and global climate funding signals a potential shift toward simplified, grant-heavy financing models. Operators should monitor the progress of COP31 to identify changes in the criteria for accessing development capital and concessional adaptation funding.
Further reading
For broader context on current industry shifts, see the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgriFocus Africa.
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