Building Connections, Transforming Food Systems: Inside the Frontline for Climate Action Breakfast Convening Ahead of AFSTM 2026

As Africa confronts the escalating realities of climate change, food insecurity, environmental degradation, and unequal agricultural systems, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: transforming food systems can no longer wait.

On Friday, 15 May 2026, leaders, advocates, researchers, farmers, youth organizers, and civil society actors gathered at the Paloma Hotel in Accra, Ghana, for the Frontline for Climate Action Breakfast Convening held ahead of the 4th Africa Food Systems Transformation Meeting (AFSTM). Convened by Frontline for Climate Action on behalf of World Animal Protection, the meeting became more than a breakfast dialogue—it evolved into a bold call for climate resilience, agroecology, food sovereignty, and sustainable development across Africa.

Moderated by Michael Marley Masopeh, Biodiversity Lead at Frontline for Climate Action, the convening created an intimate yet powerful platform where grassroots voices met policy conversations, and where climate action was discussed not as theory, but as an urgent necessity.

Climate Change Is Already Reshaping Food Systems

One of the strongest messages from the convening was that climate change is no longer a future threat—it is already disrupting food systems across Ghana and the African continent.

Meteorologist Rebecca Bediako highlighted the alarming rise in climate variability and its direct impact on agriculture, livelihoods, and public health. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, floods, and pest outbreaks are steadily weakening agricultural productivity and threatening food security.

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats to food systems,” she emphasized.

Her presentation underscored the urgent need for governments to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, irrigation systems, and stronger weather information dissemination mechanisms. She also stressed the importance of collaboration between meteorological agencies and local farmers to ensure timely climate information reaches vulnerable communities.

“Government must invest in agricultural infrastructure to combat both drought and flooding to ensure food security,” Rebecca Bediako stated.

The discussion reinforced the reality that resilience in agriculture can only be achieved when scientific information, local adaptation strategies, and policy investments work together.

The Urgency of Food Systems Transformation

The convening also explored the structural challenges within Ghana’s agricultural system and the need for transformative solutions.

Dr. Daniel Ako Charway, Pharmacist, Farmer, and Founder of Homegrown by Farmer Dan, delivered a compelling presentation on Ghana’s food systems priorities and the growing severity of food insecurity.

According to Dr. Charway, smallholder farmers continue to sustain the majority of Ghana’s agricultural production, yet they remain under-supported and underfinanced. Post-harvest losses, methane emissions, poor infrastructure, and limited farmer empowerment continue to undermine progress toward sustainable food systems.

“12.5 million people have no hope of having the same food they had today tomorrow and that’s how severe the food insecurity situation is,” he warned.

His remarks highlighted the need for:

• Climate-smart agricultural systems

• Local value addition

• Farmer-led innovation

• Sustainable infrastructure

• Reduced barriers to financing for smallholder farmers

  
  

Dr. Charway also challenged industrial agricultural practices that prioritize profit over sustainability, particularly the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming.

“Reserve antibiotics for diagnosed illness, not for growth promotion,” he urged.

Through practical examples from his own farming experiences, he demonstrated that organic and sustainable farming methods remain viable alternatives capable of improving both environmental and public health outcomes.

Agroecology, Animal Welfare, and Climate Justice

The convening also placed significant attention on the environmental and social consequences of industrial factory farming.

Salome Kahiu of World Animal Protection delivered a passionate intervention on the need for humane and sustainable food systems that prioritize ecosystems, communities, and long-term resilience.

Participants discussed how industrial livestock systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, ecosystem destruction, zoonotic disease risks, and the marginalization of smallholder farmers.

“Without putting a limit to factory farming, the Paris Agreement objectives cannot be achieved fully,” Salome Kahiu stated.

She further challenged development models that undermine local agricultural systems and community resilience.

“True development uplifts people, improves ecosystems and saves lives and not the opposite,” she added.

Her intervention resonated strongly with participants who emphasized the importance of agroecology, food sovereignty, and African-led development pathways rooted in local realities.

Grassroots Voices at the Center

A defining strength of the breakfast convening was the deliberate inclusion of grassroots voices, youth leaders, and civil society organizations in shaping the conversation.

Mariam Yussif of Women Environmental Program Ghana highlighted the barriers women farmers face in accessing land ownership and financing.

“Most small farm owners are not the owners of the land they farm on hence it makes it difficult to get funding,” she explained.

Her contribution shed light on the gender inequalities embedded within agricultural systems and the urgent need for targeted support for women farmers.

Similarly, Dorcas Antwi Amponsem of the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement emphasized the importance of African ownership in food systems transformation.

“We must own our stories and leadership if we are pushing for food sovereignty,” she stated.

These interventions reinforced a central message throughout the convening: sustainable transformation cannot happen without empowering local communities, youth, women, and smallholder farmers.

Innovation and Collaboration as Pathways Forward

Participants repeatedly emphasized that Africa’s food systems challenges require collaborative and innovative solutions.

Alfred Kobina Dadzie Wilson from the Department of Agriculture at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly proposed innovative recycling solutions capable of simultaneously addressing waste management and irrigation challenges.

“Plastic waste can be recycled into irrigation structures to reduce their impact on the environment while supporting irrigation,” he suggested.

The convening also demonstrated the growing importance of partnerships between civil society organizations, governments, development institutions, researchers, and grassroots actors.

By creating space for open dialogue and shared learning, the breakfast meeting successfully strengthened networks ahead of the 4th Africa Food Systems Transformation Meeting while laying foundations for future collaboration beyond the conference itself.

A Shared Commitment to a Resilient Africa

At its core, the Frontline for Climate Action Breakfast Convening was about more than policy discussions—it was about building a shared vision for Africa’s future.

Participants left the meeting with renewed urgency and collective commitment to:

• Strengthening climate resilience

• Advancing agroecology

• Supporting smallholder farmers

• Promoting humane food systems

• Amplifying grassroots leadership

• Driving inclusive food systems transformation

The conversations in Accra reflected a broader continental awakening: Africa’s food systems must be transformed in ways that protect people, ecosystems, and future generations.

As participants concluded:

“Together, we can transform food systems for a resilient Africa.” – Vera Maku Sebbie

Frontline Communication Team

Frontline for Climate Action.