Climate-Smart Agriculture:
building resilience between Brazil and Africa

As the world confronts the escalating impacts of climate change, agriculture stands both at the frontline of risk — and at the heart of solutions. For Brazil and Africa, two regions deeply reliant on agriculture for livelihoods, food security, and economic growth, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has become an urgent and transformative pathway.

Climate-smart agriculture is more than just a buzzword. It means developing farming systems that increase productivity, adapt to changing conditions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions — all while protecting forests, soil, and water. In both Brazil and across African countries, these principles are not only relevant — they are critical.

From prolonged droughts to devastating floods, farmers in Brazil’s Legal Amazon and across the African continent are already experiencing the harsh reality of a changing climate. According to the FAO, over 60% of Africa’s workforce depends on small-scale, often subsistence farming. Similarly, in Brazil, rural communities are key drivers of national food production but are highly vulnerable to extreme weather.

Recent initiatives — from Brazil’s leadership in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at the G20 in Rio, to Africa’s continental push for climate justice — show how vital international partnerships are in boosting resilience and food security.

Innovation in action

In practice, CSA involves technologies like climate-resilient seeds, efficient water management, precision agriculture, and regenerative practices that restore degraded lands. Brazil has emerged as a global reference in tropical agriculture research, with institutions like Embrapa leading the way. In Africa, countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are piloting smart irrigation, agroforestry, and mobile solutions to connect farmers with vital weather and market data.

For both regions, knowledge exchange is a game changer. By sharing best practices, technology, and research, Brazil and Africa can accelerate the transition to resilient, low-emission farming models.

Why it matters now

The stakes are high. As the concept note for the Brazil Africa Forum 2025 highlights, food security is deeply linked to climate resilience. Global food systems contribute around 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable practices fuel deforestation and biodiversity loss — with lasting consequences for communities and economies alike.

Investing in climate-smart agriculture helps bridge this gap. It not only protects farmers and ecosystems but also opens new markets and creates opportunities for sustainable trade between Brazil, Africa, and beyond.

This year, the Brazil Africa Forum 2025 will dedicate a key track to climate-smart agriculture, convening leaders, innovators, and communities to exchange insights and forge partnerships. It is through collaborative action that Brazil and Africa can chart a course towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural futures.