climate resilience

Africa’s Food Future: Soil, Youth, and Climate Resilience Seize Center Stage

Dakar, Senegal recently hosted nearly 6,000 participants from 106 countries at the 2025 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum), signaling a pivotal moment for the continent’s agricultural transformation. The forum underscored a growing consensus: the future of food security in Africa hinges on prioritizing soil health, empowering youth, and building climate resilience.

The Soil is the Foundation

A central theme emerging from the AFS Forum was the critical importance of soil health. Commissioner for Agriculture at the African Union Commission, Moses Vilakati, framed soil health not merely as a technical issue, but as a strategic priority for food sovereignty, climate adaptation, and rural employment. With 65% of Africa’s land already degraded, the urgency of addressing this challenge is paramount.

Discussions centered on the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, exploring how continental commitments can translate into tangible action at the country level. Restoring and mapping Africa’s soils is seen as essential, requiring robust data, sustained investment, and collaboration across science, policy, and farmer practice.

A farmer harvests rice, illustrating how research and policy discussions translate into practices that support food production and rural livelihoods. Photo by Axel Fassio / CIFOR-ICRAF.

Youth as Drivers of Change

The AFS Forum highlighted a shift in perspective regarding youth involvement in agriculture – from viewing them as beneficiaries to recognizing them as co-creators. Young professionals, like Jenice Achieng of YPARD Kenya, emphasized the power of soil data and digital tools (GIS mapping, mobile applications, drones, and artificial intelligence) to empower young farmers, reduce costs, and increase profits.

The need for innovative financing and inclusive policies that support youth-led agricultural ventures was a recurring message. The forum underscored that youth leadership is not just desirable, but fundamental to building resilient food systems.

Bridging Science, Policy, and Finance

The Forum showcased successful examples of how science, finance, and governance can converge to scale proven solutions. Case studies included the IsDB Food Security Response Program and Uganda’s Local Economic Growth support program, demonstrating the impact of targeted public investment.

AfricaRice presented climate-resilient rice varieties yielding up to nine tonnes per hectare in the Senegal River basin. CIFOR-ICRAF highlighted its Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF), deployed in 45 countries to provide actionable soil health data for decision-makers and farmers.

Multilateral Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

Speakers consistently emphasized the importance of multilateral partnerships and co-investment frameworks to accelerate innovation in key value chains, including millet, sorghum, potato, and livestock. The IsDB–CGIAR partnership was cited as a model for aligning science, policy, and finance in support of resilient food systems.

Speakers and partners at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, following a session on accelerating food systems transformation through collaboration and innovation. Photo by CIFOR-ICRAF.

Panelists standing on stage at the IsDB–CGIAR Supporting Food System Transformations session at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar. — Panelists at the IsDB–CGIAR session Supporting Food System Transformations: Accelerating Impact through Innovation and Partnership during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar. Photo by CIFOR-ICRAF.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

The AFS Forum 2025 in Dakar represents a turning point, signaling a collective commitment to translate ambition into action. The focus on soil health, youth empowerment, and climate resilience is not merely a set of priorities, but the fundamental pillars upon which Africa’s future food systems will be built.

Acknowledgements

Africa Food Systems Forum is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African food systems forward.

CIFOR–ICRAF contributed to advancing critical discussions on soil health, agroforestry and climate-resilient landscapes, reinforcing its commitment to science-based, equitable and youth-inclusive agricultural transformation

Florida’s Power Grid: Forecasting the Future of Energy Security

As hurricane season looms and energy demands continue to climb, the Sunshine State is at a crossroads. The recent history of extreme weather events, coupled with an increasingly volatile energy market, necessitates a proactive approach to safeguarding Florida’s power grid. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about securing the economic future, public safety, and long-term prosperity of the state. Let’s dive into the emerging trends and what they mean for Floridians.

The Texas Blackout Lessons: A Stark Reminder

The devastating winter storm that crippled Texas a few years back served as a harsh lesson. Rolling blackouts and widespread infrastructure failure highlighted critical vulnerabilities in energy preparation, regulation, and investment. Florida, with its own unique challenges from hurricanes, must heed these warnings. Protecting taxpayers means planning ahead and investing in a resilient energy infrastructure before disaster strikes. This proactive approach is far more cost-effective than reacting to crises.

Did you know? The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimated the economic impact of the 2021 blackout to be between $195 billion and $295 billion.

Beyond the Storms: Navigating a Changing Energy Landscape

Energy security is no longer a simple equation. External factors, such as international tariffs and supply chain disruptions, are becoming increasingly relevant. While Florida may not directly rely on Canadian electricity, the interconnected nature of the energy market means the state is not immune to price fluctuations or supply shortages in other regions. The future demands a comprehensive approach to energy security that considers both physical infrastructure and economic realities.

Pro Tip: Regularly review your home and business energy consumption. Simple changes can reduce your vulnerability to price spikes and grid instability.

Building a Resilient Grid: Key Investment Areas

The path forward for Florida involves strategic investments in critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. These initiatives are not optional, but necessities.

Grid Modernization

Investing in underground power lines, microgrids, and other resilient infrastructure is paramount. Underground lines, for example, are far less susceptible to hurricane damage. Microgrids, which can operate independently of the main grid, provide critical backup power during outages. These innovations increase the speed of recovery, lower costs, and minimize disruptions to businesses and residents alike. They also bolster our food supply chains and enhance state and national security.

Cybersecurity Fortification

Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are a growing threat. Power grids are particularly vulnerable targets. Florida must invest heavily in cutting-edge cybersecurity measures to protect against cyberattacks that could disrupt power systems, shut down essential services, and inflict widespread economic damage and potential loss of life and property.

For more details on protecting against cyber threats, see our article on Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure.

Smart Regulation

Policymakers must strike a careful balance in energy regulation. Smart regulation can foster accountability and prevent failures, but excessive red tape could hinder innovation and private-sector investment. Florida must continually evaluate its energy policies to ensure they encourage reliability, stimulate private-sector investment, and shield taxpayers from undue financial burdens. For insight into how other states are adapting regulations, see our comparative analysis of energy regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are microgrids?

A: Microgrids are localized energy grids that can operate independently from the main power grid, providing backup power during outages.

Q: Why is cybersecurity so important for the power grid?

A: Cyberattacks can cripple the power grid, leading to widespread blackouts and economic damage.

Q: How can I prepare for power outages?

A: Have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery system, and keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, food, and water.

Q: What role do underground power lines play?

A: They significantly reduce the risk of damage from hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

Q: How does this impact my business?

A: Power outages can severely impact businesses, causing lost productivity, revenue, and potential damage to equipment. Prepare for the unexpected with these Business Continuity Tips.

The Path to a Secure Energy Future

The cost of being prepared is far less than the cost of dealing with widespread failure. By prioritizing grid modernization, cybersecurity, and balanced regulatory oversight, Florida can ensure its energy future is stable, secure, and affordable. The time to act is now. Let’s work together to make certain the lights stay on, businesses thrive, and Florida’s residents are protected.

What are your thoughts on Florida’s energy future? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates!

soil health, youth and climate