The aim in Nairobi is to shift the discussion to focus on agriculture, as a sector of immense importance in Africa and hugely relevant to Climate Change and gender issues. The purpose of GS18 is to apply a scientific perspective on the interactions between agriculture, climate change and gender issues, and also to identify cases of best practice in innovation, development interventions, education, entrepreneurship, and policy measures relevant for Africa.

While Africa contributes less than four per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, severe drought, and flooding have increased the risk of famine, diseases, and increased poverty, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on agriculture for survival, and women in particular. The vast majority of African women depend on subsistence farming for their survival and to supplement their livelihoods.