Eastern Africa Faces Food Security Risks Amidst Triple Crisis

The Ministry of Planning and Development has reported that the convergence of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—collectively known as the triple planetary crisis—is significantly threatening food security in Eastern Africa. This situation is eroding decades of economic progress in the region.

Addressing Environmental Threats

State Minister of Planning and Development Seyoum Mekonnen, speaking at the opening of a four-day Global Environment Facility (GEF) Expanded Constituency Workshop in Addis Ababa, emphasized that environmental protection must be prioritized. He stated that environmental protection is now a critical factor for survival and future prosperity. Eastern Africa is currently facing erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and accelerating ecosystem degradation, which are displacing communities, straining livelihoods, and burdening national economies.

Ethiopia’s Climate Initiatives

Ethiopia has committed to aligning climate action with sustainable development. Initiatives include the Green Legacy Initiative, which has resulted in the planting of over 48 billion seedlings in the past seven years, and investments in renewable energy, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Other efforts include large-scale urban corridor development programs, sustainable food system reforms under the YeLemat Tirufat initiative, and a ban on the import of fossil fuel-based passenger vehicles to promote electric mobility.

Africa’s Climate Leadership

Addis Ababa hosted the Second Africa Climate Summit in September 2025, which adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration. This event was described as a turning point in Africa’s climate narrative, signaling a shift toward solution-driven leadership. Ethiopia’s selection to host COP32 in November 2027 reflects the country’s growing role in global climate leadership.

Financial Needs and GEF’s Role

Despite these efforts, current global climate and environmental finance falls short of what is required. While acknowledging the role of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Seyoum Mekonnen called for faster approval processes and increased financial flows to developing countries, particularly in Africa. He urged participants to enhance access to funding, prioritize country-driven projects, and strengthen regional partnerships.

GEF Support for Eastern Africa

GEF Africa Coordinator Jonky Tenou noted that Eastern Africa, while rich in environmental assets and resilience, faces interconnected challenges including climate variability, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution. The GEF workshop aims to enable Eastern African countries to engage more effectively in addressing these shared environmental threats. Two climate financing mechanisms are currently supporting African countries, including Ethiopia, with adaptation efforts and low-carbon development initiatives. Ethiopia is recognized as a country demonstrating notable progress in utilizing these resources.