The Small Grants Mechanism (NLGF)

COP 30: Food Systems Elevated but Little Progress on Agriculture Negotiations

It’s been two months since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) at the Hangar Convention Centre in Belém, Brazil. Expectations had been high ahead of COP 30, as the Brazilian Presidency had positioned food and agriculture as one of the six axes of its Action Agenda and a priority area of investment in the Baku-to-Belem Roadmap. Despite the recognition and increased elevation of food systems during COP, the Global Mutirão - one key text within the Belém Package agreed to by all 195 participating countries - contained no reference to agriculture or food systems.

Grassroots Livelihoods Strengthened through the Next Level Grant Facility

After years of advocacy, Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) and the community of Lamu are now taking their climate justice efforts to the next level, focusing on livelihood-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This new shift was made possible through funding from the Next Level Grant Facility (NLGF) by the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, with LAWA recommending six active community groups for support.

Africa Climate Summit: moving from victimhood to climate justice

The 2025 Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa focused on accelerating global climate solutions. Since the first edition in Nairobi in 2023, the narrative has shifted. The story of the continent is no longer one of victimhood. This year, Africa showed it can be an active player, investor, contributor and leader in innovation towards global climate solutions. However, the elephant in the room remains: unlocking climate finance and a green agenda that truly caters for the needs of the African population.

Amplifying Community Voices in Kenya

In Kenya’s Narok, Nakuru, Lamu, and Marsabit Counties, communities are not just responding to climate change, they’re shaping the solutions. Through the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) program, local institutions and marginalised groups have been empowered to lead climate adaptation efforts that reflect their lived realities and priorities.