
Global partners pledged over $1 billion to implement the groundbreaking Weather Innovation Package, unveiled during the COP29 Summit in Azerbaijan. This initiative by the Agriculture Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) will provide smallholder farmers with essential weather information. It seeks to enhance climate resilience and productivity across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, focusing on adaptation to climate change. Notably, this effort is supported by the Gates Foundation, UAE, NASA, and development banks, reflecting a collaborative global vision.
Other organizations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Inter-American Development Bank, and USAID, are collaborating with Congress through PREPARE. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, MIT, and MBZUAI are working with WMO and SOFF.
The Weather Innovation Package represents a critical advancement for vulnerable agricultural communities, offering them the tools to mitigate climate risks. Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, described Seasonal Climate Prediction as a proven model for scaling weather services effectively. Representing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), he remarked, “Our agrometeorological systems must support initiatives like #EW4ALL to ensure farmers receive timely and accurate forecasts.” Moreover, in Nigeria, projects funded by the Gates Foundation have demonstrated significant progress in scaling these services.
Highlighting the programme’s potential, Dr. Amna al Dahak, UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment, praised the initiative’s innovative approach. “This initiative accelerates our search for innovative agricultural practices while dismantling barriers to scaling up climate-smart farming,” she said. These remarks underscore the emphasis on overcoming systemic challenges to reach more farmers globally.
Nobel laureate Michael Kremer, Chair of AIM for Scale’s Advisory Panel, emphasized the importance of investments in transforming global food security. He explained, “Reliable weather forecasts transform agricultural productivity for smallholders, yet the challenge of reaching them persists. AIM for Scale bridges this gap with critical partnerships and funding.” Therefore, such partnerships exemplify the convergence of expertise and resources required to tackle agricultural challenges on a global scale.
By empowering millions of farmers with high-quality weather data, this innovation package, therefore, underscores a commitment to fostering climate-smart agriculture. Additionally, through strategic partnerships, robust investments, and innovative tools, AIM for Scale is, in turn, paving the way for sustainable farming practices worldwide.