Contributors: Joanes Atela, Humphrey Agevi , Nancy Mutwii, Jerry Ariel, Eurallyah Akinyi, Ezekiel Gogo, Florence Onyango
The “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Climate Resilience Solutions in Africa”project aims to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, which significantly impacts ecosystems, livelihoods, and economies across the continent. The project is spearheaded by the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi (UoN) and focuses on harnessingArtificial Intelligence (AI) to build resilience and adaptive capacities in response to climate-related risks.
The inception workshop, held on January 30, 2025, gathered diverse stakeholders,including policymakers, researchers, private sector innovators, and civil society organizations. The workshop aimed to introduce the project’s vision, present findings from the scoping and capacity needs assessment, gather feedback, and foster an understanding of AI’s potential in climate resilience.
Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for innovative, data-driven solutions to enhance climate resilience, emphasizing AI’s capabilities in predictive analytics and real-time data processing. However, significant barriers to AI implementation were identified, including a shortage of skilled professionals, limited training opportunities, and gender disparities in the AI field. The workshop underscored the importance of building AI capacity among early-career researchers and policymakers, alongside fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Expected outcomes of the workshop included enhanced stakeholder understanding of the project’s goals, increased awareness of capacity gaps in applying AI for climate action, and a prioritized action plan for capacity-building initiatives. Participants committed to supporting and participating in these initiatives to ensure sustainable AI integration into climate resilience strategies. In conclusion, the project seeks to position Africa as a leader in AI-driven climate resilience solutions, advocating for tailored approaches that address local challenges and foster inclusivity. By leveraging AI’s potential, the initiative aims to transform climate adaptation strategies, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihoods across the continent.
