The Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF), in collaboration with civil society partners, has developed a regional position paper outlining 13 key recommendations to strengthen the East African Community (EAC) Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2036, ensuring that smallholder farmers’ priorities, experiences and solutions are reflected in regional climate policies and their implementation.

The position paper draws on recommendations from the EAC Farmers’ Regional Dialogue on Climate Change, held virtually on 21 September 2026, which brought together more than 300 participants, including smallholder farmers, civil society organizations, government representatives, the EAC Secretariat, media and development partners.

The recommendations call for meaningful farmer participation in climate governance, increased investment in agroecology, direct access to climate finance, strengthened early warning systems, locally led adaptation, effective Loss and Damage mechanisms, and greater accountability in climate financing and implementation.

Developed ahead of the regional validation of the EAC Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan in Machakos, Kenya, the position paper emphasizes that smallholder farmers must be recognized not merely as beneficiaries of climate action, but as rights-holders, knowledge holders, innovators and decision-makers.

Read and download the full position paper below to explore the priority recommendations for building a more inclusive, farmer-centred and climate-resilient East Africa.