The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $1.4 billion (approximately Ksh.180.8 billion) over the next four years to help farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia access technologies that will enable them to adapt to the growing impacts of extreme weather.
Speaking to Reuters ahead of next week’s COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil, Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO, said the funding will be directed toward agricultural innovations such as soil health mapping and biofertilizers that use microorganisms instead of chemicals to boost plant growth.
The announcement follows recent remarks by Bill Gates, who urged a shift in global climate strategy — away from emissions targets and toward supporting vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate shocks.
“These are the people who have contributed the least to global emissions but suffer the most from climate impacts — especially in their ability to feed themselves and their families,” Suzman told Reuters.
The United Nations has warned that climate-induced weather extremes continue to threaten food production and global nutrition.
A report by more than 20 organizations, including consultancy Systemiq, identified crop resilience, improved weather forecasting, and AI-enabled mapping as key areas requiring urgent investment.
Some organizations already supported by the Gates Foundation are advancing new agricultural technologies. The International Potato Center, for instance, recently unveiled a new blight-resistant potato variety developed by incorporating genes from wild potatoes found in Peru — a crucial innovation as rising temperatures allow the disease to spread to higher altitudes.
Another foundation-backed initiative, TomorrowNow, sends real-time weather updates via SMS to farmers across Africa, including Kenya and Rwanda, helping them make timely decisions on planting and harvesting.
Suzman emphasized that while agricultural research and development remain robust, the challenge lies in delivering these solutions to smallholder farmers who need them most.
“The jury is still out on whether we’ll truly see these innovations reach the poorest communities,” he added.
As the world heads into COP30, the Gates Foundation’s investment underscores a growing global focus on climate adaptation — shifting attention from political pledges to practical solutions that help farmers survive an increasingly unpredictable planet.
