Strategic Knowledge Exchange Visit on Rice GHG Sampling Methodshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Group-Photo-of-ResearchTeam-and-Africa-Rice-Staff-e1762285951223.jpg1280880JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Strategic Knowledge Exchange Visit on Rice GHG Sampling Methods
From 11–13 June 2025, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP), in collaboration with AfricaRice, co-convened a “Strategic Knowledge Exchange Visit on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Sampling Methods”. The visit brought together researchers from the Institute for Agricultural Research – Ahmadu Bello University and Federal University Dutse (Nigeria), and the AfricaRice Center (Côte d’Ivoire), with the aim of fostering peer-to-peer learning and enhancing technical expertise in GHG emission measurement in rice cultivation.
Photo:Institute for Agricultural Research delegates at AfricaRice research center
This initiative supported the outcomes of a grant agreement between the SouthSouthNorth (SSN) and the Institute for Agricultural Research, focusing on building institutional capacity and strengthening collaboration between Nigerian institutions and AfricaRice. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a combination of field visits, laboratory tours, and technical training.
The visit began with a warm welcome from the Deputy Director of Research and Innovation, followed by an overview of AfricaRice’s diverse programs and field visits to key experimental sites. Delegates explored cutting-edge research on biochar and nitrogen fertilizer trials, rice-fish culture systems, water and nutrient management, multiple-harvest rice varieties, cropping system diversification, and seed multiplication units.
The second day focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement techniques, featuring in-depth sessions on static chamber-based sampling methods and practical demonstrations for methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide collection, complemented by laboratory visits to observe gas chromatography analysis.
Photo: Demonstration of GHG Sampling at AfricaRice’s Biodiversity Field
The exchange concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaboration, apply improved GHG measurement techniques in ongoing research, and contribute to the development of more accurate, climate-smart agricultural policies across West Africa.
Photo: Mr. Auwal from Nigeria taking a GHG Sample
Key Outcomes
Participants gained valuable experience in GHG data collection, handling, and analysis.
Strengthened research linkages/collaboration between Nigerian institutions and Africa Rice Center.
The training directly supports the effective rollout of the AfCAP-funded baseline GHG emissions project in Nigeria.
Insights from the workshop will guide future contributions to national climate reporting, including Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Nigeria Launches Baseline GHG Emissions Study for Rice Sector Under the Rice CoP Seed Funding Initiative
In September last year, the African Climate Action Partnership launched a funding call to support the collection of baseline Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission data from paddy rice production across Africa. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Rice Community of Practice (CoP) to promote low-emission, climate-resilient rice farming on the continent. The aim is to better understand the sector’s contribution to GHG emissions, especially methane, and to inform more sustainable practices.
Following a competitive selection process, the seed funding was awarded to the Institute for Agricultural Research at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Their project will establish the first national baseline inventory of GHG emissions from rice farming in Nigeria and will run from May 2025 to July 2026.
Photo: GHG Sampling chamber in rice paddy field at AfricaRice’s Mbé Research Station
The project is structured in three key phases. The first phase focused on detailed planning, site selection, and stakeholder engagement to ensure local relevance and support. This will be followed by the second phase, which centers on field data collection, gas sampling, and laboratory analysis. The final phase will involve data analysis, reporting, dissemination of findings, and the development of policy recommendations. As part of its methodology, the project will conduct baseline surveys with rice farmers, followed by gas sampling to monitor methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions across selected farm sites.
In addition, the project will build national capacity in GHG measurement techniques within rice-based systems, laying the foundation for ongoing monitoring, evidence-based policymaking, and the advancement of climate-smart agriculture. The data generated will play a critical role in shaping climate policy, guiding mitigation actions, and supporting Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Photo: Project team member taking a GHG sample
Since the project’s launch, several foundational activities have been undertaken to ensure smooth and effective implementation. To further strengthen technical capacity, AfCAP and AfricaRice co-organised an institutional exchange between the research team and AfricaRice. This exchange provided valuable hands-on training in the use of static chambers and associated equipment for gas flux measurements, while also fostering collaboration in gas analysis, methodological guidance, and alignment with international best practices for GHG emission measurement in rice systems. In parallel, the team successfully developed and tested baseline survey tools, procured necessary equipment, and initiated the fabrication of IRRI-standard GHG sampling chambers to support field data collection.
Photo:AfricaRice demonstrating GHG sampling to project team at the Biodiversity Field at Mbé Research Station
To date, significant progress has been made in laying the groundwork, including engaging key stakeholders, building the technical capacity of researchers, developing survey tools, and preparing and assembling sampling equipment. With these foundational elements in place, the project team is now well-positioned to begin field deployment and generate the critical baseline data needed to support climate-smart rice production in Nigeria.
Advancing Climate-Smart Rice Production through Cross-Country Learninghttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_9714-scaled-e1750336439571.jpg23291275JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Advancing Climate-Smart Rice Production through Cross-Country Learning: Insights from Tanzania, Liberia and Kenya
From 26th to 28th May 2025, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP), in collaboration with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), hosted a country knowledge exchange visit on “Promoting Climate-Smart Rice Production in Tanzania, Liberia, and Kenya.” The event brought together rice experts and government representatives from the three countries to strengthen technical capacity, foster cross-country learning, and promote collaboration around climate-smart rice technologies and policy integration.
The first day laid the foundation for meaningful engagement, beginning with welcome remarks from Tanzanian officials and an introduction to TARI’s role in advancing rice research. AfCAP presented the objectives of the exchange and introduced the Rice Community of Practice (CoP), setting the tone for collaborative learning and regional knowledge sharing. Participants were also invited to share their expectations and network with peers from across the continent.
Photo: Delegates during Day 1’s opening Session
Morning sessions explored the broader context of rice cultivation under climate change, with experts discussing both the challenges and opportunities of adopting climate-smart practices. Country representatives from Tanzania, Kenya, and Liberia presented overviews of their national rice development strategies, offering comparative insights into efforts to enhance resilience and productivity. In the afternoon, an interactive group discussion focused on aligning national rice programmes, followed by a showcase of Tanzania’s innovations, highlighting new technologies and approaches for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Photo: Liberian & Kenyan Delegates during an interactive activity
The second day opened with reflections on insights gained from Day 1, providing a thoughtful transition into country-led knowledge sharing. Delegates from Kenya and Liberia presented their experiences with implementing climate-smart rice practices. Their presentations highlighted innovative field technologies, such as improved water management systems and low-emission farming methods, alongside policy frameworks that support these initiatives. These sessions provided participants with valuable perspectives on how national contexts shape the adoption of climate-smart solutions.
Photo: Liberian delegate providing feedback during the interactivity from Day 2
In the afternoon, an engaging interactive session allowed participants to discuss how lessons learned could be adapted to their own country programmes. Topics included emission reduction strategies, resilience building, and productivity enhancement, all while supporting farmer livelihoods. Key takeaways were captured by rapporteurs and shared in plenary, emphasizing the importance of continued cross-country collaboration. The day closed with an introduction to the upcoming field visits, which would allow participants to observe how research, policy, and practice intersect in Tanzania’s rice sector.
Photo: Delegates at the Murzah Wilmar Rice Millers
The final day of the exchange featured a field tour to key irrigation schemes and research facilities in Tanzania, offering participants a firsthand look at climate-smart innovations in action. The tour began at Murzah Wilmar Rice Millers in Morogoro, where delegates observed the full rice processing chain, from seed cleaning and milling to final packaging. This visit offered valuable insights into how private sector engagement and post-harvest technologies are improving efficiency, reducing losses, and strengthening the resilience of rice value chains.
Photo: AfCAP Secretariat with delegates at local rice farmer’s paddy field
As part of the field visit, the group also met a local rice farmer working in the paddy fields, who shared practical insights into his cultivation practices. He demonstrated key techniques such as efficient water management, crop rotation, and the use of improved seed varieties, all aimed at boosting productivity while adapting to climate variability. This visit provided participants with a ground-level perspective on how climate-smart practices are being implemented at the farm level.
This hands-on experience complemented the technical sessions held throughout the exchange, underscoring the importance of bridging the gap between research and real-world application. Witnessing these practices in the field highlighted the need for continued collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and farmers to ensure that innovations are not only developed but also adopted in ways that are practical, scalable, and sustainable.
To read more about the outcomes and next steps from the event, download the meeting report below:
Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)https://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-02-26-06.20.08-1-scaled-e1742208834202.jpg23801416JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Powering the Future: Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)
The much-anticipated 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week(SADC-SEW) was held in Gaborone, Botswana from the 24th – 28th February 2025. The theme of this year’s SADC-SEW was centred around “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Solutions for an Energy Secure SADC Region” aiming to catalyse the adoption of sustainable energy practices across the region. The conference focused on highlighting key opportunities in the renewable energy, energy efficiency sectors and programmes along the energy value chain and fostered collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.
The five-day event brought together key stakeholders such as high-level international, regional and national officials, as well as representatives from public and private sectors to address the pressing energy challenges faced by the SADC region, as well as, to highlight successful energy initiatives within the region.
In parallel to SADC-SEW, the Botswana government convened the sixth International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC).The conference brought together officials, experts and practitioners from different regions of the world to discuss how off-grid renewables can aid the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) whilst supporting other sustainable development climate goals. The theme of this year’s conference was focused on “Translating commitments to actions: off-grid renewables for socioeconomic development and climate action”. During the conference, discussions were centred around enabling policies, financing schemes, innovative business models and technology applications for scaling up off-grid renewable energy.
During the IOREC conference the Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) project co-hosted a side event with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) African Mini-Grid Programme (AMP). The event, titled “Mini-Grids as Infrastructure: Barriers, Opportunities, and Lessons Learnt,” explored key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Photo:Speakers during the panel discussion
The side session featured a panel discussion with speakers from both the public and private sectors. The panellists shared their perspectives on current energy usage and access in rural areas, as well as the measures in place to expand energy availability. During the discussion, they emphasised the need to consider not only energy access itself but also its impact on infrastructure and the opportunities it can create for these communities.
Mr. Gillian-Alexandre, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access, highlighted the need for strategic measures to support off-grid energy solutions. He emphasised the challenges of setting electricity tariffs in rural areas and the importance of raising awareness about clustering projects to attract greater investment.
He explained that setting excessively high tariffs in rural areas could make electricity unaffordable, leading to underutilization. To address this, he suggested a balanced approach, such as establishing a fund that subsidizes rural electricity tariffs using revenue from urban areas.
Additionally, Gillian-Alexandre stressed the need for project clustering to attract commercial investment and increase private-sector involvement. This approach not only reduces potential risks but also makes projects more appealing to a wider range of stakeholders.
Photo: CLUB-ER & RMI’s AMP members during the side session
The second speaker, Mr. Ayodeji Ojo, Senior Associate for the African Energy Programme at RMI, highlighted the importance of well-defined, clear, and consistent policies for effective implementation. He also highlighted the critical need for strong public-private coordination to drive successful energy initiatives.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Kelly Linus Chanda, CEO of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in Zambia. She stressed that to secure $9.5 million in private sector investment, the government must be more responsive to the needs of private investors. This responsiveness, she explained, is essential for achieving the goals associated with the funding.
Photo:GGEEA Project team (AfCAP & CLUB-ER) & RMI and AMP representatives
Key takeaways from the discussions magnified the importance of balancing affordability and investment to expand energy access in rural areas, as well as the necessity of clustering projects to attract private-sector engagement. Additionally, the dialogue reinforced the need for clear, consistent policies to ensure the successful implementation of off-grid energy initiatives.
The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
Mobilising PUE technologies & finance to catalyse mini-grid development https://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GlWYALZWQAAxpM2.jpeg800400JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
WEBINAR: Mobilising PUE technologies & finance to catalyse mini-grid development
To accelerate the Productive Use of Energy (PUE) in mini-grid development across Africa, it is essential to deploy scalable technologies and innovative financing mechanisms tailored to local contexts. PUE not only stimulates economic growth in rural communities but also strengthens the bankability of mini-grid projects. Yet, developers and utilities often neglect the energy needs of end-users in their financial planning.
Integrating advanced, productivity-enhancing technologies, particularly in vital sectors like agriculture, is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of mini-grids. At the same time, mobilising finance for PUE must become a central priority. Innovative financial models are needed to embed PUE into mini-grid business strategies and make transformative technologies accessible to end-users.
Achieving this vision demands strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders, alongside active support from development funders.
The final webinar, “Mobilising PUE Technologies and Finance to Drive Mini-grid Expansion”, emphasised the pivotal role of financing in scaling energy solutions. It highlighted successful examples of technology and finance mobilisation, offering replicable models for deployment across Africa.
The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
Advancing Climate-Smart Rice Cultivation in Francophone Africa
Between the 11th – 13th of February 2025, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP), in collaboration with AfricaRice, co-convened the Francophone Rice Regional Forum entitled “Promouvoir la Riziculture Intelligente face au Climat en Afrique” in Bouake, Cote D’Ivoire. The forum brought together government agencies, national agricultural research centres and key stakeholders from Cote D’Ivoire, DRC, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar and Guinea.
The multi-day regional forum brought together researchers, scientists, policymakers, and key public and private rice sector representatives to share knowledge and explore challenges and opportunities in adopting climate-smart rice practices, technologies, and tools to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Africa’s rice sector.
The forum opened with introductory sessions that set the scene for discussions by defining key themes and objectives. A key highlight was the exploration of synergies between food security, climate resilience and GHG mitigation, emphasizing integrated approaches. Participants engaged in interactive activities to establish priorities before moving onto country-specific experiences. Day 1 concluded with reflections on best practices and innovative solutions implemented across the region.
Photo:Delegates during a group activity
The second day shifted focus to the design of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and strategies to strengthen national program support. Day 2 concluded with discussions on reinforcing commitments and ensuring long-term implementation.
Photo:Delegates at the M’be research station at AfricaRice
The final day of the forum provided hands-on learning through field and laboratory visits at the M’be Research Station. Delegates explored innovative rice farming techniques, including biochar application, nitrogen-based fertilizers, rice-fish systems, and water and fertilizer management strategies. These visits offered practical insights into diversification and multiple rice harvest systems tailored for Africa. The event officially concluded following the field visit.
This forum served as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, aligning strategies and driving sustainable rice cultivation transformation in response to climate challenges.
ICS and Climate Finance: Synergising Efforts for Sustainable Development
The global shift toward sustainable development and climate resilience has highlighted the link between energy, health, and the environment. Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) are key to reducing household air pollution, reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and providing economic benefits to economies. Climate finance—funds from developed nations and other sources—supports developing countries in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Integrating climate finance mechanisms is crucial to scaling ICS adoption and transitioning to cleaner energy. By providing financial support and investing in capacity-building, research and development, sustainable and locally driven solutions for clean cooking can be developed and aid in the reduction of GHG emissions and combat climate change.
Given this, on the 30th of October 2024, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded GIZ programme “Promotion of Climate-Friendly Cooking: Kenya and Senegal” co-hosted and resumed the webinar series on “Promoting ICS for reaching NDC targets”. The third webinar entitled “ICS and Climate Finance: Synergising Efforts for Sustainable Development” provided insights to the climate finance landscape and opportunities for clean cooking projects and explain how setting NDC targets can result into climate financing.
This webinar explored the role of climate finance in promoting ICS. Participants learnt about various climate financing mechanisms, the synergies between NDCs targets and climate financing. Best practices and success stories and innovative strategies to encourage collaboration among stakeholders were shared.
To view the recording of the webinar and presentations please use the links down below:
Sustainable Rice Farming: Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential with System of Rice Intensification (SRI)https://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pema-gyamtsho-uJGaMw-R9eU-unsplash-scaled-e1733836668774.jpg25601092JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Sustainable Rice Farming: Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential with System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Traditional rice-growing practices in Nigeria contribute to water scarcity and greenhouse gas emissions. Continuous flooding of rice fields leads to inefficient water use and exacerbates environmental problems, including methane emissions and climate change. There is an urgent need to switch from these conventional practices to more sustainable alternatives, such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI).
Research shows that SRI offers significant advantages over conventional rice cultivation. It improves water-use efficiency by promoting intermittent irrigation and aerobic soil conditions, thereby reducing methane emissions and increasing rice yields. SRI practices contribute to environmental sustainability while improving farmers’ livelihoods and food security. The policy brief proposes concrete recommendations to facilitate the adoption and scaling-up of SRI practices in Nigeria, such as policy support, financial incentives, capacity building, research and development, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
To read more on this Policy Brief download the brief below:
