Experts at the WATDEV International Conference have issued a call for improved soil and water management practices across Africa, citing increasing climate pressures and growing food demands. The conference highlighted the strain these factors place on the continent’s agricultural systems. Participants, including Executive Director Sylvester Baguna, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable development strategies within the food and agriculture sector. These strategies aim to bolster agricultural resilience and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate. Discussions focused on climate-smart water management as a key component of these solutions. Failure to address these issues, experts warn, could exacerbate existing challenges and hinder future agricultural productivity across East Africa and beyond. The conference served as a platform to advocate for proactive measures and collaborative efforts to safeguard Africa’s food systems.