African food security: A Ugandan man tends to his garden in Arokwo Village, Kapchorwa, Uganda in 2009 (Kate Holt/AusAID)

Climate effects of climate change on the availability, usability, and accessibility of food supplies in Africa are referred to as climate change and food security in Africa.[1] The agricultural industry in Africa is experiencing the impacts of climate change, which are manifesting as reduced crop yields, animal mortality, and increased food prices. The global climate is changing as a result of both human activity and natural variability, according to reports. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) highlights in its definition that climate change is caused by human activity, either directly or indirectly. Climate change at the global, continental, and sub-continental levels has been observed to include an increase in air and ocean temperatures, sea-level rise, a decrease in snow and ice extent, an increase and decrease in precipitation, changes in terrestrial and marine biological systems, and ocean acidification.[2] Africa's agriculture and climate change are strongly related, Millions of people in Africa depend on the agricultural industry for their economic well-being and means of subsistence. Yet a variety of climate change-related factors such as altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, droughts, and floods are having a negative impact on the agricultural industry. Many African populations access to food is being impacted by these effects, which include decreasing crop yields, animal losses, and rising food prices.[3]

Effects of climate change on African food security

Climate change has significantly impacted food security in Africa. The reduction in crop yields brought on by altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures is one of the most important effects.[4] Climate change has also boosted pests and illnesses, endangering food output even more. Many Africans now find it difficult to get food due to rising food prices brought on by crop loss. The loss of livestock due to disease and drought is another effect of climate change on food security in Africa. For many people in Africa, livestock is a vital source of food, income, and labor. "The loss of animals, which has also resulted in livelihood losses, has further exacerbated the food security situation.[5] Climate change poses a serious challenge to food security in Africa, where agricultural yields have been gradually dropping, and where population growth and increased demand for food, water, and forage increase the possibility of hunger and under-nutrition.

The main sources of Africa's 3.6% share of the world's Carbon dioxide emissions are gas flaring in the Niger and coal-fired power plants in South Africa.[6] But, the continent's forests are rapidly disappearing, which has terrible consequences for both Africa and the climate at large. Despite having very low carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to other places, Africa is more vulnerable than other continents to the damaging effects of extreme weather because of its unique vulnerabilities. In West Africa's arid and semi-arid regions, dry terrain or desert makes up three-quarters of the continent's surface. The Sahel is a region in East Africa Southern Africa, and Sudan. Economic activity is dependent on climate-sensitive industries, such as rain-fed agriculture, fisheries, mining, oil & gas, forestry, tourism, etc. Agriculture contributes around 70% of employment, 30% of GDP, and 50% of exports in a rain-fed economy. The agriculture industry serves as a safety net for rural poor people. People are increasingly susceptible since drought and flooding are more frequent and intense in many areas, including the nations surrounding the Rift Valley, the plains of Mozambique, Senegal, and The Gambia.

African food security and climate change adaptation strategies

Numerous adaptation measures are being implemented in Africa to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security. Among the most crucial strategies is the development and adoption of climate-resilient agricultural techniques. This involves utilizing crops that are resistant to drought, enhancing soil and water conservation, and utilizing integrated pest management. Additionally, diversifying sources of income is another adaptive technique that can be employed. Many African communities rely heavily on a single food or livestock source, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. By diversifying income sources, such as through off-farm revenue-generating activities, a buffer against climate shocks can be created. Furthermore, enhancing food distribution and storage methods may contribute to reduced food waste and increased food availability. Farmers may invest in climate-resilient practices and technologies by having better access to credit and financial services. [7]

The following adaptation strategies are being developed by individuals, groups, and institutions to mitigate climate change risks:

  • Climate-smart agriculture production
  • Diversification of sources of income and alternative livelihoods
  • Decentralization of local resource control
  • Alternative eco-friendly energy sources
  • Infrastructure development
  • Information on the climate
  • Early warning systems[8]
  • Insurance program

References

  1. ↑ "How Africa Can Escape Chronic Food Insecurity Amid Climate Change". IMF. 14 September 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  2. ↑ Ofori, Samuel Appiah; Cobbina, Samuel Jerry; Obiri, Samuel (2021). "Climate Change, Land, Water, and Food Security: Perspectives From Sub-Saharan Africa". Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5. doi:10.3389/fsufs.2021.680924. ISSN 2571-581X.
  3. ↑ FAO Regional Office for Africa (2009). Climate change in Africa: The threat to agriculture. Gamel Abdul Nasser Road, Accra: FAO Regional Office for Africa.
  4. ↑ Team, By Ellen Gray, NASA’s Earth Science News. "Global Climate Change Impact on Crops Expected Within 10 Years, NASA Study Finds". Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Retrieved 2023-03-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ "Climate change in Africa: What will it mean for agriculture and food security?". www.ilri.org. 2022-02-28. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  6. ↑ Giwa, Solomon (2014). Emission Inventory for Gas flaring in Nigeria (PDF). LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
  7. ↑ Aich, Amitava; Dey, Dipayan; Roy, Arindam (2022-07-28). "Climate change resilient agricultural practices: A learning experience from indigenous communities over India". PLOS Sustainability and Transformation. 1 (7): e0000022. doi:10.1371/journal.pstr.0000022. ISSN 2767-3197.
  8. ↑ "Integrated surveillance and climate-informed health early warning systems". www.who.int. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
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