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Climate change and food security in Africa

Summary

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The 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] 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] The agricultural industry is responsible for more than 60% of full time employment in Africa, millions of people in Africa depend on the agricultural industry for their economic well-being and means of subsistence.[3] A variety of climate change-related factors such as worsening pests and diseases that damage agriculture and livestock, altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, droughts, and floods are having a negative impact on the agricultural industry in Africa.[4] Many African populations access to food is being impacted by these climate effects on the agricultural industry, which result in a trend of decreasing crop yields, animal losses, and rising food prices.[5][6][7]

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

Effects of climate change on African food security edit

Since 1961 in Africa, anthropogenic climate change has been attributed to a 34% loss in agricultural total factor productivity, which measures agricultural production as well as livestock.[7] The reduction in crop yields brought on by altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures is one of the most significant effects.[8] Climate change has also boosted the prevalence of pests and illnesses, endangering agricultural output and livestock production.[9] Similar to agriculture, for many people in Africa, livestock is a vital source of food, income, and labor, which increases these communities vulnerability too, and exacerbates the food security situation.[10] In Nigeria and Kenya, drought and desertification are destroying grazing land at an increasing rate, leading to competition and violent conflict between livestock owners over grazeland.[11][12] Many Africans now find it difficult to afford food due to rising food prices brought on by these losses, as of 2020, 77% of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa cannot afford to eat a healthy diet.[6] Additionally, because of the nutrition needs of adolescent women compared to men, more expensive foods are required to meet the nutrition baseline. Because of the increasing lack of these foods, in some places in Africa like Ghana, the cost for a nutrition adequate diet for women is three times that of a similar aged man.[6] 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 Delta and coal-fired power plants in South Africa.[13] But, the continent's forests are rapidly disappearing because of desertification and deforestation, which has negative consequences for both Africa and the climate at large.[14] Despite having very low carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to other places, Africa is more vulnerable than other continents to the damaging effects of climate change because of its unique vulnerabilities and reliance on climate sensitive resources.[15] 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 edit

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. [16]

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[17]
  • Insurance program

References edit

  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. ^ Beltran-Peña, A., & D’Odorico, P. (2022). Future food security in Africa under climate change. Earth's Future, 10, e2022EF002651. https://doi. org/10.1029/2022EF002651
  4. ^ Welsh, Caitlin (2021). “The Effects of Climate Change in Africa.” (Report). Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
  5. ^ FAO Regional Office for Africa (2009). Climate change in Africa: The threat to agriculture. Gamel Abdul Nasser Road, Accra: FAO Regional Office for Africa.
  6. ^ a b c "Publication preview page | FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations". FAODocuments. doi:10.4060/ca9692en. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  7. ^ a b Ortiz-Bobea, Ariel; Ault, Toby R.; Carrillo, Carlos M.; Chambers, Robert G.; Lobell, David B. (2021-04-01). "Anthropogenic climate change has slowed global agricultural productivity growth". Nature Climate Change. 11 (4): 306–312. arXiv:2007.10415. doi:10.1038/s41558-021-01000-1. ISSN 1758-6798.
  8. ^ 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)
  9. ^ "Publication preview page | FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations". FAODocuments. doi:10.4060/cb3673en. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  10. ^ "Climate change in Africa: What will it mean for agriculture and food security?". www.ilri.org. 2022-02-28. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  11. ^ Pereira, Laura (2017-03-29), "Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture across Africa", Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199389414.013.292, ISBN 978-0-19-938941-4, retrieved 2024-04-23
  12. ^ Gleick, Peter; Iceland, Charles; Trivedi, Ayushi (2020-02-09). "Ending Conflicts Over Water". World Resources Institute. doi:10.46830/wrirpt.19.00081.
  13. ^ Giwa, Solomon (2014). Emission Inventory for Gas flaring in Nigeria (PDF). LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
  14. ^ Maisharou, A.; Chirwa, P.W.; Larwanou, M.; Babalola, F.; Ofoegbu, C. (2015). "Sustainable land management practices in the Sahel: review of practices, techniques and technologies for land restoration and strategy for up-scaling". The International Forestry Review. 17: 1–19. ISSN 1465-5489.
  15. ^ Bele, Mekou Y.; Sonwa, Denis J.; Tiani, Anne M. (2014). "Local Communities Vulnerability to Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in Bukavu in DR Congo". The Journal of Environment & Development. 23 (3): 331–357. ISSN 1070-4965.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ "Integrated surveillance and climate-informed health early warning systems". www.who.int. Retrieved 2023-03-21.

External links edit

  • https://reliefweb.int/organization/kenya-red-cross
  • https://www.uncclearn.org/wp-content/uploads/library/fao34.pdf