Written by Dorine BenedictNations worldwide are tackling climate change and global warming trying to mitigate its impact on society. A study by the World Bank found that African nations however are being hit at a different level, with climate change affecting African agriculture and worsening food insecurity all over the continent.
Droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change make it more difficult for farmers to grow crops and herd livestock. These alongside Africa’s rapidly growing patterns, estimated to double by 2050 according to the Economist, will only worsen the food insecurity African nations face. A paper from the International Livestock Research Institute estimated that 2050, with current climate change impacts, Africa will only be able to meet 13% of its food needs by 2050.
Sub-Saharan countries especially are struggling with food insecurity due to agriculture. An article from McKinsey Sustainability estimated that by 2030, Ethiopia would face an increased likelihood of worse coffee yields, and Mozambique would face an increased likelihood of worse corn yields. However, the impacts of climate change are already being felt in cases such as Cyclone Idai which resulted in 63,000 acres of destroyed land and 23,000 dead animals according to the international humanitarian organization, Concern.
However, there are policies in place to try and mitigate the impact of climate change on African agriculture. Africa’s agricultural sector can adapt to unstable weather patterns through collaboration between governments, investors, and farmers. The most common solutions have been firstly to modernize agriculture practices by expanding irrigation systems to reduce reliance on rainfall. According to a study done by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, irrigation can increase agricultural productivity in Africa by at least 50% in comparison to crops that are simply rain-fed.
Another way to modernize agriculture practices is by providing farmers with localized climate risk management tools. Translating raw climate data into localized, crop-specific forecasts such as maps and graphs, makes the information much more actionable for farmers. Seasonal forecasts, even just a month in advance, could help farmers change and adapt their planting decisions to the expected weather conditions by, for example, planting different crops or just reducing the number of crops planted if a poor season is anticipated.
Other than adapting current agricultural practices, it is equally as important to strengthen the successive infrastructures that are currently in place. One example would be improving farmers’ access to agricultural financial services like crop insurance. Crop insurance can help farmers manage climate risks by providing payment in the event of crop failures due to extreme weather caused by climate change. However, currently, only a small fraction of African farmers have access to crop insurance.
The combination of unpredictable weather patterns, population growth, and limited access to resources is exacerbating food insecurity in the African continent. However, there is hope in the form of policies and practices aimed at mitigating these challenges. By modernizing agricultural techniques, providing localized climate risk management tools, and improving access to financial services, African nations can adapt to the changing climate.
Written by Dorine Benedict
