Climate change and variability in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of current and future trends and impacts on agriculture and food security |
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Authors: | Julius H Kotir |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geography, King’s College London, Strand Building, England, WC2R 2LS, UK |
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Abstract: | Sub-Saharan Africa has been portrayed as the most vulnerable region to the impacts of global climate change because of its
reliance on agriculture which is highly sensitive to weather and climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and
light and extreme events and low capacity for adaptation. This article reviews evidence on the scope and nature of the climate
change challenge; and assesses the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. From the
review, it is apparent that the climate in Africa is already exhibiting significant changes, evident by changes in average
temperature, change in amount of rainfall and patterns and the prevalence of frequency and intensity of weather extremes.
The review also revealed that although uncertainties exist with regards to the magnitude of impacts, climate will negatively
affect agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, as result of current and expected climate change, the
area suitable for agriculture, the length of growing seasons and yield potential, particularly along the margins of semi-arid
and arid areas, are expected to decrease. These impacts will affect all components of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilisation and food stability and hence increase the risk of hunger in the region. The review thus confirms the general consensus that Sub-Saharan Africa
is the most vulnerable region to climate change. It suggests that, policymakers and development agencies should focus on formulating
and implementing policies and programmes that promote farm level adaptation strategies currently being practiced by farmers
across the region. |
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