Africa may likely face worsening food insecurity if governments across the continent do not take concrete action against it.
Development Diaries reports that the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), in the State of Africa Environment (SOE) 2023 report, reported that 65 percent of arable land has already degraded in sub-Saharan Africa, with farmers losing over U.S.$68 million a year in revenue.
According to the report, Africa’s food insecurity issues were getting worse due to the climate change problem.
Additionally, it was reported that in ten of the world’s climate hotspots, seven of which are in Africa, the rate of extreme hunger increased by 123 percent in just six years, from 2017 to 2021.
Complex food crisis
Food insecurity in Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue, with climate change being one of the significant drivers. Climate change has a range of direct and indirect impacts on food security on the continent.
Climate change often leads to irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased evaporation rates, which can reduce the availability of water for agriculture, making it challenging for farmers to irrigate their crops and sustain livestock.
Also, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can have adverse effects on crop yields.
Many African communities rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. When climate change disrupts these patterns, it can lead to crop failures, forcing farmers to seek alternative income sources or migrate.
Furthermore, reduced agricultural productivity can result in food shortages, which, in turn, can lead to higher food prices. This makes it difficult for vulnerable populations to access essential foods.
Smallholder farmers in Africa are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to limited resources, access to technology, and education. These farmers often lack the capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
Response to challenges
Promoting crop diversification, implementing water conservation and management strategies, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques and technologies, and developing and disseminating early warning systems can help communities prepare for extreme weather events and adapt to changing conditions.
Addressing food insecurity in Africa due to climate change is a complex and long-term challenge. It requires a combination of local, regional, and international efforts to build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Development Diaries urges African governments to ensure that smallholder farmers have access to credit and insurance, which can help them cope with climate-related shocks.
We also urge governments to work closely with development partner organisations to provide financial and technical assistance to the continent in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security.
Source: Daily Trust
Photo source: Kate Holt/AusAID
