With estimated annual losses of $5 billion due to climate-related shocks, Africa’s agricultural productivity is under severe threat. This is particularly concerning given Africa's already risky food security situation with over 200 million people in Africa currently food insecure.

According to the World Bank, agriculture accounts for approximately 24% of Africa's GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce. Thus, the impact of climate change extends beyond food security - it threatens employment and an already alarming poverty rate in Africa, as over half of the population employed in agriculture face the risk of unemployment.

To ensure food security and a sustainable future for Africa, building resilient agricultural systems that can withstand climate change is important.

Impact of Climate Change on African Agriculture

A common misconception is that Africa is immune to the impacts of climate change. The truth, however, is that the continent is highly susceptible to climate change and its effects. Its impact on agriculture in Africa is particularly severe due to the continent's high dependence on rain-fed agriculture and its vulnerability to extreme weather events. The World Bank predicts that climate change in Africa could reduce agricultural yields by up to 10% by 2050.

Africa’s agricultural system is predominantly made up of smallholder farmers who are especially vulnerable to environmental shocks. These farmers heavily rely on natural resources, such as rainfall, healthy land, and almost predictable weather patterns for a successful planting season. Even small shifts in weather patterns and seasons disrupt their entire activities.

Since October 2020, countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, in East Africa have been experiencing severe drought with poor rainfall and unusually high temperatures. Resulting in reduced Crop Yields, and livestock Losses causing famine and food Insecurity. Since the drought started, there have been countless cases of malnutrition. In Somalia, 40% of the population is at risk of starvation. The western part of Africa experiences a direct opposite as it is plagued by yearly floods in countries like Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. As of October 2020, floods affected an estimated 2.1 million people in many regions of West and Central Africa, displacing many from their homes, destroying cultivated land, and causing the death of livestock.

Building Resilient Agricultural Systems

The irony of Africa’s agriculture’s plight is striking: while it suffers immensely from the effects of climate change, it also contributes to the problem through emissions from food waste. Agriculture is both a victim and a perpetrator, as discarded food decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This cyclical relationship underscores the urgent need to build a more effective agricultural system - reducing emissions by minimizing food waste and adapting to the changing climate to ensure sustainability. Achieving this dual objective will require innovative strategies.

A research publication in the South African Journal of International Affairs lists Africa’s low adaptative capacity as a factor that predisposes the continent to the harsh effects of climate change. A resilient agriculture system for Africa must be adaptable to the constantly changing climate. In response to this problem, The African Development Bank launched the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program in 2018 to address agricultural challenges. The TAAT program aims to help the continent fulfill its enormous potential in the sector by employing high-impact technology and climate-smart agriculture to boost agricultural output.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a critical approach to building resilience in farming systems. Key strategies include crop diversification, improved soil management, and efficient water use. Diversifying crops helps farmers reduce the risk of total crop failure during extreme weather events, while soil-enhancing practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and no-till farming improve soil health and make it more resistant to drought and erosion. Efficient water use through methods such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and drought-tolerant crops also ensures sustainable water consumption, helping farmers maintain productivity during periods of scarcity. Additionally, early warning systems and timely weather forecasts allow farmers to anticipate extreme conditions and take proactive measures to protect their crops.

For governments and private entities, providing policy support and investing in research is crucial for developing climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Innovations such as new crop varieties and improved practices can strengthen the agricultural sector’s ability to cope with climate change. Encouraging the adoption of these practices through incentives can further accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient farming.

These strategies are sure to build a resilient farming system for Africa that is not disrupted by changes in weather patterns or climate. Farmers are not shocked by these sudden changes; food production is certain even when the climate isn’t, guaranteeing food security on the continent.