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Climate change and the threat to African food security

12 August 2009, id21
URL: http://www.id21.org/publications/JA/JAissue1.html

Nairobi:  Joto Afrika, Swahili for ‘Africa is feeling the heat', is a new series of briefings and online resources about adapting to climate change in Africa. It will be produced four times a year by the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) in Kenya in partnership with AfricaAdapt and the Institute of Development Studies.

The first issue, edited by Victor Orindi from the International Development Research Centre in Nairobi, Kenya focuses on  climate change and African food security.   ‘Africa faces many challenges - poverty, a high disease burden, rapid population growth, food insecurity, and limited water access,' says Mr Orindi. ‘Climate change is likely to drive the majority of the population into destitution, as assets are lost and resources are diverted to deal with emergencies, instead of being used for development.'

Sub-Saharan Africa has the worst food security in the world and, without adequate adaptation, climate change could make the situation worse. Areas becoming too hot for certain crops or animals; too little or too much rain fall; and climate sensitive diseases; could all affect livestock production.

‘Dealing with the impacts of climate change requires measures that will minimise losses or take advantage of the opportunities presented,' continues Mr Orindi. ‘In this first issue of Joto Afrika, we present six articles about how people are being affected by climate change, and how they are adapting. From these, it is clear that everybody has a role to play.'