Climate Change and African Crops

Cereal grains for sale at a market [12]

Climate change is one of the most complex, frightening issues of our time. One recent study predicts a 1.4 to 3 degree Celsius (2.5 to 5.4 F) rise in the global mean temperature by 2050 [14]. Climate change has already had many documented effects on Earth, including melting ice sheets, ocean acidification, and species extinction.

An especially worrisome aspects of climate change is the impact it will have on agriculture in Africa. Much of Africa already experiences a hot climate, but by 2050 average summer temperatures are predicted to be surpass even the hottest summers of recent years [6]. Compounding the problem, some Africans already experience high food insecurity as a result of extreme poverty. Although many farm for their livelihood, they often spend as much as 80% of their income on food. For these folks, decreasing crop yields, and increasing prices, could have catastrophic results.

By midcentury, once recent study found that current climate change models predict that Africa will experience changes in crop yields up to 14.7%, depending upon the geographical region [3]. This blog will explain how and why African regions vary, how crops respond physiologically to changing climate conditions, and what the climate projections mean for food security. Finally, the best strategies for climate change adaptation will be discussed.