scholarly journals Deforestation, Climate Change and Food Security Nexus in Sub-Sahara Africa: Content Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dastan Bamwesigye ◽  
Petra Hlavackova ◽  
Samuel Antwi Darkwah ◽  
Nahanga Verter
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Wide Range

Like the rest of the globe, Forests in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to play a vital role when it comes to food security from the perspective of forest function of climate regulation, water provision, and soil protection. Nevertheless, most of the recent deforestation practices in various countries indicate that the region could face severe food insecurity in the near future since there are already signs of shortage in food production. This study, therefore, examines deforestation, climate change, and food security nexus in SSA while exploring a wide range of examples of food insecurity in the region. Content analysis and a synthetic literature study were conducted using data from scientific data banks. The study links deforestation, climate change to food security while citing examples from various SSA countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya to mention but a few. More so, the study investigates how deforestation contributes to climate change, and how such change directly affects agricultural output and hence food security. Lastly, the study discusses the various implication of deforestation in relation to food security.

Assessing ambitious nature conservation strategies within a 2 degree warmer and food-secure world

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel T.J. Kok ◽  
Johan R. Meijer ◽  
Willem-Jan van Zeist ◽  
Jelle P. Hilbers ◽  
Marco Immovilli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Climate Mitigation ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Global Conservation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Global Biodiversity

AbstractGlobal biodiversity is projected to further decline under a wide range of future socio-economic development pathways, even in sustainability oriented scenarios. This raises the question how biodiversity can be put on a path to recovery, the core challenge for the CBD post-2020 global biodiversity framework. We designed two contrasting, ambitious global conservation strategies, ‘Half Earth’ (HE) and ‘Sharing the Planet’ (SP), and evaluated their ability to restore terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity and to provide ecosystem services while also mitigating climate change and ensuring food security. We applied the integrated assessment framework IMAGE with the GLOBIO biodiversity model, using the ‘Middle of the Road’ Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP2) with its projected human population growth as baseline.We found that both conservation strategies result in a reduction in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services globally, but without additional measures to achieve effective climate mitigation they will be insufficient to restore biodiversity. The HE strategy performs better for terrestrial biodiversity protection (biodiversity intactness (MSA), Red List Index, geometric mean abundance) in currently still natural regions, reflecting global conservation priorities. The SP strategy yields more improvements for biodiversity in human-used areas, aquatic biodiversity and for regulating ecosystem services (pest control, pollination, erosion control), reflecting regional priorities. However, ‘conservation only’ scenarios show a considerable increase in food security risks (especially in Sub-Saharan Africa) compared to the baseline and limited reduction of global temperature increase. Only when conservation strategies are combined with climate change mitigation efforts and additional actions especially in the agricultural and energy system into a portfolio of ‘integrated sustainability measures’, both conservation strategies result in restoring biodiversity to current values or even some improvement, while keeping global warming below two degrees and keeping food security risks below baseline. Minimizing food wastes and reducing consumption of animal products will be crucial.

scholarly journals Scaling up crop diversification among farming communities for food security under climate change: A case study of the Kenyan pelis programme

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (07) ◽  
pp. 17025-17044
Author(s):  
Mary Ngure ◽  
◽  
SO Wandiga ◽  
DO Olago ◽  
SO Oriaso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Term Survival

Climate change poses significant risks to food security globally with predictions of 10-20 % decline in rain-fed crop yields by 2050. Sub-Saharan Africa remains highly susceptible to food shortage since over 95 % of the region’s total cropland is rain-fed. Kenya’s over reliance on rain-fed agriculture predisposes the country to climate-induced food insecurity. Murang’a County in Kenya is experiencing climate change challenges manifested in prolonged droughts and floods. The consequences,are failed cropping seasons, soil erosion, landslides, altered crop suitability and a resurgence of human, livestock, crop pests,and diseases,culminating into food insecurity. This study was conducted with Kimandi-Wanyaga community in the Gatanga Sub-County in Murang’a County, Kenya. Residents are smallholder subsistence rain-fed farmers. The study explored the potential of up-scaling crop diversification under the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) for food security vis-à-vis climate change. The community’s climate change coping strategies were explored to account for the need to up-scale crop diversification under PELIS. A mixed methods research design was applied whereby a systematic sampling method was used to select 281 household-heads. Three key informants were purposively selected and primary data were collected through a household survey, in-depth key stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions and on-farm trials. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. The study established that 92.9 % of the community perceived climate change and its impacts. They had adopted a combination of coping strategies most of which,were found to be informed by short-term survival and hence,considered inadequate for long-term adaptation. The PELIS approach had been piloted in Murang’a County and was found to be a promising strategy for crop diversification and food security among forest-adjacent communities. However, only 11 % of the studied community participated in the scheme. Therefore, the study endeavoured to work with the community to promote cultivation of traditional vegetables under PELIS for crop diversification and food security in the face of climate change.The PELIS beneficiaries who adopted cultivation of Black nightshade, Amaranths and Cowpeas managed to produce enough for household consumption and sale of surplus for income. The PELIS,therefore, possesses the co-benefits of climate change adaptation through crop diversification for food security and climate change mitigation through afforestation for carbon sequestration.

scholarly journals Climate change and food security: The role of biotechnology

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (53) ◽  
pp. 6354-6364
Author(s):  
W Quaye ◽  
◽  
RM Yawson ◽  
ES Ayeh ◽  
I Yawson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Plant Biotechnology ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Sub Saharan

Several climate change related factors including temperature increases, changes in rainfall patterns and outbreak of pests and diseases negatively affect agricultural productivity and food security . Climate change effects significantly in crease production risk and rural vulnerability, particularly in regions that already suffer from chronic soil and water resource scarcity or high exposure to climatic extremes, such as droughts and flooding. The effects of climate change on agriculture may depend not only on changing climate conditions, but also on the agricultural sector’s ability to adapt through changes in technology and demand for food. Significant proportions of the growing populations in developing countries derive their livelihoods f rom agriculture and are, therefore, vulnerable to climate change effects . The task of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2015, as per Millennium Development Goals , will require both regional and global research efforts and concrete actions among which biotechnology adoption plays a key role. Advances in biotechnology can lead to cutting -edge technologies in agriculture. However, sub -Saharan Africa faces an uphill task with regard to the adoption and use of agricultural biotechnology. The potential to improve the livelihoods of resource -poor farmers is a strong incentive to meet the challenge. This paper reviews research work on climate change in relation to increasing food insecurity situation in sub -Saharan Africa (SSA) , and the significance of plant biotechnology in reversing the disturbing food insecurity trends on the continent . To move plant biotechnology forward, the paper recommends that African countries institutionalize effective bio -safety regulatory frameworks, and commit resources to capacity building and provision of infrastructure for biotechnology development . Funding of Genetically Modified Organism ( GM O) related research into tropical and sub- tropical staple foods , suitable for the needs of small- scale farmers in SSA countries , is strongly recommended. There is also the need for researchers to engage in effective education and communication with the general public so as to enhance adoption of biotechnological products in Africa .

scholarly journals An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture with Some Considerations for Social Equity

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1564
Author(s):  
Kofi Akamani
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Ecosystem Management ◽  
Social Equity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Smart Agriculture

Although the transition to industrial agriculture in the 20th century resulted in increased agricultural productivity and efficiency, the attainment of global food security continues to be elusive. Current and anticipated impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector are likely to exacerbate the incidence of food insecurity. In recent years, climate-smart agriculture has gained recognition as a mechanism that has the potential to contribute to the attainment of food security and also enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, several conceptual and implementation shortfalls have limited the widespread adoption of this innovative agricultural system at the landscape scale. This manuscript argues for the use of ecosystem management as an overarching framework for the conceptualization and implementation of climate-smart agriculture. The manuscript focuses on clarifying the foundational assumptions and management goals, as well as the knowledge and institutional requirements of climate-smart agriculture using the principles of ecosystem management. Potential challenges that may be faced by the application of an ecosystem management approach to climate-smart agriculture are also discussed. Furthermore, the manuscript calls for a heightened focus on social equity in the transition toward an ecosystem-based approach to climate-smart agriculture. The US farm bill is used as an illustrative case study along with other examples drawn mostly from sub-Saharan Africa.

Cassava Processing in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Implications for Expanding Cassava Production

1994 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Izu Nweke
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Intensive Use ◽  
Cassava Production ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Poor Soil

Cassava makes an important contribution to improving food security and rural incomes in sub-Saharan Africa, as it is tolerant of drought and poor soil and its cultivation does not require much labour. However, the fresh roots are bulky and perishable and need to be processed before they can be marketed; processing also removes the cyanogens which make many varieties poisonous in their raw form. Cassava roots are turned into granules, flours, pastes and chips, with a wide range of flavours and appearances for different areas and markets. Many different processing techniques are used, some of which make intensive use of fuelwood while others require a plentiful water supply. These requirements, as well as the need for a good transport and marketing infrastructure, limit the expansion of cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa, but technical solutions are being found.

scholarly journals Enhancing Water Productivity for Agriculture and Adapting to Climate Change in Food Insecure Areas - Practical Experiences from Far and Mid West Nepal

2012 ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
Kaisa Seppänen ◽  
Chakra Bahadur Chand
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Practical Experiences ◽  
Water Scarce

The Rural Village Water Resources Management Project Phase II (RVWRMP-II) works in some of the most remote, food insecure and water scarce areas of Nepal, where the impacts and effects of climate change are already visible. The farmers of the project region are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Large parts of the project area (parts of Humla and Bajura Districts, for instance) depend on food aid.In Phase II, specific attention is being paid to climate change adaptation, efficient use of water for agriculture, and food security and nutrition.RVWRMP facilitates communities to design and implement Water Use Master Plans (WUMP). One of the objectives of a WUMP is to optimize the use of water for agriculture. Micro-irrigation, rain water harvesting, multi-use schemes, using drainage water from tap stands for home gardens and organic fertilizers are some of the ways to improve the food security in the communities. Water source protection, watershed conservation, soil protection and crop selection are key technical areas of interest to enable adaptation to the anticipated changes in climate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7205 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.54-58

scholarly journals Identifying potential synergies and trade-offs for meeting food security and climate change objectives in sub-Saharan Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 107 (46) ◽  
pp. 19661-19666 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Palm ◽  
S. M. Smukler ◽  
C. C. Sullivan ◽  
P. K. Mutuo ◽  
G. I. Nyadzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Okonya ◽  
Walter Ocimati ◽  
Anastase Nduwayezu ◽  
Déo Kantungeko ◽  
Nicolas Niko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cassava Mosaic Disease ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Crop Losses ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Root Tuber ◽  
The Impact

Biotic constraints cause major crop losses and, hence, food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study documented the popularity, production constraints, pests and diseases, farmers’ perceptions on the severity of biotic constraints and the impact of related crop losses on household food security for the key root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops (cassava, potato, sweetpotato and banana). Farmer interviews were conducted in 2014 covering 811 households in Rwanda and Burundi. Farmers were asked to list their RTB crop production constraints, name insect pests and diseases of RTB crops, estimate crop loss due to pests and diseases, and mention if their household experienced any form of food insecurity due to pests and diseases. Cutworms and late blight in potato, banana weevils and banana Xanthomonas wilt in banana, cassava whitefly and cassava mosaic disease in cassava, sweetpotato weevils, and sweetpotato virus disease in sweetpotato were the most predominant pests and diseases reported. Crop losses due to pests and diseases for sweetpotato, banana, potato and cassava were estimated at 26%, 29%, 33%, and 36%, respectively, in Rwanda and 37%, 48%, 38%, and 37% in Burundi. Pests and diseases reduce the profitability of RTB crops, threaten food security, and constitute a disincentive for investment. Sustainable and affordable integrated pest management packages need to be developed.

scholarly journals Comparing measures of urban food security in Accra, Ghana

Food Security ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cascade Tuholske ◽  
Kwaw Andam ◽  
Jordan Blekking ◽  
Tom Evans ◽  
Kelly Caylor
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Urban Food Security ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Food Insecurity Access

AbstractThe urban population in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to expand by nearly 800 million people in the next 30 years. How this rapid urban transition is affecting household-level urban food security, and reverberating into broader food systems, is poorly understood. To fill this gap, we use data from a 2017 survey (n = 668) of low- and middle-income residents of Accra, Ghana, to characterize and compare the predictors of household-level food security using three established metrics: the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS); the Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP); and the Food Consumption Score (FCS). According to HFIAP, 70% of sampled households are food insecure, but only 2% fall below acceptable thresholds measured by FCS. Only one household reported sourcing food from modern supermarkets and fewer than 3% produce food for consumption through gardening, farming, or fishing. Instead, households rely on purchased food from traditional markets, local stalls and kiosks, and street hawkers. Results from a suite of general linear models show that household assets, education, and demographic characteristics are significantly associated with food security outcomes according to HFIAS and HFIAP. The poor correlation and weak model agreement between dietary recall such as FCS, and experience-based food security metrics, like HFIAS and HFIAP, highlight limitations of employing historically rural-centric food security measurement approaches within the urban context. Given that Sub-Saharan Africa’s future is urban, our results add empirical evidence in support of the growing chorus of scholars advocating for comprehensive urban-oriented food security research and policy agendas across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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