Short NotePotential impacts of climate change on African agriculture

Abstract

Climate includes patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. Climate change affects more than just a change in weather; it refers to seasonal changes over long periods. These climate patterns play fundamental roles in shaping natural ecosystems, regional economies and cultures that depend on them. Because so many systems are tied to climate, a change in climate can affect many related aspects of where and how people, plants and animals live, such as food production, availability and use of water and health risks. Analysis of the impacts of climate change suggests that agro-ecological systems are the most vulnerable sectors. Further warming is expected to reduce crop productivity adversely. It seems obvious that any significant change in climate on a global scale would influence local agriculture, and therefore affect the world food supply. Climate change could therefore affect agriculture in several ways such as productivity, in terms of quantity and quality, agricultural practices through changes of water use and agricultural inputs such as herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers. Environmental effects in particular in relation to frequency and intensity of soil damage (leading to nitrogen leaching), soil erosion, reduction of crop diversity rural space, through the loss and gain of activated lands, land speculation, land renunciation and hydraulic amenities, rapid climate change could harm agriculture in many countries, especially those having poor soils and climate condition.

Keywords: climate change, agriculture, agro-ecological system, food supply

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(4): 493 - 496, 2010