What are the projected impacts of climate change on food crop productivity in Africa and S Asia?
In many developing countries, agriculture is the cornerstone of their economy, the basis of economic growth and the main source of livelihood. But agriculture in the developing world is often cited as being one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change. In Africa, for example, the majority of available fresh water is used for agriculture; farming techniques are relatively simple; and much of
the continent is already hot and dry. Any changes in precipitation and temperature patterns will thus have major impacts on the viability and yields in crop production. To exacerbate the situation, recent studies warn of an unprecedented confluence of pressures on agriculture – with population growth and development driving up global demand for food and competition for land, water and energy intensifying as the impacts of climate change starts to take effect. In this context, any strategy to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa and South Asia needs to ensure that natural resources are managed sustainably and adapted to climate change.