Authors : O.W. Olowa and O.A. Olowa
Abstract: Warming of the climate system is unequivocal as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level. The Sub-Saharan African region has all the threat signs mentioned above, located in the tropical region and made up of least developed and developing countries with heavy dependence on agriculture. Agriculture is mainly rain-fed in this region and the majority of the people, most of which are poor, depend on it for their livelihoods. The agricultural sector also accounts for a large share of GDP and export earnings. As the study shows, the region is already experiencing higher temperatures which may adversely affect crop yield and consequently, food unavailability while changes in precipitation patterns may increase the likelihood of short-run crop failures and long-run production declines. It was concluded among other things that innovative farming practices such as conservation tillage, organic production, improved cropping systems, land restoration, land use change and irrigation and water management are ways that farmers can address climate change.
O.W. Olowa and O.A. Olowa, 2012. Climate Change and its Effect on Agriculture in Sub-Sahara Africa. Environmental Research Journal, 6: 164-174.