Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) for resilient agriculture, food security and inclusive business growth in East Africa

Abstract

Climate variability and change poses significant threats to sustained economic growth and agricultural development, poverty reduction, food security and political stability globally. The threats are compounded by repeated food price spikes, a growing food crisis in many parts of the world, high fossil fuel and fertilizer prices, and increasing environmental degradation and competition for food and water. Notably, food insecurity is a threat multiplier; it is hardly ever the only and direct cause of conflict, but in combination with other factors can greatly influence conflict. Africa has been identified as the most vulnerable continent to climate change and variability. It is estimated that by 2050, the combined effect of increasing temperatures, declining rainfall, frequent floods and droughts could result in average reduction of yields of major crops (14% for rice, 22% for wheat, and 5% for maize), and food availability in Sub Saharan Africa will average 500 calories less per person, translating into a 21% decline.