By Obiabin Onukwugha
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Environmental advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC), says climate change threatens agriculture and food security in Africa. According to CAMIC, urgent steps are needed to save the continent from the devastating impacts.
CAMIC made the call in a statement signed by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi in Abuja on Tuesday.
The body expressed concern that recent studies and reports indicate that extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns were severely affecting crop yields, livestock health, and rural livelihoods across the continent.
It further emphasised that agriculture, which employs more than 60% of Africa’s population, is at the frontline of climate change. It noted that prolonged droughts, frequent floods, and unpredictable weather patterns were leaving smallholder farmers vulnerable, threatening food production and pushing communities into poverty.
CAMIC said, “The is raising alarm over the increasing impacts of climate change on agriculture, a vital sector for Africa’s economy and food security. Recent studies and reports indicate that extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns are severely affecting crop yields, livestock health, and rural livelihoods across the continent.
‘Agriculture, which employs more than 60% of Africa’s population, is at the frontline of climate change. Prolonged droughts, frequent floods, and unpredictable weather patterns are leaving smallholder farmers vulnerable, threatening food production and pushing communities into poverty. The United Nations projects that by 2030, the production of staple crops such as maize, wheat, and rice could decline by 40%, exacerbating food insecurity across the continent.
“We are witnessing a climate crisis that is undermining Africa’s ability to feed itself. The consequences are not just economic but also social, as millions of people are at risk of hunger and malnutrition if we do not act now.”
It observed that farmers in Africa especially those in local communities were experiencing declining crop yield, scarcity in livestock and fisheries, soil degradation, and as well, hike in food prices, because f the exacerbating climate change impacts. It said the development has led to diminished agricultural productivity, food prices are rising, making it harder for vulnerable populations to afford basic staples.
“CAMIC is calling on governments, development agencies, and the private sector to take immediate action by implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices.
‘Additionally, CAMIC urges global leaders to honor their commitments to the Paris Agreement by ramping up climate finance for developing nations. Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions but is disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
“Time is running out. We need a coordinated global response to safeguard agriculture, protect rural communities, and ensure food security in Africa,” the body stated.
Climate Africa Media Initiative Centre (CAMIC) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
Through research, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, CAMIC seeks to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient planet for current and future generations.
