Climate change adaptation priorities for most African countries center around:
• Agriculture and animal husbandry: By implementing the African Green Revolution countries can double food yields through the application of improved seeds and fertilizer, increase rural incomes and strengthen
the resilience of communities towards climate change. Malawi and other countries have shown how much can be achieved in little time through programs that enhance access to key agricultural inputs. Yet, investing in inputs will not be enough, as increased climate volatility and changing precipitation patterns will require substantial investments
in irrigation and water storage infrastructure, agricultural R&D and extension workers to avert a potentially dramatic fall in agricultural output. Importantly, some 43% of Africa is comprised of drylands where livestock rearing is the dominant source of livelihoods. These communities stand to be particularly affected by climate change and
will require increased investments in water management infrastructure and forage production.
• Water and other infrastructure: Urgent investments are needed to improve water resource management and to avert threats to water supply for household, agricultural, as well as industrial use. Likewise, investments in energy infrastructure must consider the possible consequences of changes in precipitation patterns on hydroelectric
power potential. As a top priority, urban water, power and transport infrastructure needs to be thoroughly climateproofed.
• Disease management and health systems: To avert a possible expansion of infectious diseases health systems need to be strengthened and investments must be made in infectious disease control through vaccinations, residual indoor spraying and other means of vector control, and expanded access to efficacious treatment.
• Natural resource management: Key ecosystems such as wetlands, drylands, mangroves, forests, and lakes will be put under substantial stress by climate change. Only careful management can avoid the worst consequences and ensure the long-term sustenance of critical ecosystem services that are central to economic development and human well-being. As just one example, improved watershed management including a substantial reduction in upstream soil degradation and erosion is required across much of Africa to reap maximum benefits from investments in hydropower resources.
Read more on Climate Change and the affect on Africa on the ABC website. This is an excerpt from a brief that was prepared by the APP Secretariat A longer version of the brief is available at www.africaprogresspanel.org.
