Sub-Saharan Africa has been portrayed as the most vulnerable region to the
impacts of global climate change because of its reliance on agriculture which is highly
sensitive to weather and climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and light and
extreme events and low capacity for adaptation. This article reviews evidence on the scope
and nature of the climate change challenge; and assesses the impact of climate change on
agriculture and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. From the review, it is apparent that
the climate in Africa is already exhibiting significant changes, evident by changes in
average temperature, change in amount of rainfall and patterns and the prevalence of
frequency and intensity of weather extremes. The review also revealed that although
uncertainties exist with regards to the magnitude of impacts, climate will negatively affect
agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, as result of current and
expected climate change, the area suitable for agriculture, the length of growing seasons
and yield potential, particularly along the margins of semi-arid and arid areas, are expected
to decrease. These impacts will affect all components of food security: food availability,
food accessibility, food utilisation and food stability and hence increase the risk of hunger
in the region. The review thus confirms the general consensus that Sub-Saharan Africa is
the most vulnerable region to climate change. It suggests that, policymakers and development
agencies should focus on formulating and implementing policies and programmes
that promote farm level adaptation strategies currently being practiced by farmers across
the region.
Keywords Climate change  Agriculture  Food security  Sub-Saharan