Modelling the impact of climate change on agriculture in West Africa

Publication date: 24/07/2023
Extent: 46 pages

Contributions by: D. S. MacCarthy, University of Ghana, Ghana; P. B. I. Akponikpe, Université de Parakou (UP), Benin; F. M. Akinseye, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nigeria and Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse (CERAAS), Sénégal; M. Ly, Cheikh, Anta Diop University, Senegal; E. C. Timpong- Jones, University of Ghana, Ghana; I. Hathie, Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR), Senegal; and S. G. K. Adiku, University of Ghana, Ghana

Chapter synopsis:

Agriculture involves approximately 60% of the population and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the majority of West African countries. Agricultural productivity in the sub-region is projected to be adversely impacted by climate change. The sustainability of West African agriculture in the face of climate change depends on a thorough appreciation of its impact and the adaptation options available. This chapter begins with an overview of West Africa as a region, followed by an overview of West African climatic conditions. The chapter then provides a meta-analysis of studies investigating the effects of climate change on West Africa. It also highlights challenges in modeling the varied and distinctive characteristics of West African farming systems as well as potential adaptation options. The next section reviews the impact of climate change on livestock production followed by a brief section on integrated climate change impact assessment. The chapter ends with future developments and links to further reading.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0115.21