Africa is one of the most climate-sensitive regions in the world due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have disrupted traditional farming cycles, making food production more difficult. However, this challenge has sparked a wave of creative responses, with farmers, communities, and organisations working together to mitigate risks and build a more secure future.
Resilience is key in South Sudan, where decades of conflict have compounded the effects of climate change. Smallholders in the northern region turn to climate-smart techniques to ensure their families have enough food. Using conservation agriculture, they have managed to increase yields despite unpredictable weather.
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Farmers from the Riaboro and Naduru groups, supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development project, are showing what’s possible with the right support.
The Riaboro group, consisting of 34 farmers from Bakpara Boma, faced challenges in producing good quality fruits and vegetables due to inadequate knowledge of agricultural practices. With ITC’s training and capacity-building support, they shifted from cereal crops to higher-value fruits and vegetables, pooled their resources, and acquired essential farming tools such as a solar irrigation system. The result? Improved income, better nutrition, and the ability to pay for school fees and other family needs.
With support from the government and organisations like the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), South Sudan is scaling up initiatives that include:
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promoting techniques like minimum tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry.
• Irrigation Infrastructure: Building small-scale irrigation systems to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall.
• Weather Information Services: Establishing localised weather forecasting systems that help farmers plan better.
• Access to Markets: Improving infrastructure and market access so that farmers can sell surplus produce, increasing household incomes.
These efforts are already bearing fruit, with increased productivity in some regions and better preparedness for climate shocks.
Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Africa
• Rising Temperatures: Warmer conditions have altered growing seasons and increased the prevalence of pests and diseases. Despite these challenges, farmers are experimenting with heat-tolerant crop varieties and improving pest control methods through local knowledge.
• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Erratic rainfall has made it harder to rely on traditional planting schedules. To counter this, farmers are adopting innovative water management systems, including small-scale irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
• Extreme Weather Events: Droughts, floods, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. In response, communities are investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, such as flood-resistant storage facilities and drought-tolerant crops.
IMPACT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
In the Central African Republic, where conflict and economic instability have posed additional hurdles, communities are finding strength in collaboration. Various initiatives have empowered women and supported their critical role in agricultural production and food security in the country. For instance, the Income-Generating Activities (IGA) project provides training and literacy courses to women and girls. This project also strengthens national organisations like the National Organisation of Rural Women (ONFR) and the Association of Central African Women (AFJC) by enhancing their organisational, financial, and technical capacities.
Another initiative, Women in Climate Resilient Agriculture, allocated land to 1,250 women in CAR as members of agricultural cooperatives. This programme has also implemented gender-responsive land governance processes in the country, which has significantly enhanced women’s participation and leadership in agricultural development.
The Lean Season Banks project has also given women greater social recognition by placing them at the centre of its work. Women manage the committees of 285 lean season banks and 46 grain banks, ensuring food security during lean periods. They also provide essential agricultural advisory services to farmers in agricultural advisory assistance groups.
These initiatives have been crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by women, particularly in the Lobaye prefecture, where legal constraints and the impact of years of conflict have hindered women from fully exercising their rights. By investing in female-led agricultural cooperatives, CAR is taking significant steps toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending poverty, hunger, and gender inequality while creating decent employment opportunities for women.
Other agricultural initiatives like Initiative Noah for Africa are playing a vital role in empowering these communities by:
• Promoting Sustainable Farming: Offering training on organic food production and sustainable farming practices.
• Building Entrepreneurial Skills: Encouraging farmers to view agriculture as a business, thereby fostering economic resilience.
• Enhancing Water Management: Introducing techniques for efficient water use, such as drip irrigation and mulching.
Regional and Global Partnerships in South Sudan/CAR
Beyond national efforts, regional initiatives are essential in building climate resilience. The African Union’s Climate Change Strategy and global funds like the Green Climate Fund are supporting countries in adopting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Collaborations with the private sector are also creating new opportunities. Agritech startups across Africa are developing mobile platforms that provide farmers with real-time weather information, market prices, and best practices for sustainable farming. These innovations are helping farmers make informed decisions and improve productivity.
The impact of climate change on Africa’s agriculture and food security is undeniable, but so too is the potential for transformative solutions. Across the continent, countries are increasingly adopting climate-smart farming practices, enhancing irrigation infrastructure, and leveraging technology to ensure greater resilience against the changing climate.
In places like South Sudan and the Central African Republic, innovative approaches—whether through smallholder initiatives, gender-focused agricultural cooperatives, or community-driven programmes—are providing a blueprint for success. These efforts not only mitigate the immediate risks posed by climate change but also lay the foundation for sustainable, inclusive economic growth. As global and regional partnerships continue to grow, Africa’s agricultural future can shift from vulnerability to opportunity.
