Climate change in Africa: Issues and challenges in agriculture and water for sustainable development

Abstract

This report is primarily focused on the issue of how the World Bank can modify its projects, especially in the agriculture and water resources sectors, to prepare for future adverse effects of changes in climate. The report explicitly addresses the issue of adapting to adverse impacts of global climate change and suggests conceptual tools and methodologies that might be useful for developing the World Bank’s adaptive policies and response strategies. It proposes an adaptive policy framework and presents a menu of adaptive policy options. Prepared by a team of experienced analysts and policy advisors, the report examines, in particular, the practical adaptation and adaptive policy responses to climate change effects in Africa. Two overall adaptation strategies are suggested: (1) improvement of present resource management, and (2) reduction of vulnerability to climatic hazards. In addition, where large projects and development might increase vulnerability to climate change, specific, anticipatory adaptation may be warranted.

In collaboration with: Environmental Change Unit – Oxford University, Climatic Research Unit - East Anglia University, Hydrological Institute, England.