Agricultural Methods

Agriculture is the backbone of the African economy; around 60% of the continent’s population depends on this sector for their livelihood. However, agriculture is extremely susceptible to climatic changes, and so Africa is particularly vulnerable to changes in weather patterns. Throughout history, farmers have used their practical experience to develop new and more efficient farming methods. As science, literacy and the world economy progressed, agricultural development increasingly became more scientific and institutionalised. Since 1945, there has been a global spread of the use of pesticides, irrigation, synthetic fertilisers and new crop varieties. These methods increased yields and made it possible to meet the needs of an increasing world population, while reducing hunger.

As the following accounts show, under the current climate conditions in Africa, many of these methods are becoming less efficient and, in some cases, counter-productive. The answer is to develop new methods which are capable of withstanding the effects of climate change.