Urgent rethinking needed to mitigate effects of climate change in Africa

In Africa, dry lands make up about 43 per cent of the continent’s land surface and account for about 75 per cent of the area used for agriculture. They are home to about 50 per cent of the population, including many poor rural communities.

There are many complex interactions that continue to increase vulnerability in dry lands, jeopardising the livelihood of millions. It is not surprising that a recent African Development Bank meeting in Zambia identified the need to mitigate challenges of climate change and feeding the continent as one of its key focus areas.