Climate Change Adaptation in Agricultural Systems in West Africa
Summary
Climate trends across West Africa have intensified pressure on rainfed agriculture, particularly in the Sahel and Sudanian zones where livelihoods hinge on sorghum, millet and other staple cereals. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and more frequent droughts exacerbate land degradation and amplify yield variability. Adaptation strategies combine improved crop varieties and diversified rotations with soil and water conservation measures that draw on both indigenous knowledge and scientific forecasting. Community-driven practices such as micro-dosing of fertiliser, zaï pits, contour bunding and agroforestry enhance soil moisture retention, curb erosion and foster nutrient cycling. At the policy level, emphasis on climate services, early-warning systems and inclusive rural finance aims to support smallholders in managing uncertainty. Gender-sensitive interventions, tenure security and strengthened extension networks further shape resilience. The West African experience offers lessons for sustainable food systems under a warming climate, underlining its global relevance for food security and development goals.
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Technical terms
Drought index: A composite measure of precipitation, temperature and soil moisture used to assess the severity and spatial extent of drought.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA): An integrated approach that boosts productivity, builds resilience to climate hazards and reduces greenhouse-gas emissions where feasible.
Zaï pits: Small planting basins filled with organic matter to concentrate water and nutrients around crop roots in semi-arid soils.
Contour bunding: Raised embankments constructed along contour lines to slow runoff, prevent soil erosion and enhance water infiltration into fields.
References
- Intensifying droughts render more Sahel drylands unsuitable for cultivation. The Science of The Total Environment (2024).
- Evidence of Climate Change Coping and Adaptation Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana. Sustainability (2021).
- Contribution of Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies to Food Self-Sufficiency of Smallholder Households in Mali. Sustainability (2021).
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