Final answer:
Global warming in Africa results in increased droughts and floods, affecting agriculture and food security. Immediate humanitarian aid and long-term investment in sustainable agriculture are vital. Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for tackling the root cause of climate-induced hunger.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Global Warming on Africa's Agriculture and Food Security
The effects of global warming on Africa are profound and multifaceted. As the hottest continent on Earth, Africa is experiencing exacerbated climate challenges. In the wettest regions, there has been a 30 percent increase in rainfall, leading to massive floods, while the dry regions have seen a 20 percent decrease in rainfall, intensifying droughts. As a result, agricultural productivity has declined significantly, more so than in any other region globally.
The Horn of Africa, which includes countries like Kenya and Somalia, has been hit particularly hard by droughts and it is forecasted that a large portion of Somalia's population will be food insecure. Similarly, Madagascar's Grand Sud region has experienced severe droughts, prompting warnings of possible famines in the absence of significant humanitarian aid. The crisis extends beyond agriculture to fisheries, which are a critical food source for millions. These challenges are compounded by external pressures like the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the supply chain.
Combatting climate-induced hunger in Africa requires both immediate and long-term strategies. Immediate economic and humanitarian aid offers short-term relief, but investing in sustainable agricultural practices and infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather is key to long-term resilience. This includes the promotion of flood-resistant crops like rice and investment in irrigation for drought-prone areas.
According to the World Food Programme, action against climate change is imperative to prevent a spiraling hunger crisis. However, efforts to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy sources such as wind and sunlight are necessary to address the root cause of the problem.