Building a Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa faces agricultural sustainability challenges, including weather dependence, climate change, and limited access to resources. To address these challenges, the collection of papers provides technical analyses, policy recommendations, and success stories. It highlights the importance of developing a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable agribusiness sector for food security and structural transformation. The volume is valuable for researchers, academic associations, and professional bodies interested in African agricultural development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2019
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in achieving agricultural sustainability, but there are also numerous action points that can be taken to address these challenges. One of the primary challenges is the limited access to reliable and affordable irrigation infrastructure, which hinders crop production and exacerbates food insecurity. Additionally, the prevalence of soil degradation, pests, and diseases poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity.

To address these challenges, there are several action points that can be taken. Firstly, governments and international organizations should invest in the development of irrigation infrastructure, including dams, canals, and drip irrigation systems, to improve access to water for farmers. This investment will not only increase crop yields but also reduce water scarcity, which is a critical issue in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Secondly, efforts should be made to promote sustainable land management practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and soil health management. These practices can help to improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, and increase biodiversity, which are essential for sustainable agricultural production.

Thirdly, the development of innovative technologies, such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and remote sensing, can help farmers to increase crop yields, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency. These technologies can also help to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, which can be critical for farmers in regions that are prone to drought or other weather-related disasters.

Fourthly, efforts should be made to improve access to credit, insurance, and other financial services for farmers. This will help to reduce the risk of crop failure and improve farmers' ability to invest in their businesses.

Finally, there should be a focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices through education and awareness-raising campaigns. This will help to increase the understanding of farmers about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the benefits that it can bring to their communities and the environment.

In conclusion, achieving agricultural sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses the challenges of limited access to irrigation infrastructure, soil degradation, pests, and diseases, as well as the development of innovative technologies, improved access to financial services, and education and awareness-raising campaigns. By taking these action points, Sub-Saharan Africa can improve its agricultural productivity, reduce food insecurity, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030094331
Edition number: Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018