Water, Food Security, and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Water is essential for food production and it plays an important role in helping countries achieve food security. The effect of climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of agriculture is rain-fed. Changes in weather patterns in the form of prolonged drought and severe flooding, in addition to poor water and land agricultural management practices, has resulted in a significant decline in crop and pasture production in several African countries. The agricultural sector in the region faces the challenge of using the existing scarce water resources in a more efficient way. Most of the countries have failed to achieve food self-sufficiency and rely on imports to meet the demand for food. Agricultural trade can play a significant role in helping countries in Africa achieve food security by increasing availability and access to food in countries that are experiencing food insecurity.