Explore the Crops Paving the Way to Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Introduction
It’s no secret that the climate is changing - even without frequent reminders from news and social media, it is hard to miss the signs. Global temperatures are on the rise and so is the frequency of extreme weather events, like floods, wildfires and droughts. For farmers, the effects of climate change pose many problems, as most crops are sensitive to changing weather and climatic conditions. In this article, we will take a look at the challenges faced by farmers and consumers and examine some climate-resilient crops, with a focus on those that suit farming in West Africa. We will also explore how to improve the development and dissemination of these crops to ensure greater global food security.
Climate Change and Food Security
Climate change poses a major threat to agriculture and food security because it affects so many vital aspects of the farming process. Its effects can impact the availability and quality of water and soil, the level of biodiversity, and the incidence of pests and diseases. These have huge consequences for food security; poor growing conditions lead to reduced crop productivity, which then creates issues with food prices and availability. Especially when coupled with low incomes, this leads to higher rates of malnutrition and food scarcity. A 2020 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) report stated that, due to the importance of agriculture in the economies of African nations, Africa is ‘an exposure and vulnerability “hot spot” for climate variability and change impacts’, with projected reductions in mean yield of up to 13% by 2050. Some cereals are expected to be hit the hardest – wheat could be hit with a yield loss of 21% by 2050 – whereas others, like millet and sorghum, are more resistant to climate change, with a projected yield loss of 5% and 8%, respectively. Therefore, it makes sense to alter our farming and eating habits to ensure a stable supply of food.
What Are Climate-Resilient Crops?
Climate-resilient crops are, as the name suggests, crops that are able to withstand the effects of climate change, and they may be instrumental in supporting global nutrition and food security as we navigate an age of more extreme, volatile conditions. They tend to be robust crops that can tolerate high temperatures and low water levels and are resistant to some pests – qualities that make them more reliable in the face of adverse conditions. Some can even improve soil health or grow in areas with low soil fertility, making them ideal for inhospitable ground. Adding these to your own farm or garden is a great way to ensure consistent yields and future-proof your land.
What Climate-Resilient Crops Can I Grow?
There are many types of climate-resilient plants. Cacti grow abundantly in arid and semi-arid areas the world over, and even the extreme climate of the Arctic Tundra is home to more than 1,500 plant species. Let’s take a look at five climate-resilient food crops that can be grown in African countries.
Sorghum
With a projected yield loss of only 8% by 2050, sorghum is set to be an important crop in maintaining food security. Sorghum is a cereal crop that can tolerate high temperatures, drought and low soil fertility. It is resistant to many pests and diseases thanks to its phenolic compounds, like ferulic acid and tannins, and the grain is hard, increasing this resistance. As a food, sorghum is very nutritious; a quarter of a cup provides 12% of your daily iron needs, and its phenolic compounds continue to prove useful by acting as antioxidants. It also contains potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, manganese, and other important micronutrients. It is widely cultivated in West Africa, particularly in semi-arid regions, and as well as being a staple food for many, it can also be used as animal feed and biofuel, making sorghum a truly versatile grain.
Pearl Millet
Millet is another climate-resistant crop, with pearl millet being the most widely-grown variety. This crop has been grown since prehistoric times, and for good reason; not only can it withstand drought and high temperatures, but it can also high levels of salinity in soil, so it may thrive in places you have struggled to grow other crops. This is part of the reason why 2023 was marked as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly. It is high in fibre and amino acids, and one cup of cooked pearl millet provides nearly a third of your daily copper needs. It’s also a good source of several key nutrients, like phosphorus, manganese and magnesium, and its ability to be used as an animal feed makes it useful for husbandry, too.
Cowpea
This legume crop, also known as the black-eyed bean, black-eyed pea, or goat pea, is fairly easy to grow in warm, sunny areas, and it is quite happy to put up with poor soil quality and low rainfall. It has pest- and disease-resistant qualities can also contribute to fixing nitrogen levels in soil, improving its fertility. Cowpeas are a great staple food as they are rich in fibre and protein, and they are also an excellent source of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A. As well as being a versatile ingredient enjoyed in a number of dishes, cowpeas can be used as an animal feed. In 2020, a genetically modified variety was approved in Nigeria. This version is resistant to the pod borer insect, which can cause up to 80% yield loss, so its use is expected to improve the cowpea’s productivity and profitability.
Yam
Is there any problem that can’t be improved with a yam? Not only is the yam a delicious food with a seemingly infinite variety of culinary uses, it can adapt to various soil and climatic conditions, making it a safe bet for future-ready farming. Its ability to store well for a long time, combined with its high yield potential when properly managed, is also useful in ensuring food stability. Yams are densely nutritious, with the average yam boasting 369% of your daily vitamin A requirements, as well as a good level of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. As well as its nutritional benefits, yams have applications in the pharmaceutical industry, where their saponins are used to create steroid drugs. They are also used in the production of industrial starch, and many studies support its use in the creation of bio-ethanol, giving this crop a number of useful purposes outside of the food industry.
Bambara Groundnut
Also called Bambara nut, Bambara bean, earth pea and ground bean, this legume is usually cultivated, sold and processed by women, making it especially valuable to female smallholder farmers. As a drought-tolerant crop with the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it has an important role as a climate-resilient plant. It is known as a “complete food” thanks to its levels of nutrients, and it is starting to see some popularity as “Bambara milk”, a nourishing plant-based milk that is relatively easy to make and could provide new opportunities for smallholder farms.
Supporting Climate-Resilient Farming
Climate-resilient crops are a great way to enhance food security and adapt to climate change, but more needs to be done to support farmers and the agricultural industry to make these alterations. More research and development are needed to investigate climate-resilient crops and agricultural practices to ensure that they align with the needs of smallholder farmers, both male and female. Seed systems, market linkages and policy incentives could support the integration of these crops, and it is important to combine them properly with other natural resources to maintain the farming system’s resilience and productivity.
Conclusion
Facing the challenges of climate change in agriculture calls for a shift to climate-resilient crops. The highlighted resilient heroes - sorghum, pearl millet, cowpea, yam, and Bambara groundnut - offer a robust defence against climate-related adversities like high temperatures and drought. However, adopting these crops on a large scale requires teamwork. Research should dig deeper into understanding these crops, making them more farmer-friendly. Therefore, we need strong support systems: good seeds, connections to markets, and incentives from policies. Let's not forget the vital role of female farmers, seen in how women lead in growing and processing Bambara groundnut. Empowering them is key to unlocking the full potential of climate-resilient farming.
In this era of climate uncertainty threatening our food supply, embracing these resilient crops isn't just a short-term solution; it's an investment in a sustainable future. With a combination of nature, science, and innovation, we can create agriculture that stands strong against the challenges ahead, feeding generations to come.
Megan Diehl is a dedicated writer who loves to explore the world of food and agriculture, sharing insights that connect people to the roots of their sustenance. When she isn't writing, Megan can usually be found cooking for her family, creating textile art and gardening.
