Economic Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Agriculture is the main livelihood in Sub-Saharan Africa, but land degradation due to improper agricultural practices and climate change seriously causes a decline in yields. Climate change impacts agricultural production directly through temperature levels and water availability, and indirectly through its impact on disease vectors and pests. This paper investigates the economic impact of climate change on agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. Country-level panel data of sub-Saharan African countries are used to analyze the impact of temperature and precipitation on agricultural production. Deviations in temperature and precipitation from their long-term average are used in agricultural production models. The results indicate that a slight deviation in temperature from its long-term average impacts agricultural production positively and significantly, while its larger deviations affect production negatively. Both the slight and large deviation in precipitation impact agricultural production negatively and significantly. All agricultural production input variables have significant effects on agricultural production in the region. The study concludes by forwarding useful recommendations that base appropriate ecosystem management and production systems. The findings imply that the impact of climate change on agriculture is detrimental. To overcome the impact of climate change, the study suggests appropriate land use policy formulation, natural resource conservation, implementing best agronomic practices, and maintaining the population at an optimum level in the region.