Influence of Cowpea Plants on Soil Bacterial Community and Soil Quality: Effects of the Rhizosphere.

The impact of climate change has gained extensive attention over the past few decades, while its impact on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region where agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate variability, still requires more in-depth and focused research, including its effects on food security. Using panel data from 1980 to 2021 , this study investigates the effects of climate change (temperature and rainfall) and ecological footprints on food security in SSA and its four sub-regions, including pathways through inflation and trade. Results show that increases in temperature and ecological footprints improve food security in SSA. Increased rainfall decreases food security in Western SSA but increases it in Middle and Southern SSA. Temperature improves food security in Eastern and Western SSA, while ecological footprints improve food security in Eastern, Western and Southern SSA. Increases in temperature and ecological footprint improve trade, while an increase in rainfall and temperature reduces inflation. However, increases in ecological footprint increases inflation. we recommend climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening climate information and early warning systems and expanding irrigation infrastructure. Region-specific strategies include the adoption of flood-tolerant crops in Western SSA, sustainable resource management in Southern SSA, and the scaling up of climate-smart agriculture in Eastern SSA. fiscal and monetary policies should be put in place to stabilize food prices.

Climate change is predicted to have a detrimental impact on food security throughout the world, but the poorest regions are likely to be the most affected. The Food and Agriculture Organization identifies four aspects of food security: availability, access, stability and utilization. This literature review examines the predicted impacts of climate change on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. First, an analysis of the scientific literature was undertaken to investigate the potential impact of climate change on each of these four aspects. Second, policies relating to food security and climate change of key UN bodies, international non-profit organizations, and national governments in Sub-Saharan Africa were examined. Overall, there is extensive evidence that climate change will negatively impact each of the four aspects of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Until now, international organizations and national governments have failed to adopt comprehensive policies to adapt to climate change. To be effective, efforts to address the problem should combine social and development aspects.

This study delves into the intricate interplay of gender dynamics within the realms of food security, energy access, and entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Through a comprehensive analysis, it seeks to uncover the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women and men in these critical sectors. Data for the study was obtained from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Development Indicators (WDI). The system Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) was used for the analysis. Results show that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing resources and markets, which can impact their ability to contribute to food security. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive policies and programs that support women entrepreneurs in the food sector.

Purpose Food security issues have been a problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the governments of SSA implementing various strategies to improve food availability and nutrition, the empirical evidence on the effects of climate change mitigation and adaptation practices on food security in SSA, as well as their heterogeneous effects across the region’s four sub-regions, is limited. Using panel data from 31 sub-Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2021, this study aims to examine the effects of climate change mitigation and adaptation practices on food security in SSA. It further investigates the channels through which climate change mitigation and adaptation practices can affect food security in SSA. Design/methodology/approach Data from the FAO, WDI, USDA and the Climate Change Knowledge Portal was used. This study used the fixed and random effects model for analyzing the effects of climate change mitigation and adaptation practices on food security in SSA and across its four sub-regions. The pooled mean group estimation technique was also applied for robustness. Findings The results indicate that climate change mitigation and adaptation practices (irrigation, crop diversification, forest cover area and organic fertilizer) improve food availability, measured by the average dietary energy supply adequacy and reduce stunting in SSA. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that climate change mitigation and adaptation practices impact food security in the four sub-regions of SSA. The results further demonstrate that climate change mitigation and adaptation practices positively affect channel variables prevalence of undernourishment and gross domestic product in purchasing power parity. Originality/value This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to investigate the effects of climate change mitigation and adaptation practices on food security in SSA and across its four sub-regions (East, West, Middle and Southern SSA) using panel data and the different pathways through which these practices affect food security. Based on the findings, the study thus proposes that the governments in SSA should improve irrigation facilities, encourage crop diversification and promote organic fertilizers, especially livestock manure and agroforestry farming systems.

The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has experienced substantial population growth over the past decades, accompanied by severe hunger and environmental degradation. Underperforming governance is a major driver of unsustainable agricultural production and land use in SSA. The impacts of governance performance on food security and the environment in SSA require better understanding by considering socioeconomic and biophysical dynamics. Using an agro-economic dynamic optimization model, we investigate the impacts of governance performance on land use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and food security in the SSA region by 2050. Our findings indicate that strong governance could lead to less deforestation, thus reducing GHG emissions in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. Strong governance could also improve food security, with higher agricultural productivity, lower food prices and food expenditure share, as well as higher self-sufficiency. These findings highlight that those efforts should extend beyond specific agricultural and environmental measures and promote integrated governance to achieve long-term synergies between food and environmental security in SSA.

Wild edible plants that provide non-timber forest products for food are a source of subsistence for people in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas. However, the uses and nutritional potentials of these wild plants are poorly documented. This study aims to summarize the scope of knowledge on wild edible plants in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientific articles related to plant uses and nutritional potential were searched on Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed using various keywords. A total of 420 species belonging to 215 genera and 69 families were identified as contributing to food security. Adansonia digitata L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet, Annona senegalensis Pers. and Tamarindus indica L. were the most represented according to the relative importance index. Eight edible parts were listed, among which fruits, flowers, seed oil and leaves were the most widely used. Fruits and flowers were the most used in drinks and condiments. Amino acids, lipids, glucids, fibres, water content, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, energy value and proteins were the nutrients recorded in the parts of edible plants. Vitamins are more commonly found in fruits while proteins are found in seed oil, leaves and flowers. The wild edible plants species contain food properties such as aroma, sweetness, acidity and sourness, as well as nutritional value. Acidifying/souring properties are found in leaves while aroma is found in flowers. Identifying plants with high nutritional value could help guide conservation efforts and their inclusion in nutritional programs for sustainable food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa. The results obtained on the nutritional potentials of different parts of plants open the prospects for the formulation of new food products to improve the diet of local people.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the agricultural innovation and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In Nigeria, agricultural innovation is vital for improving food security. Research suggests that adopting innovative farming methods and technologies can boost productivity, resilience to climate change, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Overcoming challenges like limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure is essential to fully harnessing the benefits of agricultural innovation for food security in Nigeria. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, social capital theory & political economy theory may be used to anchor future studies on agricultural innovation and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria. Promote farmer-centered innovation platforms - establishing can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and co-creation of agricultural innovations. Adequate funding for research institutions, agricultural universities, and extension agencies is essential to conduct applied research, develop appropriate technologies, and provide technical assistance to farmers.

Globally, Climate change adversely impacts people's lives. Climate change has not spared Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of farming and food security. Sub-Saharan Africa's overdependence on agriculture and farming adversely impacts the standard of living and quality of life. This study explored secondary data analysis of global institutions' reports to examine the impact of climate change on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper synthesizes themes and patterns to comprehend the effects of climate change on food supply. The data was analyzed through a thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes from the secondary data. The findings established that climate change reduces farming productivity, which causes food shortages and increases the vulnerability of farming. Food security can be improved by adopting climate-change agricultural practices and increasing investment in agricultural infrastructure. The paper concludes that climate change impacts food security. This paper recommends that the government and global institutions support Sub-Saharan African farmers. It contributes to raising awareness of measures to improve food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a fundamental pillar of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ensuring seed security is critical to empowering farmers in cultivating food and livestock feed, thereby fostering income generation from agricultural outputs. Among the crops cultivated by smallholders, legumes have the potential to deliver multifaceted benefits. Legumes are nutrient-dense and enhance soil health through their nitrogen-fixing qualities. However, in many instances, the development, release, and supply of improved legume varieties are insufficient to meet the needs of smallholder farmers in SSA. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to (i) identify and categorize existing legume seed systems, (ii) map legume varieties available to smallholders, (iii) identify barriers hindering the adoption of various legume varieties, and (iv) identify potential strategies and opportunities for strengthening legume seed systems in SSA. Our results demonstrate the coexistence of formal and informal seed systems within legume seed supply chains in SSA, each employing unique seed distribution channels. Smallholders, however, are shown to predominantly depend on the informal seed system to source most legume seeds except for commercially available varieties. We also identified a diverse range of legume varieties available to smallholders in the region, with farmers having varying trait preferences based on crop type and gender. Notably, high yield and abiotic stress tolerance were the most preferred traits. The adoption of these varieties, however, is influenced by various factors, including lack of timely access to seeds in adequate quantities from the formal seed system, high seed costs, and limited information on new varieties. The reviewed literature highlighted that utilizing improved legume varieties had a positive effect on smallholders, leading to improved welfare, food security, dietary diversity, and income. We conclude that the effective scaling of legume systems in SSA is contingent upon the presence of supportive policy frameworks and well-established technical support structures.Graphical Packets of legume seeds within a legume germplasm and breeding program at the University of Zambia (Photo by Caitlin Breen, 2022).

Bioprocess engineering today has made tremendous discoveries principally aimed at improving the overall quality of living of any society. Significant of these discoveries is the cultivation of genetically modified foods (GM foods). This paper discusses the problem of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the practicability of GM foods in ameliorating this problem. In SSA, food security is currently being threatened by several factors ranging from natural systems that cause environmental deterioration such as floods and droughts to anthropogenic exacerbations ranging from poor land and agricultural management policies; increase in social and economic inequality; terrorism, civic unrest, strife and wars and rapid population growth and demographic changes, amongst others. Drawbacks to the poor food security in SSA is majorly associated with malnutrition and corresponding loss in human capita productivity in the region. Statistics currently portray that one in four persons in Africa is undernourished. Hence, the timely need for disruption in current trends is imperative. The growth of GM foods has seen an exponential increase worldwide, with over 179.7 million hectares being planted, this trend is however very poor in SSA. The pros, cons and hindrances influencing the use of GM foods in SSA have been discussed. It is the opinion of the authors that the use of Biotech improved foods in curbing the food crisis in SSA should be explored and committed to by the African Union, alongside amendment of policies that promulgate weaknesses of agricultural institutional in African Nations.

Food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is dependent on complex networks of interconnected actors and the flows of resources (biomass, capital) and information among them. However, the degree to which actors and value chains of different crops are in fact interconnected and their current systemic influence on food security are unclear. Therefore, the concept of “value webs” to better capture the complexity within the networks emerges. Biomass-based value webs of selected crops in Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are modeled using the systems analysis software iMODELER and by eliciting factors as well as their interconnections through participatory stakeholder workshops. Furthermore, a generic model was created compiling the country models to identify overarching system dynamics with supporting and hindering factors impacting food security in SSA. Findings from the country models show highly complex value webs, suggesting that the predominant value chain approach may oversimplify actual structures and resource flows in real life settings. However, few interconnections within the value webs link the actors and flows of different crops, contradicting predictions emerging from other research. Results from the generic model allow for a critical reflection on the relation between value web dynamics and food security policy in SSA. Current national and regional policy trends targeting market integration, mechanization, and reduction of post-harvest losses are supported by model results.

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate the role of agricultural innovation in enhancing food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of agricultural innovation in enhancing food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Preliminary empirical review revealed that agricultural innovation was critical in addressing the pervasive food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. It found that innovations in crop breeding, sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture, and improved agricultural inputs significantly increased productivity and food availability. However, the study emphasized that these innovations needed to be context-specific due to the diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions in the region. Additionally, barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate extension services, and poor infrastructure were identified as significant obstacles to the adoption of agricultural innovations. The study also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability and resilience into agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Innovation Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on food security in Sub Saharan Africa. The study recommended further research into the contextual factors influencing the adoption and impact of agricultural innovations, suggesting that more region-specific studies could provide deeper insights. It also emphasized strengthening agricultural extension services and leveraging digital technologies to enhance farmers' access to information. Improving financial access for smallholder farmers through tailored credit products and public-private partnerships was also advised. On the policy front, the study called for supportive policies that reduce regulatory barriers and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing capacity-building initiatives were recommended to empower farmers and facilitate the widespread adoption of agricultural innovations.

This study examined the impact of poverty and insecurity on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In spite of the abundance of diverse resources in SSA across the continent, most nations in the SSA are wallowing in abject poverty. Studies have reported a dehumanising poverty rate comprising high inflation, high costs of food prices, and economic hardship with a greater percentage of the populace living far below the poverty line on poverty index indicators. This study employed qualitative research design involving phenomenological approach in investigating the root cause of the contributory factors to food insecurity in SSA, to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of citizens as variables of the study. Purposive sampling as convenience sampling technique was employed in collecting data from different categories of citizens through Key Informant Interview on poverty, insecurity and food security issues by direct contacts and Google form circulation on social media platforms among public servants, traders, farmers, transporters, artisans, and food vendors. In all, 67 participants that consented to participate in the study (28 male and 39 female respondents) were enlisted in the study. Findings from the study revealed prevalence of food insecurity, poverty and insecurity as drivers of food insecurity in SSA. It is therefore incumbent on stakeholders to address squarely the issue of poverty and security related issues.

INTRODUCTION: Climate smart agriculture (CSA) which involves the integration of IoT and cloud computing is an emerging agricultural paradigm that is foreseen to be the main driver of agriculture as the 21st century progresses. Sub-Saharan Africa lags in this regard and therefore deserves a special focus. OBJECTIVES: This paper presents an overview of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions in CSA in the context of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) METHODS: An overview of the status of food insecurity in SSA and associated factors is presented. The paper then focused on IoT as a technology and how it can be used for CSA in SSA through use cases; possible challenges were also examined. RESULTS: The paper showed that with CSA, SSA can become a net exporter of food. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes with open issues like the funding of research and development which must be addressed if SSA is to leverage IoT technology to attain food security.