Why climate adaptation in Africa can't be delayed

With the risk of up to 118 million people being exposed to extreme weather by 2030, Africa is in a race against time to adapt fast.
African countries are already losing between 2% to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate-related hazards, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
The cost of adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa alone is estimated at $30Bn to $50Bn annually over the next decade, representing 2% to 3% of regional GDP.

Africa, a continent rich in biodiversity and natural resources, faces some of the most severe impacts of extreme weather, making climate adaptation very critical. The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, and cyclones are wreaking havoc on African economies and societies.

The State of the Climate in Africa 2023 Report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlights that climate extremes disproportionately affect African nations. Increasingly, these extremes are disrupting food security systems, and water access, and causing big economic losses. With the potential for up to 118 million people to be exposed to extreme weather by 2030, Africa is in a race against time to adapt to this new reality.

Climate-related losses: A devastating economic impact

African countries are already losing between 2 per cent to 5 per cent of their GDP annually due to climate-related hazards, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. This economic burden is felt most acutely by vulnerable communities that rely on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods.

The report estimates that many nations are diverting as much as 9 per cent of their national budgets to respond to these unplanned climate-related crises. This redirection of funds impacts long-term development efforts, hampering progress in poverty alleviation and economic growth.

In countries such as Tunisia, last year’s drought led to an 80 per cent reduction in cereal production, threatening food security for millions. Meanwhile, extreme rainfall events displaced millions across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, worsening already dire humanitarian crises.

The urgency of climate adaptation

As climate change accelerates, the need for adaptation becomes more pressing for Africa. Adaptation refers to the adjustments and changes in social, economic, and environmental systems to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. In Africa, this means developing strategies to protect agriculture, ensure sustainable water management, and build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.

Investing in climate adaptation is not an option—it is a necessity. The cost of adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa alone is estimated at $30 billion to $50 billion annually over the next decade, representing 2 per cent to 3 per cent of regional GDP. This investment is essential for building resilience in the face of escalating climate impacts. Without urgent action, the socio-economic progress made in recent years could be reversed, pushing millions into poverty and deepening existing inequalities.

Key adaptation strategies: Hydrometeorological Infrastructure and Early Warning Systems

To prepare for and mitigate climate disasters, Africa must prioritize investments in hydrometeorological infrastructure and early warning systems. Hydrometeorological services provide critical data on weather, climate, and water resources, helping governments and communities anticipate extreme weather events and respond effectively, the report explains.

Enhanced forecasting and monitoring capabilities are crucial for issuing timely warnings and advisories. Advanced technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence can improve the accuracy of climate forecasts, enabling faster and more targeted responses. These systems can help local farmers plan their crop cycles, communities prepare for floods, and governments allocate resources for disaster response.

According to the WMO report, the lack of robust hydrometeorological services in Africa has made it difficult to anticipate and respond to the continent’s growing climate risks. Investments in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are necessary to improve data collection, forecasting, and communication. This would enhance Africa’s ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, saving lives and reducing economic losses.

Dual challenges of water scarcity and food insecurity

Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity and food insecurity across Africa. Droughts, heatwaves, and shifting rainfall patterns are placing immense pressure on Africa’s already strained water resources. In regions such as the Horn of Africa and parts of North Africa, recurrent droughts have led to widespread water shortages, threatening agricultural productivity and public health.

Water scarcity has direct implications for food security. Africa’s agricultural sector is predominantly rain-fed, making it highly vulnerable to climate variability. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns become more erratic, crop yields are expected to decline, further jeopardizing the continent’s food supply.

By 2030, it is predicted that 118 million people in Africa could face food and water shortages if climate adaptation measures are not swiftly implemented.

Building climate resilience in agriculture

To address these challenges, Africa must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that improve resilience to climate variability. Techniques such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and conservation agriculture can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while boosting productivity. Additionally, investments in infrastructure for water storage and distribution can ensure that communities have access to water even during periods of drought.

The WMO report also stresses the importance of integrating climate risk management into national policies. Governments need to prioritize climate adaptation in their development strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated to strengthen food and water systems. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector actors, and international organizations are key to driving large-scale adaptation initiatives.

Africa’s climate challenges require global cooperation and financial support. While Africa is one of the regions least responsible for global carbon emissions, it is among the most vulnerable to climate change. International organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations must step up their support for climate adaptation efforts on the continent.

Initiatives like the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program aim to mobilize resources to finance adaptation projects across the continent. Similarly, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is working to provide funding for projects that enhance resilience to climate change in Africa.

However, the scale of the challenge is immense. Africa’s climate adaptation needs far exceed current funding levels, underscoring the need for innovative financing mechanisms. Public-private partnerships, green bonds, and international climate funds can play a pivotal role in mobilizing the necessary resources to finance Africa’s climate adaptation efforts.

Africa’s climate crisis presents an urgent and complex challenge, but it is not insurmountable. With timely investments in climate adaptation, the continent can build resilience to climate shocks and safeguard its economic future. Strengthening hydrometeorological infrastructure, developing climate-smart agricultural practices, and enhancing early warning systems are critical steps in this process.

International cooperation and financial support will be essential in ensuring that Africa has the resources to adapt to the changing climate. As climate risks continue to escalate, the time to act is now—Africa’s race against time to build climate resilience cannot wait. Climate adaptation is the key to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.