At the heart of human survival, food and shelter (the climate) are pillars of basic needs. However, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, in 2020, there was a 40% increase in the number of individuals facing food insecurity in Africa compared to the previous year, and this was attributed to the effects of the pandemic and climate change. This challenge brings about the need to explore opportunities to resolve climate change and food insecurity to strengthen the foundations of human survival in Africa.
Humans are responsible for Climate Change
Climate experts have confirmed that human activities are the primary drivers of climate change over the past two centuries. The combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial actions, and certain farming techniques contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming to unprecedented levels in the last two millennia.
According to Statista, between 2015 and 2020, Africa experienced a yearly decrease of 4.4 million hectares in forest cover due to deforestation. The transformation of forested land to different uses predominantly impacted the continent’s eastern and southern regions, with an annual deforestation rate of 2.2 million hectares. In the same timeframe, Africa’s western and central regions saw a yearly loss of approximately 1.9 million hectares of forest.
Also, how we produce food significantly impacts our planet, further driving the climate crisis. Agriculture accounts for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with land conversion for industrial farming creating ecological voids. Heavy machinery and synthetic fertilisers introduce various pollutants, while intensive farming practices deplete soil carbon.
Climate change encompasses more than just rising temperatures. It disrupts the Earth’s interconnected systems, leading to a cascade of consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, altered precipitation patterns, diminishing ice caps, ecological shifts, and challenges to human health, food, and water security. Mitigating climate change and adapting to its inevitable effects are essential in addressing this global challenge.
Agroforestry as a Smart Climate Investment
Given the staggering costs of delaying climate action, it is clear what we need to do: we need to make smart climate investments. Agroforestry is a smart climate investment to help Africa facilitate climate action and food security. Agroforestry, the integrated approach of growing trees and shrubs alongside crops and livestock within sustainable farming systems, aims for beneficial interactions among its components. This method strives for a more dynamic and valuable land use than traditional farming allows, enhancing ecological diversity and social benefits.
Agroforestry contributes to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in tree biomass and soils. Trees in agricultural landscapes act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. This carbon sequestration capability is significant, given Africa’s vulnerability to climate change impacts such as altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures.
Also, trees can improve microclimates, reducing temperature extremes and maintaining higher humidity levels, which can benefit crops. Their roots stabilise soil and reduce erosion, preserving soil fertility and water quality. Regarding food security, agroforestry diversifies production, offering multiple food sources and income. By integrating fruit trees, nuts, and edible plants into farming systems, households can access a varied diet, improving nutrition. Additionally, selling tree products like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants provides alternative income streams, enhancing economic stability and reducing poverty.
Investment Opportunities
The World Meteorological Organisation report emphasised the necessity for immediate investment in adaptation measures to address the climate crisis, estimating that Sub-Saharan Africa requires an annual investment of between $30 and $50 billion over the coming ten years to prevent the escalated expenses associated with further disaster relief efforts.
Organisations like Afforestation Africa aim to restore Africa’s depleted forests to their former state by planting 250 million trees by 2027 and reaching a billion trees by 2032. This endeavour seeks to lower global emissions and promote sustainability through tree planting, agroforestry, and community education on the benefits of reforestation. These efforts are crucial for soil conservation, climate stabilisation, global warming reversal, and air quality improvement across Africa and the globe.
Hence, Agroforestry presents a dynamic investment landscape that marries environmental stewardship with financial prosperity. By directing funds into agroforestry projects, investors play a pivotal role in combating climate change and also position themselves to reap substantial returns from the diverse outputs of these systems. The dual nature of agroforestry allows for the simultaneous cultivation of crops and tree-based products, offering a diversified portfolio of marketable goods ranging from agricultural produce to timber and fruit. This diversification enhances the resilience of investments against market volatility and environmental challenges, ensuring a stable and potentially lucrative revenue stream.
What we need
There is still much work to be done to reduce uncertainty on the total costs of climate inaction. Delaying climate action will inevitably increase the negative impacts that the world will experience due to climate change. Agroforestry is a beacon of sustainable investment, offering a harmonious blend of ecological conservation and economic development. Investors who venture into agroforestry champion a greener planet and tap into a growing sector poised for expansion in the face of global environmental and food security challenges. As the world increasingly values sustainability and resilience, agroforestry investments emerge as a prudent choice for those looking to make a positive impact while securing financial gains. Through strategic investment in agroforestry, we can drive meaningful change, creating a future where economic growth and environmental health go hand in hand.