Integrating Sustainable Agricultural Practices to Enhance Climate Resilience and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

  • Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju
  • , Olaniyi Amos Fawole
  • , Lloyd J.S. Baiyegunhi
  • , Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing escalating climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroecology, offer promising strategies to boost productivity while enhancing ecological stability. This review proposes that multidisciplinary integration of SAPs, encompassing agronomy, socioeconomics, and governance, is the most promising route to achieving climate-resilient food systems in SSA by 2030. Despite its proven benefits, the use of SAPs remains limited. This is largely because of financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these challenges, this review evaluates the role of SAPs in mitigating climate risk, improving soil health, and enhancing food security. It also identifies systemic adoption barriers and examines the effectiveness of policy and financing frameworks. Drawing on evidence from across SSA, including Ethiopia’s agroforestry success and Senegal’s millet resilience, this review highlights how integrating sustainable practices with postharvest innovation and community-driven approaches can strengthen food systems. Ultimately, the findings underscore that weaving science, policy, and grassroots action is essential for building a resilient and food-secure SSA, particularly within the context of the 2025 global adaptation agenda.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6259
JournalSustainability
Volume17
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  3. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  4. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  5. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  6. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  7. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

  • agricultural productivity
  • climate change
  • climate resilience
  • food security
  • sub-Saharan Africa
  • sustainable agriculture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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