This technical document reviews the current status of agricultural production in Africa, the role of agriculture in the economies of African countries and in poverty reduction initiatives, the production trends and the public investments in the sector in recent years. It also assesses the vulnerability of the sector to the short term climate variability and long term effects of climate change. The nexus between agricultural policy and research and development in climate variability and climate change is also explored to identify existing knowledge gaps that prevent agricultural policy development from integrating climate variability and climate change information. The study concludes by making some recommendations vis-à-vis the role of African agriculture in international climate change negotiations.

Download file: ENG

Organization: UNECA

Topics: Agriculture and Food, Land Use Management, Water, Governance – General

Type of material: Analytical-Technical Document

Publication date: 2011

Language: English