The impact of climate change on food security : evidence from West African countries

Abstract

The global efforts to eradicate hunger and food insecurity by 2030 which is goal number 2 of the United Nations sustainable development goals is being undermine by the adverse impact of climate change on food security. Developing countries especially in West Africa are among the most vulnerable countries to climate change mainly due to the subregion’s dependance on rainfed agriculture for livelihood. Based on this background, this study examines the impact of climate change on food security in West African climate vulnerable countries while controlling macroeconomic factors. To achieve our aim, we employ panel data model to analyze the study comprising 10 West African climate vulnerable countries over the period 2000 to 2020. Findings from model 1 of the study reveal that, rainfall, GDP, trade openness, and cereal production have positive significant impact on food availability; whereas, average temperature, drought, greenhouse gas emission, and population density have adverse effects on food availability. Additionally, results from model 2 indicate that, rainfall, greenhouse gas emission, GDP, political stability, and cereal production improve food accessibility. In contrast, average temperature, drought, and food prices are found to have negative impact on food accessibility. Our findings implies that while rainfall improve food security, other climatic factors such as average temperature and drought drastically reduce food security. Besides, the macroeconomic factors influence food security. These findings are relevant for policymakers and stakeholders to help in achieving food security and sustainable economic growth and development in the sub-region. Therefore, among the policies, we suggest governments in West African countries to reduce carbon emission, increase agricultural investment, provide farmers with drought resistance crops, promote free trade within the sub-region, and stabilize food prices. Finally, the study is limited by unavailability of complete data. Again, the study did not include other pillars of food security such as food utilization and stability in examining the impact of climate change on food security. Therefore, we recommend future research to incorporate these limitations.