Low-cost adaptation options to support green growth in agriculture, water resources, and coastal zones

Abstract

The regional climate as it is now and in the future will put pressure on investments in sub-Saharan Africa in water resource management, fisheries, and other crop and livestock production systems. Changes in oceanic characteristics across the Atlantic Ocean will result in remarkable vulnerability of coastal ecology, littorals, and mangroves in the middle of the twenty-first century and beyond. In line with the countries' objectives of creating a green economy that allows reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved resource efficiency, and prevention of biodiversity loss, we identify the most pressing needs for adaptation and the best adaptation choices that are also clean and affordable. According to empirical data from the field and customized model simulation designs, the cost of these adaptation measures will likely decrease and benefit sustainable green growth in agriculture, water resource management, and coastal ecosystems, as hydroclimatic hazards such as pluviometric and thermal extremes become more common in West Africa. Most of these adaptation options are local and need to be scaled up and operationalized for sustainable development. Governmental sovereign wealth funds, investments from the private sector, and funding from global climate funds can be used to operationalize these adaptation measures. Effective legislation, knowledge transfer, and pertinent collaborations are necessary for their success.

Figure 1

(A) Interannual variability and trends of the daily average temperature range (DTR) based on the near-surface temperature depicted in the Soudan/Sahel and Guinean zones of West Africa. The 1950–2014 series is based on observations combining in situ and gridded data. Projections over 2015–2100 are derived from the shared socioeconomic pathways SSP126 & SSP370 scenario using five bias-corrected and downscaled global circulation models from the intersectoral impact intercomparison project (ISIMIP3b). (B) Average seasonal distribution of heavy rain events (HRE) during the 2031–2060 horizon over the climatic zones of West Africa.

Figure 2

Changes in streamflow (%) relative to the 1981–2010 baseline for seven major river basins in West Africa.

Figure 3

High-scoring adaptation options and measures suitable for crop production and soil water conservation (A), water resources management (B), and the protection of coastal zones (C) of West Africa under climate extremes.

Figure 4

Projected costs of delayed (early with depreciation) implementation of adaptation measures when applied to crop management, water management, and the protection of coastal areas.