Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a reality reshaping lives across Africa, especially for the millions of farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture. The once predictable seasons have become unreliable, leaving farmers struggling to adapt to droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns that destroy crops and livestock.
In countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi, farmers are witnessing the disappearance of traditional farming calendars. “We used to know when the rains would come,” says Agnes Mukamana, a farmer from Rwanda’s Eastern Province. “Now, the rain either comes too early or too late, and sometimes not at all.” Her story mirrors the struggle of many others across the continent.
In Rwanda, smallholder farmers who make up about 70% of the country’s agricultural workforce report that delayed rains and occasional flooding have already caused losses in staple crops such as beans, maize, and bananas.
Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet faces the highest climate vulnerability in the world (UNEP). Agriculture which supports about 60% of Africa’s workforce and contributes one-third of the continent’s GDP, is under threat.
The World Bank estimates that climate change could reduce crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa by up to 20% by 2050, worsening hunger and poverty. Already, over 280 million people in Africa are food-insecure (FAO, 2023). In Rwanda, the government warns that erratic rainfall and increased temperatures could impact up to 25% of smallholder yields if adaptation measures are not scaled.
However, amid the crisis, a wave of innovation and resilience is emerging. Across Rwanda, farmers are adopting climate-smart techniques such as drought-resistant seeds, rainwater harvesting, terracing, and solar-powered irrigation. Digital tools providing localized weather forecasts and market information are helping smallholder farmers make informed decisions and reduce losses.
Governments and NGOs are also stepping in. Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy promotes sustainable farming, forest restoration, and renewable energy. Kenya’s climate-finance programs support local adaptation projects, while the African Development Bank has committed over $25 billion by 2025 to bolster climate resilience and sustainable agriculture across the continent.
Environmental experts stress that empowering farmers with technology, education, and strong policy support is key. “Africa doesn’t lack ideas,” says Dr. Emmanuel Ndung’u, a climate scientist. “What we need is the will and resources to scale up what’s already working.”
