A.J. Dietz

The Impact of Climate Change on Drylands, with a Focus on West Africa

Sahelian West Africa has recovered from the disastrous droughts of the 1970s and 1980s. People have learned to adapt to risk and uncertainty in fragile dryland environments. They, as well as global change scientists, are worried about the impact of climate change on these West African drylands. What do the experiences of the last thirty years say about the preparedness for higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and even more variability? Detailed studies on Dryland West Africa as a whole, and on Burkina Faso, Mali and Northern Ghana in particular show an advanced coping behaviour and increased adaptation, but also major differences in vulnerability and coping potential. Climate change preparedness programmes have only just started and require more robust support, and more specific social targeting, for a population which is rapidly growing, even more rapidly urbanising, and further integrating in a globalised economy. This book is the first of its kind with a comprehensive analysis of climate change experiences in West African drylands, with attention for pathways of change and the diversity of adaptation options available. This book is of interest to scientists studying global and climate change, especially dealing with issues of adaptation. Social scientists, economists, geographers and policy makers concerned with West Africa should also read this book. Written for: Scientists studying global and climate change, especially dealing with issues of adaptation; social scientists, economists, geographers and policy makers concerned with West Af

Climate Change Preparedness in West Africa

This last chapter presents the results of expert prioritisation of policy recommendations that emerged from the ICCD programme. Experts gave the highest priority to developing an adequate early warning system with an efficient strategy to communicate with households and institutions. It is necessary for a better understanding of climate change and its effects and for the development of technologies adapted to location and sector specific conditions. In addition, high priority was given to maintaining social security mechanisms, understanding migration strategies and regulating land and water entitlements. Careful attention is needed for potential conflicts when resources become scarce. Local government and non-government organisations need support to monitor economic changes and to implement local policies. Agricultural research plays an important role in developing technologies that perform well under drought conditions. International agreements on climate change implications may be exploited for example by redefining subsidy practices. Finally there is plenty of scope for improving scientific research on climate change by extending research networks, by fine-tuning the ICCD models, and by expanding the geographic area of research.