Synergistic impact of COVID-19 and climate change on agricultural resilience and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This review investigates the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and climate change, focusing on their collective repercussions on Sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural sector and food security. The paper aims to scrutinize existing literature to elucidate the multifaceted implications of COVID-19 and climate change on agriculture and food security. A review of scholarly articles, reports, and case studies was conducted to ensure a thorough analysis. Findings indicate that COVID-19 disruptions exacerbate the challenges posed by climate change, particularly through supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Small-scale farmers demonstrate greater resilience due to their diverse and locally-oriented systems, while larger-scale farmers with more capital fare relatively better. In conclusion, urgent adaptive strategies and resilience-building measures are essential. Promoting diversified farming systems, enhancing smallholder capabilities, and advocating for international collaboration to address these synergistic threats effectively is essential.