Integrating Sustainable Agricultural Practices to Enhance Climate Resilience and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju (), Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Lloyd J. S. Baiyegunhi and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
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Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju: School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Olaniyi Amos Fawole: South African Research Chairs Initiative in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
Lloyd J. S. Baiyegunhi: School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi: Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing escalating climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroecology, offer promising strategies to boost productivity while enhancing ecological stability. This review proposes that multidisciplinary integration of SAPs, encompassing agronomy, socioeconomics, and governance, is the most promising route to achieving climate-resilient food systems in SSA by 2030. Despite its proven benefits, the use of SAPs remains limited. This is largely because of financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these challenges, this review evaluates the role of SAPs in mitigating climate risk, improving soil health, and enhancing food security. It also identifies systemic adoption barriers and examines the effectiveness of policy and financing frameworks. Drawing on evidence from across SSA, including Ethiopia’s agroforestry success and Senegal’s millet resilience, this review highlights how integrating sustainable practices with postharvest innovation and community-driven approaches can strengthen food systems. Ultimately, the findings underscore that weaving science, policy, and grassroots action is essential for building a resilient and food-secure SSA, particularly within the context of the 2025 global adaptation agenda.

Keywords: climate change; sustainable agriculture; sub-Saharan Africa; food security; agricultural productivity; climate resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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