Environmental change is having a particularly strong impact on the African continent. Its landscapes see both negative and positive processes. What is science's view of this? A conversation with Cyrus Samimi about mobility for livelihoods, urban gardening and dealing with nature.
Rwanda / Kigali, 2020: Participants of the IOT training at the Digital Transformation Center Kigali. c) Mali Lazell
Cyrus Samimi is Professor of Climatology at the University of Bayreuth, and is also Director of the Institute of African Studies (IAS) based there. His work focuses on climatology, vegetation geography, remote sensing and the effects of climate change.
Jan Rübel is author at Zeitenspiegel Reportagen, a columnist at Yahoo and writes for national newspapers and magazines. He studied History and Middle Eastern Studies.
Prof. Samimi, what distinguishes the environmental change over the past few years in sub-Saharan Africa?
Cyrus Samimi: Extreme heterogeneity, like all over the world. Not everything is changing for the worse. For instance, when I started studying in the 1980s, desertification in the Sahel was the big issue. It was predicted that we would see massive advances of the Sahara, which luckily did not happen; it was a fluctuation.
Were we wrong back then?
I wouldn’t say so. Back then, there was a huge climate impact, which led to social catastrophes, and large numbers of farm animals died. It was a time when climate dynamics were not yet understood. Science shows that certain phenomena are not immediately clear. At that time, we started with long-term data series, began using satellite data – and this climate system slowly revealed itself in all its complexity. Even today, we have not yet fully understood it.
Chad / Koyom, 2012: unexpected, torrential rains flooded villages and agricultural land. (c) Christoph Püschner/Bread for the World
What is the difference between environmental change and climate change?
Environmental change in sub-Saharan Africa describes, for example, nature conservation measures, such as expanding national parks, urbanisation, banning disposable plastic or dam projects as are being carried out in Ethiopia – climate change happens in addition to this.
The processes are both negative and positive…
…so let’s look at them more closely. One of the worst effects of the environmental changes over the past few years was the impact on the fresh water ecosystems. Synthetic pesticides in agriculture and urbanisation meant that many harmful poisons were fed into Lake Victoria. This affects the entire chain of great lakes in Africa. Overfishing is also having a huge negative impact: Those of us from the Global North together with the big trawlers are partly responsible for this; most African countries do not have the capacity to monitor this and barely enforce their own rights of use.
Kenya / Machakos, 2011: A pressure sprayer is used to spray plantations of leguminous plants with pesticides. (c) Christoph Püschner/Bread for the World
So how does climate change come into play?
The rise in the global sea level puts the megacities on the east and west coast at risk due to flooding combined with extremely heavy rainfall at the start and the end of the rainy season. And climatic variability exacerbates the problems in agriculture and poses an increasing challenge to food security. Attempts are made to compensate for this by intensifying activities, while the densification of cities results in the disappearance of the original green space, which was also used for agriculture.
Urban Gardening?
This concept comes from Africa. When I came to Africa for the first time in 1984, I noticed how much was cultivated in urban areas. This inspired me to study geography. Urban gardening was a method already used in Africa.
And the positive processes of environmental change?
Attempts are often made to adapt to the new conditions. Nature conservation is becoming more frequently enshrined in laws, the understanding for environmental protection is strong and is continuing to grow. There are many local movements, such as “Fridays for Future” in Africa. And they try to use their traditional knowledge locally: Agroforestry systems are re-establishing and stabilising the ecosystems which, in turn, strengthens food security.
Senegal / Dakar, Plage de Yoff Tonghor, 2016: Day laborers carry the fish in stacking boxes to the ready refrigerated trucks of the wholesalers. (c) Christoph Püschner/Bread for the World
Does sub-Saharan Africa have a more understanding approach to nature than in Europe?
African philosophers are currently discussing this. People who are more connected to nature are more careful with it; this is more the case in Africa than in Europe. Those who live in Berlin, London, Lagos or in Nairobi have a more distanced understanding of nature. This has been going on for longer in the West than in Africa. Do you remember the “problem bear” that moved around southern Bavaria? In Berlin, there was a huge outcry about shooting it, people could sit in their apartments and be outraged by it, while farmers and shepherds in Upper Bavaria may have seen the situation differently. Similarly, Botswana has an elephant problem, it has a massive overpopulation. The animals go onto the fields, and are aggressive when they feel disturbed. It is strange when people in Europe are outraged because the Botswanan government says it must control the population by hunting - which is certainly managed sensibly with little corruption.
Niger / Goungo Bon, 2009: the allotment garden for vegetable cultivation is managed by the village community from Goungo Bon. (c) Christoph Püschner/Bread for the World
What do external interventions have to take into account?
They need to listen much more closely to the local people and take them seriously. At the local level, tried-and-tested strategies are often available to alleviate the negative environmental change, including adapting to climate variability.
What successful strategies do you mean?
Mobility, for example. Pastoralists use it to adapt: They migrate with their cattle so that they survive. This is hugely important, as it is not simply about subsistence or prestige, it is about supplying protein to the major cities. African communities are highly mobile, which is being restricted particularly by Europe. Now, migration is being controlled, however people are not migrating towards Europe but within Africa. And it is spreading: In southern Africa, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are now protecting themselves from the north and restricting mobility.
Are there negative examples of conservation projects from the north?
When national parks are expanded, the focus is more on strengthening tourism rather than the social population or nature conservation. The initiatives to cultivate biofuels under the heading climate protection are also to be viewed critically, because in reality they are a catastrophe. The World Bank once conducted a study on supposedly unused land in Africa that was valued. But land is always used. A population also needs places to retreat in order to be mobile and flexible. If these are used for CO2 compensation plants, something is taken away from them. In some cases, monocultures are planted, or fast-growing trees that achieve nothing.
Kenya / Marsabit, 2011: After the deworming campaign in the village of Boruharo, the women drive their goats back to their home village. (c) Christoph Püschner/Bread for the World
What is wrong with a fast-growing tree?
The tree must be adapted to the ecological conditions, which is frequently not the case. And a monoculture has a negative impact on biodiversity.
And if small-scale farmers grow biofuels, they earn money. That is a good thing, right?
If they are small-scale farmers, then yes. But most are large investors. The small-scale farmers try to do two things at once, specifically provide their own food and then try to generate surpluses that will sell on the market. Biofuels are not included in this concept.
In Eastern El Salvador, campesinos are cultivating a self-image to encourage rural youth to remain in rural areas. With help from Caritas, they have adjusted the cultivation methods to their soils and traditions - Marvin Antonio Garcia Otero,the deputy director of Caritas of the Diocese of San Miguel believes this is the best way to prevent rural exodus and criminality.
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The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020 shows that the world is not on track to meet the international goal of “zero hunger by 2030”. If we continue at our current speed, around 37 countries will not even have reached a low hunger level by 2030.
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In August, Germany’s development ministry set up a division concentrating on One Health topics. Parliamentary State Secretary Maria Flachsbarth on knowledge gaps at the human-animal-environmental interface, the link between One Health and food security, and lessons learnt from previous pandemics.
From the lab to the masses: Maria Andrade bred varieties of biofortified sweet potatoes which are now widely used all over the continent. She sets her hope on the transformation of African agriculture.
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A contribution by Kerstin Weber and Brit Reichelt-Zolho (WWF)
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Double interview with Tony Rinaudo and Volker Schlöndorff
Tony Rinaudo uses conventional reforestation methods to plant millions and millions of trees – and Volker Schlöndorff is filming a cinema documentary about the Australian. The outcome so far: An educational film on behalf of the BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development).
If there is a lack of fertile soil and rain, hunger breaks out quickly. Maria Smentek from the World Food Programme (WFP) explains how farmers and pastoralists can counter climate change with hydroponic-systems.
The majority of producers in developing countries are women. Although they contribute significantly to the food security of their families, they remain chronically disadvantaged in male-dominated agriculture in terms of access to land, credit, technology and education.
Interview with Bernadette Arakwiye und Salima Mahamoudou (World Resources Institute)
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A contribution by Dr. Kathleen Mar and Dr. Nicole de Paula
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, health is receiving unprecedented public and political attention. Yet the fact that climate change is also affecting the environmental and social determinants of health in a profound and far-reaching way deserves further recognition.
A report by Bettina Rudloff and Annette Weber (SWP)
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A report by Alexander Müller and Jes Weigelt (TMG)
As the climate changes, the population of Africa is growing and fertile land and jobs are becoming scarcer. New ways are currently leading to urbanisation of agriculture and a new mid-sized sector in the countryside
A contribution by Michael Brüntrup (DIE) und Daniel Tsegai (UNCCD)
Droughts are the natural disasters with far-reaching negative consequences. While rich countries are still vulnerable to drought, famines are no longer found.
Climate change is destroying development progress in many places. The clever interaction of digitalisation and the insurance industry protects affected small farmers.
A study by the World Bank predicts that millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa will have to leave their homelands because of climate change. We have spoken with one of the authors
Adaptation to climate change can be achieved by making agriculture more environmentally sustainable – if the rich countries also reduce their emissions
The WWF has published a sensational study on food waste. The focus: farm-stage food waste. Peter McFeely, Global head of communications and strategic planning at WWF, explains what needs to be done.
Genetically modified bacteria become edible proteins, cows graze on pasture, and no waste is produced in an industrial circular economy. Journalist Jan Grossarth sees a silver lining for the future of world nutrition
"One World no Hunger" (SEWOH) becomes one of the five core themes of the BMZ. Dirk Schattschneider, SEWOH Commissioner about previous approaches, future areas of action, and the political will to end hunger.
Every one degree Celsius rise in temperature increases the risk of conflict by two to ten percent. The climate crisis is a humanitarian crisis, as the photos by Christoph Püschner and Frank Schultze illustrate.
Innovate2030 is looking for creative people from around the world to develop smart and innovative solutions against climate change in cities. Initiated by the Make IT-Alliance.
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The climate crisis fuels world hunger. What needs to change in the global fight against hunger, and which role plays humanitarian aid in international development cooperation?
Climate change already affects the daily lives of people in the Global South. What are the challenges they face and what do these imply for negotiations at the climate conference in Glasgow?
How investing in healthy soils provides incentives for more sustainable agriculture even as it demonstrates the need for far reaching changes in the agrisector.
Indian farmers restore precious soil material combining traditional with innovative approaches. A case example how governance, agriculture and development cooperation can work together to combat climate change.
This year's United Nations World Drug Report highlights for the first time the nexus between illicit drugs and the environment. In view of climate change, it is time to feed the debate with facts and make drug policy greener
Agroecological methods target diversity and resilience and can thus promote the protection of forests, water and soil. Julia Tomalka and Christoph Gornott, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), on the potential of agroecology to safeguard against climate change and build resilient agri-food system.
Martin Frick has been director of the WFP office in Berlin for a year – since then one hunger crisis has followed another. What are the diplomat's answers? A conversation about opportunities in agriculture, the interplay of multiple crises, the importance of resilience and tighter budgets.
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Development cooperation needs to place good governance and a sustainable agri-food systems transformation at its center: After the first 100 days in office have passed, Dirk Meyer from the German Development Ministry (BMZ) spells out the goals, guidelines and priorities of the Ministry’s new lead.
A Contribution of the 'Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains' (INA)
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The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development sees sustainable agri-food systems as an opportunity to protect the climate, preserve biodiversity and ensure food security in the future. Dirk Meyer, Head of Directorate-General 1 at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, looks ahead to the upcoming COP27.
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Journalists Angeline Ochieng and Victor Raballa visited Ms Bilha Munyole, a Kenyan farmer in Kimilili, Bungoma County, on her maize plantation. About the important role of mechanisation in climate-smart agriculture and in building resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Given the urgency of transforming agricultural and food systems, GIZ India's Food Systems and Agroecology Working Group is exploring the potential of agroecology in collaboration with Think20 partners. A policy brief has now been published.
In the West Bank, political tensions and increasingly poor weather conditions are making farming more difficult. What needs to be done? Questions for Abbas Milhem, Executive Director of the Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU).
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The bioeconomy movement is fundamentally changing agriculture and food production: through innovative ideas, environmentally friendly approaches and the realization that we need to work together globally to ensure that change truly benefits everyone. At this years’ German Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) focused on this topic.
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With the help of sustainable farming methods, soils can be preserved and made fertile again. The investment required is also worthwhile from a financial perspective.
African inland fisheries are increasingly reliant on the capture of small fish species that are sundried and traded over long distances. They make an important contribution in alleviating “hidden hunger”: consumed whole, small fish are an important source of micronutrients. Only that, unfortunately, politicians haven’t yet realised this.
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A contribution by Jes Weigelt and Alexander Müller
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A contribution by Dr. May Hokan and Dr. Arnulf Köhncke (WWF)
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A contribution by Nadine Babatounde and Anne Floquet (MISEREOR)
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Stig Tanzmann is a farmer and adviser on agricultural issues at ‘Bread for the World’. Jan Rübel interviewed him about his reservations about AGRA's strategy.
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A contribution by Michael Windfuhr (German Institute for Human Rights)
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A contribution by Roselyn Korleh and M. Sahr Nouwah (WHH)
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Journalist Jan Rübel spoke with Joao Campari ahead of the UNFSS Pre-Summit. The Chair of Action Track 3 highlights key challenges in transforming existing food systems towards sustainable production and shares his expectations for the Summit.
In this article, the author describes what we know about interlinkages, what role agriculture has to play in the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, and what the necessary changes in agricultural systems might look like, both on small and large-scale farms.
A contribution by Dr. Karin Gaesing and Prof. Dr. Frank Bliss (INEF)
Especially in densely populated areas, land pressure leads to overexploitation of available land and a lack of conservation measures. The West African country of Benin, with heavily depleted soils in many places, is no exception.
A Contribution by Emile Frison and Nick Jacobs (IPES-Food)
While having failed to solve the hunger problem, industrial agriculture appears to be causing additional ones both in environmental and health terms. Emile Frison and Nick Jacobs call for a transformation.
Fish is important for combating malnutrition and undernourishment. But it is not only notable for its nutritional value, but also secures the livelihoods and employment for 600 million people worldwide.
A Contribution by the Forestry Research Institute Nigeria
The 'Domestication of Small Monogastric and Ruminant Animals' (DSMR) project led by a Nigerian research institute works with local communities to solve the bushmeat crisis.
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Regarding deforestation free supply chains, there are challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmers as well as for international forest governance. Also, responsibilities for companies and potential incentives for manufacturers to use materials from fair trade and sustainable sources need to be explored. But what does “deforestation-free” actually mean?
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Interview with Caroline Milow and Ramon Brentführer
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The Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation is committed to the preservation of forests in Kenya: The establishment of so-called buffer zones counteracts deforestation by planting trees and tea. In addition to the production of environmentally friendly tea, the project benefits the resources of the forests and the livelihoods of the communities living near the forests, says project manager Wallace Gichunge.
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At the Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit in Paris, Team Europe, comprising the European Commission and Member States, put nutrition at the centre of international politics as a driver for resilience, equality and human rights. There is a consensus on the results of the summit: to turn commitments into concrete progress through strong partnerships and innovative approaches.
The global fight against malnutrition needs more than just words - as demonstrated by the Nutrition for Growth summit in Paris. With comprehensive commitments and clear receivables, a signal has been sent: Healthy nutrition must become a global priority. But what do participants from countries such as Yemen and Timor Leste think?
The Federal Government is fine-tuning a law that would require companies to ensure human rights – a supply chain law. What are the consequences for the agricultural sector? Dr Bettina Rudloff from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) discusses linking policy fields with added value.
‘Fair’ and ‘sustainable’ are key words in Germany’s EU Council Presidency. At the same time, Germany pursues ‘modernization’ of the WTO and ‘rapid progress’ on free trade agreements. Are these goals really compatible? Can we be concerned about fairness and sustainability while continuing with ‘business as usual’?
An Interview with Francisco Marí (Brot für die Welt)
Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World) did not attend the UNFSS pre-summit. Instead, the organisation took part in a counter-summit that took place at the same time. A conversation with Francisco Marí about the reasons, the process - and an outlook for the future
Vertically growing plants, magnetic cotton. Hairy leftovers fertilizing fields, tractors running on algae? These six innovations could lead agriculture’s next Green Revolution!
A conversation with aquatic researcher Shakuntala Thilsted on the long-neglected nutrition benefits of aquatic diets and the empowering qualities of a sustainable aqua-food systems transformation.
A Contribution by Adrian Muller, Catherine Pfeifer and Jürn Sanders (FiBL)
Taking Biodiversity Focus Areas under production or abandoning lower yielding, more extensive production systems is the wrong approach to mastering the looming global food crisis, say the authors of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).
Germany joins the international Agroecology Coalition, reinforcing its commitment to fair, sustainable agriculture and ensuring the future viability of rural areas. By adopting a holistic approach, agroecology is helping to address the greatest challenges of our time: protecting the climate, combating hunger and preserving biodiversity.
A Contribution by Harry Hoffmann (TMG) & Nathalie Demel (WHH)
At the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda and two years after the UN Food System Summit 2021, a stocktaking moment was held in Rome to analyze the progress of countries on the commitments to action in transforming food systems. Dr Harry Hoffmann, TMG Think Tank, and Nathalie Demel, Welthungerhilfe, were on site and take stock as well.
The production of animal-source foods is becoming increasingly difficult due to the impact of climate change on the livestock sector in Africa. Though, Livestock make a crucial contribution to food security in Africa. Three papers by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, ILRI and World Bank analyze, how Africas future livestock sector can look like.
Agriculture is coming under pressure worldwide: bacteria, viruses and insects are causing problems for crops. In Palestine, Dr. Rana Samara from the Palestinian Academy of Science and Technology is researching solutions to the problem. And she finds them in nature itself.
What do chocolate, carrots and tequila have in common? What sounds like the ingredients for an experimental cocktail are foods that would not exist without certain animal species. They are examples of how nature works for us every day, often behind the scenes.
From measures to promote biodiversity in Germany to more sustainable cocoa cultivation methods in Ecuador: WWF works at many different levels. At the Green Week, it will be demonstrated just how multifaceted nature conservation work is and what role each individual's decision plays.
The Federal Ministry ofor Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) presented a revised version of the 10-Point Plan for a sustainable cocoa sector. The plan takes into account new supply chain legislations and current developments. A particular focus is paid to a living incomes, responsible purchasing practices and ecological and climate-friendly cocoa cultivation.
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