Climate-smart agriculture for food security in Africa

The document argues that African agriculture must transition to 'climate-smart' models to combat projected yield losses of up to 50% by 2020. Using Kenya as a case study, it highlights several low-cost innovations: greenhouse agriculture combined with drip irrigation to reduce water use; rainwater harvesting from rock outcrops; the adoption of drought-resistant cassava varieties; the use of alternative indigenous fodders like acacia pods and tubers for livestock; and the implementation of Plastic Tubular Digester (PTD) biogas technology to reduce deforestation and energy costs. The briefing emphasizes that scaling these innovations requires moving beyond pilot projects through 'bankable projects' that attract microfinance, promoting participatory action research via National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), and leveraging farmers' groups for capacity building.

• Climate change and variability pose severe risks to African food security, with potential crop yield decreases of up to 50% by 2020 and net crop revenues potentially falling by 90% by 2100, disproportionately affecting small-scale farmers.
• Integrated greenhouse agriculture and drip irrigation can increase fruit and vegetable yields by up to four times compared to rain-fed fields while using only one-third of the water. In Kenya, partnerships between Equity Bank and Amiran Kenya have helped small-scale farmers overcome the initial cost barrier of approximately Ksh 150,000 (US $150) for kits.
• Rainwater harvesting from rock outcrops is highly efficient in arid regions; a 10,000m2 catchment with 500 mm of annual rainfall can yield 5,000m3 of water, supporting 130 families for over six months. The Kaseva Water Point Project in Kenya's Mutomo District provides up to 5,100 m3 of water per year.
• Improved cassava varieties developed by the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) are drought-resistant and yield over 20 tonnes per acre, which is double the yield of other varieties. These roots can remain in the soil for up to 24 months, allowing for year-round harvesting.
• Plastic Tubular Digester (PTD) biogas technology provides a low-cost alternative to wood and paraffin, with 'two cow' units costing around Ksh 6,500 (US$65), roughly 10% of the cost of conventional biogas units. A KARI study found that 80% of respondents reported an improved, smoke-free cooking environment.
• To sustain livestock during droughts, farmers in Kenya are using alternative indigenous fodders such as acacia pods, Mukau fruits and leaves, and Kithunzu tubers. Over 750 households in Kyuso have adopted root tubers, which are highly nourishing and hold significant water.
• The traditional model of technology transfer via National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) is insufficient for the current globalised context; there is a need for a more inclusive model involving participatory action research and the documentation of indigenous knowledge.

APA

Kituyi, E., Munyoki, P., & Wanjii, J. (2011). Climate-smart agriculture for food security in Africa. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/JotoAfrikaCDKN_30012012WEB1.pdf

Chicago

Kituyi, Evans, Paul Munyoki, and John Wanjii. Climate-smart agriculture for food security in Africa. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2011. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/JotoAfrikaCDKN_30012012WEB1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kituyi |first1=Evans |last2=Munyoki |first2=Paul |last3=Wanjii |first3=John |title=Climate-smart agriculture for food security in Africa |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=November 2011 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/JotoAfrikaCDKN_30012012WEB1.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kituyi2011climatesmart, author = {Kituyi, Evans and Munyoki, Paul and Wanjii, John}, title = {{Climate-smart agriculture for food security in Africa}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2011}, month = nov, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/JotoAfrikaCDKN_30012012WEB1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }