Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in the semi-arid regions of west Africa

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of demographic and economic facts and trends in West Africa in general, and Ghana and Mali in particular, with country data snapshots. It examines the development dynamics in the semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas that comprise a significant portion of the West African drylands. Climate vulnerability in the West African context includes extensification of agriculture onto increasingly marginal drought-prone soils, reduced mobility of pastoralists, and the increasing prevalence of built structures to store river water. This increases sensitivity and exposure of downstream water users to low water levels and drought. The paper provides in-depth analysis and policy recommendations.

Description

Keywords

CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY, ADAPTIVE CAPACITY, DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, SEMI-ARID REGIONS, DRYLANDS, WATER SUPPLY, WATER GOVERNANCE, DROUGHT, MALI, GHANA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

Citation

DOI