Scholars, government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders have called for coordinated action to address the growing threats of climate change and food insecurity across Africa.
The call was made during the third Distinguished Public Lecture of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, where participants from Nigeria and Sierra Leone examined the impact of climate change on agriculture and sustainable food production.
Delivering the lecture titled, "Climate Change and Food Security in Africa: Impact on Agriculture, Access and Adaptation," the Vice-Chancellor of Earnest Bai Koroma University, Magburaka, Sierra Leone, Prof. Edwin Julius Jeblar Momoh, urged African governments to implement long-term climate-smart policies capable of strengthening food security and protecting the environment.
Momoh identified activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, industrial pollution and unsustainable farming practices as major contributors to climate change.
He noted that although Africa contributes only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent remains among the hardest hit by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, drought, flooding, erosion and desertification.
According to him, the worsening climate conditions continue to threaten agriculture, which supports the livelihoods of millions of Africans and remains central to many national economies.
"The climate crisis has also created opportunities for innovation, economic diversification and stronger regional cooperation. Governments must invest in research, resilient food systems and climate-smart technologies to improve adaptation and food production," Momoh said.
The crop scientist recommended practical measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting climate-smart agriculture, promoting the Water-Energy-Food nexus approach, developing climate-resilient crop varieties and livestock breeds, strengthening research on drought- and flood-tolerant crops, and expanding climate information services to farmers across the continent.
He also advocated the use of high-precision ecosystem monitoring systems, nature-based solutions, strategic planning through forecasting and backcasting, and greater investment in artificial intelligence-driven technologies to improve agricultural productivity and build resilient food systems.
Momoh stressed that meaningful progress would depend on sustained government commitment and increased investment in research, innovation and human capital.
"By combining gender equity, social protection, improved market access and ecological innovation, African countries can reduce vulnerability, improve food security and strengthen the resilience of their agricultural systems in the face of climate change," he said.
Chairman of the occasion and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Prof. (Oba) Sunday Amuseghan, described the lecture as timely, saying it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on practical ways Africa could confront climate change and secure the future of coming generations.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, called on governments, organisations and individuals to intensify tree-planting campaigns, noting that trees play a critical role in absorbing carbon emissions, reducing global warming and improving public health through oxygen production.
The event attracted policymakers, academics, traditional rulers from the four coastal local government areas of Ondo State, security chiefs, religious leaders, agricultural experts, students and members of the public.
A major highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between OAUSTECH and Earnest Bai Koroma University, Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening academic collaboration.
Momoh was also presented with a commemorative plaque, citation and souvenirs in recognition of his lecture, while the chairman of the event and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Sierra Leonean university, Prof. Enoch Iortum, received awards for their contributions to the partnership.
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