This document summarises the important messages from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC's) 2019 report on 'Climate Change and Land' for African decision-makers. It distills material available on Africa from the report and compiles them in a thorough and informative brief that covers key messages for ensuring African productivity and development.
Some of the key messages include:
- The climate and land interact with and influence each other.
- Dryland areas are expected to become more vulnerable to desertification.
- Desertification has implications for food security and poverty.
- Community and policy responses can combat desertification.
- Managing land, value chains, and climate risks can deliver climate adaptation, mitigation, and development benefits.
- Insecure property rights and lack of access to credit and agricultural advisory services hamper progress – especially by women.
- The skills and knowledge of women and marginalised groups are not yet sufficiently recognised.
- Integrated governance is needed to maximise the benefits of land and water.
- Emissions reductions in other sectors are vital to relieve pressure on land.