Natural Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa : Assets and Vulnerabilities

Africa is rich in oil and mineral resources, but has severe shortages of water and suffers from an accelerating pressure on its arable land and forests. Climate change is expected to cause major problems for African populations with an increase of water stress and severely compromised agricultural production. Local food supplies will be negatively affected and, towards the end of the 21st century, a rising sea level will affect low-lying coastal areas. The report argues that the poorest countries are most vulnerable to climate change and that Africa is particularly exposed. Sweden should consider full integration of climate change adaptation strategies in its development cooperation with African partners. This will likely mean that some existing priorities will be further accentuated, such as needs to provide water and sanitation services to the poor, raising agricultural productivity, and curbing deforestation.

Johan Holmberg is an expert on development cooperation and a former Swedish ambassador to Ethiopia. He is now a private consultant.