With the current trend of population growth in West Africa, the increased demand for food is a foremost challenge. When one takes into account the effects of climate change (higher temperatures, shifting seasons, more frequent and extreme weather events, flooding and drought) on food production (Jalloh et al., 2012), that challenge grows even more daunting.
Agriculture as the major source of livelihood for majority of West Africans is being seriously impacted, thus creating a great threat to farmers in the region. Addressing the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture will require adaptation and mitigation efforts in line with the Malabo Declaration regarding the commitment to enhancing the resilience of livelihoods and production systems to climate variability and related risks (NEPAD, 2014). These efforts will also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on climate action and zero hunger.
The concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is based on this development priorities and aims at sustainably improving food security, reducing climate-related risks and mitigating climate change (FAO, 2010).
