Final reflections

Reflecting to the start of this blog, I connected the relationship between food and water through the Sustainable Development Goals, exposing the global drive to balance food production through managing water. I suggested the complexities of the African continent, which I hope has become apparent. From the East coast of Africa down to South Africa, the complexities continued to evolve, exposing how each nation is unique. It has been enjoyable researching the variable weather patterns within countries and in general across the continent of Africa. In doing so, I hope I reinforced how not to write about African life as the piece I first read by Wainaina suggested, instead I broke down, respected, and evaluated countries individually.

Where is the future for food and water in Africa? Answering this question is particularly challenging, however, I would suggest that there will be significant changes for water and food across the continent. Research suggests that by the end of the 21st century, the mean temperature of the African continent could increase by 3-6°C. If this were to occur, a drastic change would impact the existing water and agricultural climate across Africa. However, it is also important to recognise, as evident through my posts, not all countries will react the same with expected variations. Historically, sustainability programmes have included many top-down approaches, often using aid from the West. I would like to think that there is a future of change, instead recognising the differences across African countries and the importance of local, often oral knowledge about land practices and how best to develop methods per country and environment.


 Continent of Africa, including all named countries

 

This blog has educated me on the various, individual strategies implemented by countries to manage their water supply and provide food for their nation in an ever-expanding world. Unfortunately, the politics of many countries across Africa a spotlight on how food and water (inextricably linked concepts) are also tied to political control and influence. For change to happen, unity and acknowledgement on both a global and local scale needs to happen. The continent of Africa is diverse and unique, with environments very few have ever experienced and should be protected at all costs. I hope one day the push to fight climate change will be a global effort.

Comments

  1. Emma8 January 2022 at 16:32

    This was an interesting conclusion, especially your final point on unity and acknowledgement on all scales. I wondered how you think this could be ensured in the future?

    ReplyDelete

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