Short Abstract

This panel seeks studies on smallholder farmers' perceptions of and adaptation strategies to climate change in Africa. It analyzes responses to socioeconomic challenges, highlighting traditional knowledge and the urgent need for supportive public policies.

Long Abstract

The agricultural sector plays a crucial socioeconomic role globally, holding particular importance on the African continent. In this region, it serves as the primary source of income for most rural communities and employs a significant portion of the workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa. The sector's ability to adapt to severe threats posed by climate change faces major structural obstacles and operational delays. The current climate crisis not only exacerbates pre-existing vulnerabilities but also drives a complex convergence of systemic risks.

The rapid pace of environmental change is evident in the increasing intensity of prolonged droughts and extreme rainfall events, progressive soil degradation, and the proliferation of pests and plant diseases. This scenario necessitates disruptive transformations, severely compromising the resilience of ecosystems classified as marginal agricultural systems.

Despite growing political recognition and international mobilization—evident in debates at global summits—critical barriers remain in formulating effective mitigation pathways.

Contemporary scientific evidence reiterates that investment in public policies and concrete mitigation actions falls short of the urgency demanded by the current situation.

In light of this assessment, this panel aims to analyse the adaptation and resilience strategies developed by the most vulnerable rural farmers and communities, focusing on the productive sustainability of their land and on family livelihoods.

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