49
© The Author(s) 2019
T. S. Rosenstock et al. (eds.), The Climate-Smart Agriculture Papers,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92798-5_5
Chapter 5
Understanding the Role of Soils
and Management on Crops in the Face
of Climate Uncertainty in Zimbabwe:
A Sensitivity Analysis
Patricia Masikati, Katrien Descheemaeker, and Olivier Crespo
5.1 Introduction
More than 50% of agricultural land in Africa is degraded and yields of the main
staple crops have been at the lower end of the global range for decades (UNCCD
2014; Folberth et al. 2013). To meet the demands of a growing population, agricultural land has expanded into forests. This, coupled with unsustainable agricultural
practices has led to increased land degradation (Lisk 2009; GGCA 2012). Africa is
one of the most vulnerable continents because of its highly sensitive social and
ecological systems and its limited institutional and economic capacity to respond
appropriately to these emerging threats (Lisk 2009; GGCA 2012; Perez et al.
2015). Although climate change affects a number of development sectors, the risk
to agriculture stands out since the sector represents a significant part of the economies of many African countries (Vermeulen et al. 2012). There is no doubt that
climate change will amplify drivers of land degradation and pose increased threats
on smallholders’ livelihoods of which the majority are women (GGCA 2012;
UNCCD 2014).
Degradation of agricultural land is causing annual yield reductions of 0.5–1%
suggesting productivity loss of at least 20% in the next 40 years. In addition, climate
P. Masikati (*)
World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Lusaka, Zambia
e-mail: P.Masikati@cgiar.org
K. Descheemaeker
Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
O. Crespo
Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
© The Author(s) 2019
T. S. Rosenstock et al. (eds.), The Climate-Smart Agriculture Papers,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92798-5_5
Chapter 5
Understanding the Role of Soils
and Management on Crops in the Face
of Climate Uncertainty in Zimbabwe:
A Sensitivity Analysis
Patricia Masikati, Katrien Descheemaeker, and Olivier Crespo
5.1 Introduction
More than 50% of agricultural land in Africa is degraded and yields of the main
staple crops have been at the lower end of the global range for decades (UNCCD
2014; Folberth et al. 2013). To meet the demands of a growing population, agricultural land has expanded into forests. This, coupled with unsustainable agricultural
practices has led to increased land degradation (Lisk 2009; GGCA 2012). Africa is
one of the most vulnerable continents because of its highly sensitive social and
ecological systems and its limited institutional and economic capacity to respond
appropriately to these emerging threats (Lisk 2009; GGCA 2012; Perez et al.
2015). Although climate change affects a number of development sectors, the risk
to agriculture stands out since the sector represents a significant part of the economies of many African countries (Vermeulen et al. 2012). There is no doubt that
climate change will amplify drivers of land degradation and pose increased threats
on smallholders’ livelihoods of which the majority are women (GGCA 2012;
UNCCD 2014).
Degradation of agricultural land is causing annual yield reductions of 0.5–1%
suggesting productivity loss of at least 20% in the next 40 years. In addition, climate
P. Masikati (*)
World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Lusaka, Zambia
e-mail: P.Masikati@cgiar.org
K. Descheemaeker
Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
O. Crespo
Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa