The profound impact of climate change on the blue economy, particularly as it relates to marine resources, fisheries, aquaculture, and water management, was the focal point of a presentation by Research Lead at the DePECOS Institution and Development Research Center (DIaDeRC), Dr. Solomon O. Okunade at the 3rd edition of the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) held in Accra, Ghana, between November 19–21, 2024.
Speaking at the symposium, Dr. Okunade while delivering a paper, titled “Climate Change, Blue Economy, and Food and Nutrition Security in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of West and Central African Experience,” highlighted critical issues linking environmental sustainability to food security in the region.
Dr. Okunade underscored the threats posed by climate change—rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and erratic weather patterns—on coastal communities dependent on marine resources for sustenance and economic stability. He emphasized the untapped potential of the blue economy in fostering sustainable management of marine and freshwater resources, especially for vulnerable communities in West and Central Africa.
“West Africa’s vast coastline offers immense opportunities for aquaculture,” Dr. Okunade explained, “while Central Africa’s rich biodiversity provides unique agro-ecological advantages.” He called for increased investment in research, cross-border collaboration, and innovative financing to fully harness these potentials, aligning with regional priorities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The three-day symposium, themed “Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability: The Path to Transforming Agri-Food Systems in West and Central Africa,” attracted policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss the intersection of agriculture, climate change, and economic development, featured six technical sessions, including panel discussions that delved into climate change, ecosystem resilience, and agricultural innovation.
The high points of the panel discussion emphasized the need to build an ecosystem that is resilience and the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and practices. Panelists explored agroecological practices to mitigate biological risks and enhance biosafety, emphasizing their importance in combating biodiversity loss and adapting to climate change.
Also, the discussions called for greater focus on sustainable agricultural inputs, including biofertilizers, and the restoration of soil health to boost productivity while preserving environmental integrity, while stakeholders advocated for robust policy frameworks, stronger partnerships, and private-sector engagement to drive sustainable agri-food systems.
Dr. Okunade’s presentation sparked vibrant discussions, with experts debating scalable blue economy models that align with regional development goals. The dialogue also reinforced the need for inclusive approaches to address food insecurity and environmental degradation.
The symposium concluded with a collective agreement on the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, invest in resilience-building initiatives to combat climate change, promote innovation and sustainability in food production systems, and strengthen partnerships to foster inclusive economic transformation.
Participants noted that translating these strategies into impactful actions would require follow-up mechanisms, robust advocacy, and collaboration across sectors. The insights generated at the symposium are expected to guide efforts toward achieving food security and sustainable development across the region.
The third CORAF symposium marked a pivotal moment for advancing sustainable agri-food systems in West and Central Africa. Dr. Okunade’s thought-provoking presentation and the dynamic discussions underscored the urgency of integrating environmental sustainability into agricultural practices to address the region’s pressing challenges. As stakeholders commit to implementing these strategies, the symposium’s outcomes serve as a blueprint for building a resilient and sustainable future for Africa’s agri-food systems.
