Natural resources

Africa is one of the most food-insecure regions of the world, hosting about 282 million undernourished people, accounting for 38% of the global total of 735 million; and hence the access to adequate and nutritious food remains a big chal-lenge. Degraded land resources, low agronomic productivity, and low nutrient dense foods are the major causes of malnourishment including micronutrient deficiencies in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). More than 50% of people in SSA suffer from Zn deficiency, and 57% of pregnant women suffer from Fe deficiency anemia. Soil and water are fundamental resources for livelihoods and food security in Africa as 60% of people in SSA derive their livelihoods from these resources.

Africa faces escalating climate risks that threaten livelihoods, ecosystems, and hard-won development gains. In response, the African Union (AU), Member States, and partners are advancing Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) as a cornerstone for building resilience and climate justice. Yet, adaptation efforts remain fragmented, unevenly financed, and dominated by external priorities. This study, commissioned by the Global Health
Strategies (GHS) in partnership with the AU Commission’s Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate, maps, analyzes, and synthesizes scalable and inclusive LLA models across Africa to inform member states’ positioning under the AU Climate Strategy (2022–2032), and Agenda 2063.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) responded to global calls to address environmental challenges such as high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of liquid biofuels. This study assessed the potential of liquid biofuel production in the SADC region with data collected in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The results showed that the liquid biofuel industry is struggling. Countries do not have enough resources to support the industry effectively and there is overreliance on international sponsors. In terms of policy and regulatory frameworks most countries are doing well. However, these policies are not implemented effectively. Most countries use sugar-cane to produce bioethanol. Over the years countries, such as Malawi, have attempted to incorporate crops such as cassava (Manihot esculenta) and castor bean (Ricinus communis). Although the industry is not performing well it has contributed massively to livelihood development in all the region