In a recently released publication, African scientists stress the vulnerability of West Africa to climate change impacts. The published volume is a compendium of papers presented at the conference on climate change and food security in West Africa, jointly organized by the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, and the WASCAL Climate Change Economics Graduate Studies Program, hosted by the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar.

West Africa is one of the regions of the world most affected by the impacts of climate change. As higher frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, increases under changing climate, they can undermine the stability of food systems and also exacerbate the existing problems with food safety and nutritional security in West Africa, posing serious risks to the most vulnerable social groups. However, there are many innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation that are currently being tested and deployed in the region.

Crucially, the region now possesses a strong cadre of young climate change researchers who undoubtedly will contribute to the climate resilient development in West Africa. The report calls on the international community to expand and strengthen scientific collaborations and development cooperation on climate change with the region. Additionally, it points to the large and growing climate science potential in West Africa, which should be properly reflected in international scientific collaborations on climate change, by involving more African researchers in international scientific bodies.