Climate shocks are changing ecosystems across parts of Africa and making farming harder. In Bazua, in Ghana's Upper East region, farmer Martin Ariku says drought came early and then short, intense rains drowned many plants. Yields were much lower and even improved seed varieties failed.
Crop losses make future planting difficult because grain that does not mature cannot be used as seed. Warmer nights and changing rain patterns have helped pests such as the Fall Armyworm to spread. A survey found many farmers in Ghana and Zambia reported infected maize and large losses.
These farming shocks also affect health. Less food and income increase malnutrition and weaken people. Heavier rains leave pools of water that breed mosquitoes, and floods can mix sewage with drinking water, raising the risk of cholera. Clinics need better buildings, power and vaccine systems.
Difficult words
- ecosystem — Community of living things and their environmentecosystems
- drought — Long period with little or no rain
- yield — Amount of crop produced on a farmyields
- pest — Animal or insect that harms crops or plantspests
- malnutrition — Poor health from not enough good food
- cholera — Serious disease from dirty water causing diarrhea
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you or people you know experienced drought or heavy rains? Describe briefly.
- How do heavy rains and floods cause health problems in the article?
- What should clinics have to help people after these weather shocks?
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