The conference on the impact of and adaptation to climate change in relation to food security in Africa came at the appropriate time when the adverse effects of climate change has threatened food security in Africa. Speakers in the conference noted that climate change in Africa has resulted among others to water and food scarcity, flooding, species extinction, loss of biodiversity and increase in deaths as a result of hunger. To mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure food security speakers suggested democratization of governance, transparency and accountability, good water harvesting strategies, domestication of wild stock of species, cryobanking, use of alternative protein source for fisheries in aquaculture and proactive response to population growth and global warming.
Though these presentations were very interesting and thought-provoking, the concern of many however was how these beautiful ideas put up by these experts in science could be communicated to the policy makers in government and the possibility of executing them. Since climate change is a multidisciplinary field, it was suggested that other experts in related disciplines should join hands with the scientists in finding solutions to climate change problems.
This conference will surely bring policy shift in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in various African countries since almost all African countries are represented. It is hoped that future and similar conferences on climate change should be organized and more slots given to African countries for wider participation. Efforts should also be made to directly involve the policy makers in government or their representatives in discussion on climate change.