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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Climate Change: Some Likely Multiple Impacts in Southern Africa
Author:Magadza, C.H.D.
Year:1994
Periodical:Food Policy
Volume:19
Issue:2
Period:April
Pages:165-191
Language:English
Geographic term:Southern Africa
Subjects:water
climate change
agriculture
wild animals
Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment
Drought and Desertification
External link:https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9192(94)90068-X
Abstract:This paper examines the sensitivity of southern Africa to climate change. It shows that the region has particularly sensitive water resources. Aridification of the subcontinent will affect a wide range of ecological processes, due to possible loss of important wetland habitats, reduced stream discharges as well as reduction in the number of shallow lakes. The primary response of terrestrial ecosystems will be a reduction in diversity. Rain-fed agricultural systems will be adversely affected and food security from such systems will be reduced. Another impact will be the impairment of hydroelectric generation. Large mammals such as elephant, buffalo and large antelopes are likely to be threatened, and the likely impact on health would be a more rapid multiplication and more extended range of disease vectors. The higher ambient temperature will necessitate high standards of urban sanitation to avoid the spread of fly-borne diseases such as typhoid, enteritis and meningitis. The drought of 1991/1992 is said to have been the worst ever experienced in the subcontinent. A brief overview of its impact serves as an illustration of the likely long-term impact of climate change in the region. Bibliogr., sum.
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