Evaluation of the Effects of Climate Variability on Water Resources and Agriculture: Insights from Regional Climate Models

Climate variability and change present significant challenges to global food and water security, particularly in vulnerable regions like East and Southern Africa. This review synthesizes current research on the impact of climate drivers such as temperature and precipitation variability—on water resources and agricultural productivity in this region. Analyzing over four decades of data and recent findings, this paper discusses the complex interactions between climate phenomena, including El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and their effects on regional agriculture and water systems. The review highlights the limitations of Regional Climate Models (RCMs) in accurately predicting climate patterns and emphasizes the need for improved modeling techniques. Recommendations for future research and policy interventions are provided to enhance climate resilience in these critical sectors.