Comprehensive Analysis of Agricultural Practices in Adapting Soil, Water and Pest Management to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

Agriculture constitutes the primary economic sector in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, engaging over 70% of the population, predominantly vulnerable rural communities. For decades, agriculture in SSA has grappled with climatic constraints, intensifying the vulnerability of impoverished communities. In response, communities have developed indigenous practices to adapt to these climatic hazards, warranting greater recognition for potential optimization. This review identifies agricultural practices related to climate change adaptation, specifically focusing on soil management, water, and pests. The operational mechanisms of the most widely utilized practices were scrutinized through a thorough analysis. The study concludes by identifying nine practice categories. Results indicate that water collection practices and the use of organic fertilizers are the most prevalent in soil and water management. Additionally, agricultural and biological control practices dominate pest management. The comprehensive analysis underscores that the most frequently cited practices may not always be the easiest to implement. Nevertheless, these practices are agro-ecologically sustainable, contributing to soil health restoration, efficient water management, and pest control in Sub-Saharan African countries. The findings suggest a need for a research program that concentrates on the simultaneous application of these practices, enabling their optimization for more sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation and soil fertility restoration in Sub-Saharan Africa.