Investment in Irrigation Systems Is Vital in Preparing for the Next Climate Shock

A delegate walks towards Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda's capital during the Africa Food Systems Forum. Credit: Farai Shawn Matiashe/IPSby Farai Shawn Matiashe (kigali)Monday, September 14, 2026Inter Press Service KIGALI, September 14 (IPS) - When the African continent experiences erratic rains, crops fail, leaving millions of people facing hunger. Approximately 95% of Africa’s arable land depends heavily on rainfall, which is vulnerable to climate shocks such as drought.El Niño-induced drought expected to hit some parts of Africa, particularly southern Africa, is going to worsen the situation.At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, governments and development partners are calling for more investment in irrigation systems to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture by farmers, including small holders who make up 80% of all farmers in sub-saharan Africa.Building more irrigation systemsOnly 5% of Africa’s arable land is under irrigation. Asia irrigates about 7 times more than Africa, as it holds about three-quarters of the entire world’s irrigated land.“Some irrigation systems have been developed. The task now is to take it to scale,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Agric...