Angola's Climate: Impacting Daily Life And Livelihoods

Angola, a large country on the southwest coast of Africa, has a diverse climate ranging from arid savannas to biologically diverse transition zones. The country experiences high humidity and hot temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 27.6 °C and over 1750 hours of sunshine. Angola's climate variability, including extreme rainfall events and temperature changes, poses risks to key sectors such as water resources, agriculture, fisheries, and human health. These climate-related challenges are further exacerbated by the country's recovery from civil war, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services. Climate change is already impacting the lives of Angolans, with 75% of respondents in a survey reporting negative effects on their livelihoods and income.

How does Angola's climate impact its biodiversity?

Angola's climate is characterised by high humidity and hot temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 27.6°C and over 1750 hours of sunshine. The climate varies from the ultra-desert of the Namib in the southwest to the arid savannas of the coastal plains and the biologically diverse transition up the steep western Angolan Escarpment. The country experiences a rainy season from November to April, with the rainiest region being the north, and the driest being the southwest.

The diverse climate and geography of Angola have given rise to a rich biodiversity, with representatives of seven of Africa's nine biomes and 15 of the continent's ecoregions. The wildlife in Angola includes over 300 species of mammals, such as the rare giant sable antelope, black-faced lion, and wild dog. The country's birdlife is also impressive, with over 900 species recorded. In addition, Angola is home to a vast array of plant species, including the long-living Welwitschia mirabilis, which is endemic to the Namib Desert.

However, Angola's biodiversity is facing several threats. The country's development efforts have been hindered by war, leaving a significant portion of the population without adequate access to resources. Natural hazards such as flooding, erosion, and droughts, which are expected to worsen with climate change, pose challenges to the country's biodiversity. Sea level rise threatens the coastal population, with approximately 50% of Angolans living in these areas.

Climate change is also impacting the range and transmission period of disease vectors, with extreme rainfall events and temperature changes expanding their reach. Additionally, warming oceans and overfishing are stressing marine resources and threatening coastal livelihoods. Angola's dependence on food imports and small-scale subsistence farming makes it vulnerable to increased temperatures and rainfall variability, which can impact crop yields and reduce livestock productivity.

To address these challenges, Angola has established the National Committee on Climate Change and Biodiversity, which aims to harmonise programs and policies and create conditions for implementing a National Climate Change Plan. The committee has also integrated climate change considerations into broad national strategies through the 2013-2017 National Development Plan.

How does Angola's climate affect its water resources?

Angola's climate is characterised by high humidity and hot temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 27.6°C and over 1750 hours of sunshine. The country experiences a rainy season from November to April, with the North being the warmest and rainiest region and the South West the coldest.

The impacts of Angola's climate on its water resources are expected to be particularly severe, affecting food and energy production, as well as hydropower, which the country relies on for most of its electricity. The country is already experiencing increasingly severe and frequent climate hazards, including prolonged droughts and flooding, which have cost Angola nearly US$1.2 billion between 2005 and 2017.

Angola's water resources are influenced by two main categories of river systems. The first comprises coastal rivers that drain the central and western highlands, flowing rapidly westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean. These rivers are relatively short, highly erosive, and carry high sediment loads. The second category involves the vast interior plateaus, drained by nine large hydrographic basins, seven of which are transnational. Angola serves as the 'water tower' for much of southern and central Africa through these river systems.

The impacts of climate variability on Angola's water resources are expected to be significant. Climate change is predicted to cause a rise in temperatures, with most of the country becoming 1-1.5 degrees Celsius warmer between 2020 and 2040 compared to the 1981-2010 period. This will have repercussions on water availability and quality, with potential consequences for agriculture, fisheries, and human health.

Additionally, extreme rainfall events and temperature changes contribute to the expansion of the range and transmission period for disease vectors. Sea-level rise also places coastal populations and infrastructure at risk of inundation and storm surges. Angola's warming oceans and overfishing will continue to stress marine resources and threaten coastal livelihoods.

How does Angola's climate influence its agriculture?

Angola's climate is tropical to subtropical, with warm and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The dry season extends from mid-May to September, and the rainy season from October to mid-May. The country's climate is strongly influenced by altitude, longitude, and oceanic influence.

Angola's climate has a significant impact on its agriculture, which is predominantly rain-fed and provides a vital source of livelihood for the population. Climate change has caused severe damage to the country, particularly in the southern region, which has experienced the worst droughts in decades, affecting over 3.81 million people and resulting in food and water shortages.

The changing climate is expected to impact staple crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet, affecting their yields and growing seasons. The southern region of Angola is projected to experience a more pronounced decline in precipitation, which will likely have significant effects on agricultural productivity. Models suggest a potential 7% reduction in productivity by 2050.

The impacts of climate change on agriculture in Angola include increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and the occurrence of pests and diseases. These factors have negative consequences for crop yields and food production.

To adapt to the changing climate, farmers in Angola can implement strategies such as crop diversification, water conservation techniques, and precision agriculture systems. Adjusting the cultivation calendar to avoid the hottest periods of the year can also help reduce thermal stress on plants. Investing in sustainable irrigation systems and introducing sustainable agricultural techniques can improve soil health and increase crop resilience.

Overall, Angola's climate strongly influences its agricultural sector, and proactive measures are necessary to enhance resilience and ensure food security.

How does Angola's climate impact human health?

Angola's tropical climate is characterised by high humidity and hot temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 27.6 °C and over 1750 hours of sunshine. The climate varies across the country, with the north being the warmest and rainiest region, and the southwest the coldest. The rainy season typically lasts from November to April, while the best time to travel to avoid the rain is from July to August.

The climate in Angola has a significant impact on human health in several ways. Firstly, extreme rainfall events and temperature changes can expand the range and transmission period for disease vectors, increasing the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. This is particularly concerning given Angola's ongoing challenges with disease control following nearly three decades of civil war.

Secondly, sea-level rise and storm surges pose risks to coastal populations, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Approximately 50% of Angola's total population lives in coastal areas, and they are vulnerable to inundation and the impacts of warming oceans, such as reduced marine resources and overfishing. This can lead to food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies, especially in communities that depend on fishing for their livelihood.

Additionally, Angola's climate impacts food production and security. Small-scale subsistence farming, which many Angolans rely on, is vulnerable to increased temperatures, rainfall variability, and agricultural pests. This can result in reduced crop yields and livestock productivity, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. The country's dependence on food imports further exacerbates these issues, as climate change can disrupt supply chains and increase food prices.

Finally, the high temperatures and humidity in Angola can have direct health impacts on residents and visitors. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and dehydration, may occur, especially during the hottest months of the year. Additionally, the warm and humid conditions can promote the growth of mould and mildew, which can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies.

How does Angola's climate influence its fisheries?

Angola's fisheries are influenced by a combination of factors, including its geographical location, ocean currents, climate change, and human activities. Here is an overview of how Angola's climate influences its fisheries:

Ocean Currents and Climate Change

Angola is located on the southwest coast of Africa, with a coastline that stretches over 1,650 km. The climate is tropical to subtropical, with warm and humid summers and mild, dry winters. The Benguela Current, a cold, upwelling current, has a significant influence on the country's fisheries. This current brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting a diverse range of marine life, including sardines and anchovies.

However, climate change poses a significant threat to Angola's fisheries. Sea surface temperatures off the Angolan coast have risen by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius in the past century, with even higher increases in specific regions. This warming trend is disrupting marine ecosystems and impacting fisheries. For example, the blacktail seabream, a critical species for subsistence fishermen, is losing its ability to reproduce as waters warm, and its population has declined by an estimated 20% per decade over the past 30 years.

Rainfall and Drought

Angola's rainfall patterns are influenced by its geographical location and atmospheric systems. The country experiences a rainy season from October to mid-May, with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) triggering rainfall during this period. However, climate change is causing more extreme rainfall events, impacting water resources and agriculture. Droughts, such as the severe event in the 1980s, also affect water availability and agricultural productivity, with long-lasting consequences.

Human Activities and Overfishing

Human activities, such as overfishing and illegal trawling, compound the impacts of climate change on Angola's fisheries. The presence of huge foreign trawlers, often from China and South Korea, depletes fish stocks and disrupts the marine ecosystem. This, combined with warming ocean temperatures and declining oxygen levels, further stresses marine resources and threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Future Projections and Adaptation

Studies project that unchecked warming could lead to a loss of 20% of Angola's fisheries in the future. However, there are efforts to address these challenges. The country has undertaken vulnerability assessments and developed adaptation measures. Additionally, organizations like the Benguela Current Commission aim to promote sustainable fishing practices. While climate change poses significant risks, a combination of mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable management strategies can help protect Angola's fisheries and the communities that depend on them.

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