There is a projected reduction of 20% in annual rainfall by 2080 in southern Africa.
Reductions in annual rainfall and the unreliability of surface water resources have resulted in an increase in the use of groundwater resources.
Urban households in some countries in southern Africa have resorted to digging wells as domestic taps usually run dry.
The 2015/16 El Niño drought affected the whole region, resulting in more than 40 million people being food insecure.
The El Nino drought caused 643,000 livestock deaths and an overall maize deficit of 5.1 million tonnes.
The El Nino Drought lowered the water in dams used for hydro-electric power.
The region is seeing population and industrial growth and improving standards of living and changing diets.
Agricultural productivity in Southern Africa will be significantly affected by projected changes in climate.
Agricultural productivity will decrease from 15% to 50% by 2080 due to climate change.
As water resources become scarcer, less water will be available for crop irrigation.
Southern Africa is a region experiencing rapid population growth.
Climate change will cause future reductions in food production and subsequent food prices increases.
Climate change mitigation efforts will result in high energy usage and may cause increases in food prices.
Water shortages are common due to recurring droughts and increased crop water use.
Some land may become climatically unsuitable for agriculture, causing more competition for land.
Only 24% of the total population in the region and 5% of rural population have access to electricity.
Households without electricity tend to rely on biomass such as wood and charcoal to meet their energy needs.
Harvesting wood faster than it can regrow it reduces the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks.
Deforestation for energy use can lead to soil erosion and the desertification of land.
Soil erosion can lead to sedimentation and pollution of rivers, reducing access to freshwater.
Soil erosion and desertification reduces the nutrient content and availability of quality land for crop production.
Energy demands have increased due to industrial growth and urbanisation.
Energy insecurity has caused frequent power blackouts in most countries.
In South Africa, coal mine expansion for power generation has taken arable land and polluted water sources.
