A Review of the Effect of Cleaner Energy Transition on Food Prices and Climate Change Mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria as a Case Study

What is it about?

Exploring the Link Between Clean Energy and Food Prices in Sub-Saharan Africa Access to affordable and sustainable energy is essential for addressing global challenges, from combating climate change to improving living standards. However, investing in renewable energy is not happening evenly worldwide. Wealthier countries have made significant strides in adopting clean energy since the Paris Agreement, while many developing nations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, face financial and infrastructural barriers that slow progress. This study focuses on a critical question: how does the transition to cleaner energy impact food prices in Sub-Saharan Africa? By reviewing existing research, it uncovers the challenges faced by the region, where limited funding and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to build renewable energy systems. The study highlights a concerning issue: without well-thought-out policies, the shift to cleaner energy could increase food prices and worsen food insecurity in the region. Why is this the case? Transitioning to renewable energy often involves upfront costs, such as installing solar panels or wind turbines, which may lead to higher electricity prices. For regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture relies heavily on energy for irrigation, transportation, and processing, these higher costs can ripple through the food system, driving up prices. This is particularly challenging for populations that already struggle with poverty and food access. The study stresses the need for a balanced approach that integrates energy and agricultural policies. Governments should adopt reforms to encourage renewable energy use while protecting food security. For example, reintroducing transparent subsidy programs can help offset higher energy costs during the transition, ensuring that farmers and consumers are not disproportionately affected. The research underscores that equitable investment in renewable energy is vital. Wealthier countries and international organizations must play a role in supporting Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy transition to ensure it aligns with broader goals of economic equity and sustainable development. By addressing these challenges with targeted policies and financial support, the region can move toward cleaner energy while safeguarding its food systems and livelihoods. In conclusion, this study highlights a crucial yet often overlooked link between clean energy adoption and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing financial gaps, implementing thoughtful policies, and ensuring inclusive investments, the region can achieve a sustainable energy transition without compromising its people’s access to affordable food.

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Why is it important?

This work is important because it sheds light on a critical, yet underexplored, connection between two pressing global challenges: the transition to renewable energy and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. As countries strive to combat climate change by adopting cleaner energy systems, this study uniquely highlights the unintended consequences that such transitions can have on agricultural systems and food prices, particularly in vulnerable regions. What makes this work unique is its focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that is disproportionately affected by both energy poverty and food insecurity. While most research on renewable energy focuses on technological advancements or global climate goals, this study takes a human-centered approach, examining how the financial and infrastructural challenges of adopting renewable energy can ripple through food systems. It emphasizes the nuanced reality that a one-size-fits-all energy transition could inadvertently exacerbate economic inequalities if local conditions are not considered. Moreover, the study stands out for its call to action on integrating energy and agricultural policies. Rather than viewing these sectors in isolation, it argues for a holistic approach where clean energy initiatives are designed to complement, rather than undermine, food security. This intersectional perspective is rare in policy discourse and essential for crafting solutions that balance environmental sustainability with social equity. Ultimately, this work is groundbreaking because it emphasizes the importance of equitable investment and proactive policy-making to ensure that the global shift toward renewable energy supports—not hinders—sustainable development in regions that need it the most. It underscores the need for international collaboration and tailored strategies to prevent clean energy transitions from widening existing inequalities in the Global South.

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