A systematic review of climate change adaptation in vegetable farming systems in Africa

Vegetables are central to sustainable food systems and healthy diets, yet climate adaptation research in agriculture has largely focused on staple crops, with less emphasis on vegetable farming systems. We conducted a systematic review of 60 studies to map adaptation responses in vegetable farming systems across Africa and explore how these responses address climate risks. Most adaptation efforts are concentrated in rural areas of Western and Eastern Africa, and primarily address water-related hazards, including drought, flooding, and erratic precipitation. Technological responses dominated, followed by behavioural responses and ecosystem-based while institutional options were relatively underreported. Urban agriculture, despite its importance for employment, income and food and nutrition security, remains underexplored. Only one-third of the studies assessed the effectiveness of adaptation, mostly through efficiency and utilitarian framing. Strengthening institutional strategies and expanding research to urban contexts are crucial for enhancing the resilience of African vegetable farming systems and achieving sustainable food and nutrition security.