Effect of Rainfall Variations on Economic Growth in Africa

Abstract

It is an undeniable fact that African continent is ascribed as an agrarian continent. Majority of the revenue generation and employment options for many of the African countries come from the Agricultural sector. Africa is considered as one of the fastest growing economies in recent times yet, it is vulnerable to climatic risks. These risks have been shown to affect the economic growth of African countries. Using the linear regression model, this study examined the relationship between climate change in form of rainfall variations and economic growth of African countries in past years. The study analyzed secondary datasets of annual rainfall and GDP growth rate of 43 African countries for a period of 25 years between 1991 and 2015. Trends in rainfall variability has impacted on agriculture and hydroelectric power of many African nations, two channels that contribute greatly to the wealth of nations. It is expected that the continent would harness its resources and invest in climate related needs to mitigate against adverse effects caused by rain variation.

Keywords: Rainfall, GDP, Economic Growth, Agriculture, Hydroelectricity, and Climate.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-8-09

Publication date: April 30^th 2019