Africa’s abundant biodiversity:
A pillar of ecological and cultural prosperity
Africa’s biodiversity is a cornerstone of ecological, cultural, and economic prosperity. Dr. Fassil Gebeyehu, General Coordinator of the African Biodiversity Network, explores the intricate connections between Africa’s rich natural heritage and the well-being of its communities, highlighting the urgent need for conservation amidst growing environmental challenges.
Africa is a continent teeming with abundant biodiversity, encompassing a vast array of genetic resources, ecosystems, and species. This wealth is not only crucial for ecological balance but also underpins the cultural, economic, and social prosperity of its inhabitants.
Africa’s biodiversity includes invaluable genetic resources vital for agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Farmer seeds such as sorghum, millet, yams, and teff, along with wild relatives of many globally important crops, are key to addressing food sovereignty and agricultural diversity (Harlan, 1992). This biodiversity is deeply intertwined with the people’s cultures and economies. Many communities depend on biodiversity for traditional medicine, food, and spiritual practices. Wildlife tourism, a major economic driver, attracts millions of visitors to national parks and game reserves each year, boosting local and national economies (UNWTO, 2014).
The African savannas, renowned for their extensive grasslands and acacia trees, sustain vast populations of zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas (Estes, 2014). The rainforests of the Congo Basin in Central Africa provide habitats for gorillas, chimpanzees, numerous bird species, insects, and plants, playing a significant role in global carbon sequestration (Burgess et al., 2017). The Sahara and Namib Deserts, despite their harsh conditions, are home to unique life forms such as the fennec fox, Saharan silver ant, and various succulent plants (Hughes, 2010).
Africa is a home to many biodiversity hotspots
Highland areas like the Ethiopian Highlands and Drakensberg Mountains are biodiversity hotspots, supporting distinctive vegetation and wildlife, such as the Ethiopian wolf and numerous endemic plant species (Mittermeier et al., 2011). Africa’s coastlines and marine environments, spanning the Mediterranean, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, swarm with marine life. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds harbour species like the dugong, various sea turtles, and a plethora of fish and invertebrates (Obura et al., 2017). Africa is also known for its megavegetation, including elephants, rhinoceroses, hippos, and diverse members of the cat family (lions, leopards, cheetahs). The continent hosts numerous smaller mammals, including the aardvark and various species of monkeys and lemurs (Kingdon, 2015). With over 2,300 species, Africa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting the largest bird (the ostrich) and the smallest (the bee-eater), alongside notable species like the African grey parrot and the vibrant lilac-breasted roller (Borrow & Demey, 2014). Africa’s reptile diversity includes crocodiles, various snakes (such as the Nile crocodile and black mamba), and numerous lizards. The continent also harbours a significant number of amphibians, including unique species like the African bullfrog (Channing & Howell, 2006).
The insect life in Africa is remarkably diverse, featuring notorious examples like the migratory locust, tsetse fly, and various butterflies and beetles. Significant invertebrates include the giant African land snail (Picker et al., 2004).
Africa’s biodiversity faces numerous threats
Despite its richness, Africa’s biodiversity faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and overexploitation. Global warming and environmental degradation exacerbate these threats, impacting both biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities, which are deeply intertwined with their cultural and spiritual practices. Industrialised countries contribute to this problem by dumping waste on shores, while mining companies disrupt the Earth’s crust, affecting interconnected terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric systems (UNEP, 2019).
Indigenous peoples and local communities are inherently aware of the natural order and have acquired the knowledge to live in harmony with nature. Their ways of life are guided by nature, and they have developed the capacity to learn from and respond to natural phenomena. Farming communities, in particular, have preserved crop genetic diversities for centuries through practices aligned with the laws of nature. For instance, smallholder farmers often share their initial harvest with nature, commemorate the harvest with rituals, and live closely with nature, nurturing a profound emotional and spiritual connection with the Earth community (Altieri & Nicholls, 2004).
The African Biodiversity Network, through its vast network of partners and communities has served as a knowledge interface on biocultural diversity conservation, crucial for safeguarding the natural and sustainable life-supporting systems in the continent. The network has observed progressive expansion and significant impacts on community livelihoods where ABN partners operate. For example, ABN’s involvement in Community Seed Knowledge (CSK) has notably enhanced the lives of project beneficiaries through agro-ecological practices. Farmers have effectively identified and utilised diverse seed varieties well-adapted to the local environment, rich in nutrition, contributing to the resurgence of biocultural practices, fostering community cohesion, and promoting food sovereignty as communities and partners inform us.
Resources for further reading:
