Climate change and biodiversity loss are severely affecting agricultural production across Africa, raising serious concerns about food security not just on the continent but also in Europe, which heavily depends on African exports for key crops like cocoa, coffee, and maize.
It was revealed that over half of the European Union’s food imports come from countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change. These countries often lack the financial and technical resources to adapt to shifting weather patterns, land degradation, and environmental disruptions. As a result, the supply of many staple crops to Europe is now at risk.
Africa plays a central role in global agricultural supply chains. The continent supplies the bulk of the cocoa and a significant share of the coffee consumed in Europe. According to the report, the EU is the world’s largest consumer, producer, and exporter of chocolate. Yet, it relies heavily on five countries for cocoa imports: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria in West Africa, and Ecuador in South America. Any disruptions in production from these regions could have a ripple effect across the European food industry.
Dr. Eleanor Thompson, one of the lead authors of the report, warned that continued climate stress in Africa is not only a humanitarian and economic problem but also a strategic concern for Europe. “If these key agricultural producers cannot cope with climate change, it’s not just their economies that suffer. It also places Europe’s food systems at risk, especially for crops that do not grow well in European climates,” she said.
The findings highlight how interconnected global food systems have become and how climate issues in one part of the world can have serious consequences elsewhere. Crops like cocoa and coffee, which require specific temperature and rainfall conditions, are particularly vulnerable. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, and loss of pollinators are already affecting yields and quality in some African farms.
This challenge is worsened by the continued loss of biodiversity. As forests are cleared to make room for more farmland, ecosystems are being damaged, which affects soil health, water availability, and the balance of pests and pollinators — all crucial to stable crop production. Without urgent action, farmers may be forced to abandon lands or switch crops entirely, which would affect global markets.
In addition to the environmental and social toll, experts say the crisis presents a major economic challenge for Europe. Chocolate is a major industry in countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. If cocoa supplies from West Africa decline significantly, it could raise prices, disrupt jobs, and reduce product availability in European markets.
To tackle the growing threat, the report recommends that EU countries increase investment in climate adaptation programs for African farmers. This includes funding for irrigation systems, access to drought-resistant seeds, agroforestry initiatives, and better market access. It also calls for more sustainable trade policies that support environmental goals and help reduce deforestation caused by agriculture.
“This is no longer just a development issue,” said Dr. Thompson. “It is about securing long-term food supply chains for Europe, supporting global climate stability, and ensuring farmers in Africa can survive and thrive under worsening environmental conditions.”
The report concludes with a warning that without urgent cross-border cooperation, both Africa and Europe will face mounting risks from a food system pushed to the brink by climate change
