Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Food Security in East Africa: Evidence from Rwanda

Abstract

The biggest threat to food security in East Africa has been climate change. The livelihood of people in this part of the world, national economies, and social stability is closely associated with highly climate-sensitive agriculture. This paper examines the numerous impacts of climate change on food security through the four-pillar framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization, namely availability, access, utilization, and stability, and in particular situations in Rwanda as an exemplar and policy-relevant case. Drawing on secondary data from international organizations, national statistics, and peer-reviewed studies published between 2023 and 2025, the paper demonstrates that rising temperatures, increasing rainfall variability, and the growing frequency of extreme weather events have significantly undermined agricultural productivity, household incomes, nutrition outcomes, and the long-term resilience of food systems. In Rwanda, there have been agricultural losses because of climatic factors, increased food prices, and continuous child malnutrition, which shows how susceptible the nation is despite the progress that it has achieved in terms of agricultural reform and poverty alleviation. Climate change has a disproportionate effect on food security; it affects most smallholder farmers, women, children, and displaced persons. The paper further evaluates Rwanda’s adaptation and policy responses, including the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation and climate-smart agriculture initiatives. It identifies key implementation gaps related to financing, coordination, and institutional capacity. The paper concludes by stating that even though Rwanda and the East African region in general are progressing towards the development of climate-resilient food systems, addressing food insecurity with the growing rate of climate change will require continued investment, inclusive governance, and further incorporation of climate adaptation in agricultural and social protection policies. The findings are contributing to the upgraded literature of climate-food security relationships in sub-Saharan Africa and provide policy-rich information to regional decision-makers.