global warming and climate change are considered a major threat to sustainable growth and development in africa and to the achievement of the millennium development goals the african continent contributes the least to global emissions of greenhouse gases yet it is the most vulnerable to its effects particularly due to its high dependence on biologically based natural resources and rain fed agriculture widespread poverty and weak capacity the effects of climate change are acutely felt in terms of diminished natural resources reduced agricultural production worsening food security increased flooding and drought and spreading diseases