About 80% of the global population are at risk from crop failures and hunger from climate change are in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia,  farming families are disproportionally poor and vulnerable.

How does climate change affect farming and food security in the future?

Climate change is expected to have significant and far-reaching effects on farming and food security in the future. While the specific impacts may vary depending on regional and local factors, here are some general ways in which climate change can affect agriculture and food security:

• Changing growing conditions: Climate change alters temperature and rainfall patterns, leading to shifts in growing conditions. Some regions may experience increased aridity, while others may face more frequent and intense rainfall events. These changes can disrupt the suitability of certain areas for agriculture, affecting crop growth, yields, and the availability of suitable land for farming.
• Crop yield and productivity: Rising temperatures, heatwaves, and changes in precipitation patterns can reduce crop yields and productivity. Heat stress during critical growth stages can damage crops, affect flowering, and decrease grain quality. Additionally, water stress from droughts or excessive rainfall can negatively impact plant growth and reduce harvests.
• Pests and diseases: Climate change can influence the prevalence, distribution, and intensity of pests and diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can create more favorable conditions for the proliferation of pests and the spread of crop diseases. This can lead to increased crop damage, crop losses, and the need for more extensive pesticide use.
• Water availability and irrigation: Changes in precipitation patterns can disrupt water availability for agriculture. Areas dependent on rainfed agriculture may face increased drought risks, while regions relying on snowpack and glacial melt water may experience reduced water availability. This can affect irrigation, especially in regions where water resources are already stressed, and impact crop production.
• Shifts in crop suitability and growing seasons: Changing climatic conditions may result in shifts in the suitability of certain crops and alter the length and timing of growing seasons. Crops that are well-suited to current conditions may become less viable, while others that were previously unsuitable may become more suitable in new climatic regimes. However, these shifts can pose challenges for farmers who may need to adapt their practices, crop choices, and farming systems.
• Extreme weather events: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, storms, and heatwaves. These events can cause significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and agricultural systems. They can lead to crop failures, loss of livestock, soil erosion, and disruptions in transportation and market access, all of which can compromise food security.
• Sea-level rise and coastal agriculture: Rising sea levels pose a particular threat to low-lying coastal areas. Saltwater intrusion can contaminate freshwater resources, making them unsuitable for irrigation and affecting the productivity of coastal farmlands. Coastal agriculture may also be vulnerable to increased storm surges and coastal erosion, further impacting food production.
• It affects capture fisheries and the development of aquaculture in marine and freshwater environments.
• Climate change will impact the livelihoods and income of small-scale food producers and also, through food price increases and volatility, the livelihoods of poor net food buyers, restricting access to food.
• It has been found to have an impact on food safety, particularly on incidence and prevalence of food-borne diseases.

Ensuring the  food security and good nutrition in the context of climate change

• Sustainable agricultural practices: Promote and support the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, precision farming, and organic farming. These approaches can help conserve natural resources, improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance crop and livestock productivity.
• Crop diversification and resilient varieties: Encourage diversification of crops and livestock to reduce dependence on a limited range of food sources. Diverse agricultural systems are more resilient to climate change impacts. Additionally, promoting the development and adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties can help mitigate the risks associated with changing climatic conditions.
• Water management and irrigation: Improve water management practices to ensure efficient use of water resources in agriculture. This includes investing in irrigation infrastructure, promoting water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation, and enhancing water storage and harvesting systems. Efficient water management helps mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and variability caused by climate change.
• Enhanced early warning systems: Develop and strengthen early warning systems to provide timely information on climate-related risks and extreme weather events. This enables farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops and livelihoods. Early warning systems should be combined with capacity-building programs to ensure farmers understand and can respond effectively to the provided information.
• Improved post-harvest management and storage: Enhance post-harvest management and storage facilities to minimize food losses and waste. Climate change can increase the risk of post-harvest losses due to changes in temperature and humidity. Implementing improved storage techniques, proper packaging, and transportation infrastructure can help preserve food quality and reduce waste.
• Climate-smart livestock management: Encourage climate-smart livestock management practices that promote sustainable and resilient livestock production. This includes improving animal health, promoting fodder management, and implementing better breeding and feeding practices. Integrating livestock with crop production systems can also provide mutual benefits, such as nutrient recycling and increased resilience.
• Strengthened social protection and safety nets: Implement social protection programs to ensure access to food during periods of climate-related shocks and stresses. Safety nets, such as cash transfer programs, school feeding programs, and targeted nutrition interventions, can help vulnerable populations cope with the impacts of climate change on food security and nutrition.
• Education and awareness: Raise awareness and provide education on climate change, sustainable food systems, and healthy eating practices. Promote nutrition education at schools and communities to improve dietary diversity and healthy food choices. Empowering individuals with knowledge about climate change impacts and sustainable food practices can contribute to more informed decision-making.
• Policy support and international cooperation: Develop and implement policies that support climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable food production, and equitable access to nutritious food. Foster international cooperation to address climate change, including technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support for developing countries.

Conclusion

• By adopting the sustainable development goals, the world has committed to ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition by 2030. But climate change is already undermining the livelihoods and food security of the most vulnerable populations which need to be addressed

Way forward:

• By integrating these strategies and adopting a holistic approach, it is possible to ensure food security and good nutrition in the face of climate change. Collaboration among governments, farmers, researchers, civil society, and the private sector is essential to implement these measures effectively and promote sustainable and resilient food systems.