Climate change, with its far-reaching impacts, has emerged as a critical global challenge, significantly influencing various facets of human life. Among its multifaceted consequences, the nexus between climate change, agriculture, and rural poverty stands out as a key focal point. This interconnectedness creates a complex web of challenges and opportunities that shape the sustainable development landscape
climate change, agriculture, and rural poverty form a complex interplay that demands a comprehensive response to ensure sustainable development.
With approximately 800 million people worldwide facing chronic undernourishment and poverty, and agriculture being the backbone of economies in
vulnerable regions, understanding and addressing these challenges is paramount.
Agriculture as a Poverty Alleviator
The link between agricultural growth and poverty reduction is undeniable. Agricultural GDP growth proves to be 2.2 times more effective in alleviating poverty compared to non-agricultural GDP growth. However, vulnerability, particularly in tropical regions, exposes this critical sector to the impacts of climate change. Recent spikes in food prices have underscored the urgency of addressing the intricate relationship between climate change, agriculture, and rural poverty.
The Climate Change Scenario
A nuanced scenario unfolds in this century, with moderate warming offering benefits to crop yields in temperate regions but posing risks in semi-arid and tropical areas. The second part of the century may bring further warming, diminishing crop yields globally. Developing countries, bearing over 96% of disaster-related deaths, face setbacks in development and increased stresses from climate variability and extremes.
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: Rising Temperatures and Altered Precipitation Patterns
India, for instance, has witnessed a discernible increase in mean annual surface air temperatures, ranging from 0.4-0.6°C over the last century. Future projections suggest an even more challenging scenario, with estimates indicating a further escalation by the 2080s. Rising temperatures pose threats to agriculture, impacting crop yields, cycles, and increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases. Anticipated shifts in rainfall patterns further complicate matters, leading to challenges like water scarcity and increased risk of extreme weather events.
Agricultural Practices and Adaptation: Navigating Climate Challenges
Adaptive agricultural practices become imperative. A comprehensive analysis by Kumar reveals a critical correlation between climate variation and farm net revenue. The Ricardian Model, a cornerstone in the hedonic approach, plays a pivotal role in predicting optimal land use decisions. Shifting the focus from just crop yields, it considers the impact of climate on land values, providing a nuanced understanding of how climate variations influence agricultural outcomes.
Rural Poverty and Agriculture
Direct impacts on poverty emerge from climate change-induced agricultural losses, reduced yields, and asset destruction. A World Bank study projects a potential surge of 122 million people into extreme poverty by 2030 under the climate change scenario. Hallegatte et al.’s exploration identifies four pathways through which climate change intertwines with poverty: prices, assets, opportunities, and productivity. Reduced labor productivity, particularly in agriculture, amplifies the risk of increased poverty.
Climate-Smart Policies and Poverty Alleviation
The confluence of temperature and precipitation changes poses formidable challenges for Indian agriculture. To navigate this, a strategic blend of adaptation strategies, policies, and sustainable agricultural practices is imperative.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
A cornerstone in India’s climate-resilient agricultural landscape, the NMSA addresses adaptation strategies, spanning improved seeds, livestock, water use efficiency, pest management, and livelihood diversification. It encompasses crucial aspects like insurance, credit support, markets, and information access.
National Livestock Mission (NLM) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
Aligning livestock and fisheries pro- duction with environmental preservation, these missions seek to balance increased production with ecological well-being. They emphasize sustainable practices and under- score the significance of harmonious coexistence between economic growth and environmental preservation.
National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
NICRA, as the flagship program of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, addresses climate change impacts on agriculture by demonstrating best practices in vulnerable districts. It sets the stage for widespread adoption of climate-resilient agricultural techniques.
Capacity Building and Extension
Extensive capacity building initiatives target farmers, scientists, and extension workers. Promoting climate-resilient practices like crop varieties tolerance, water and nutrient management, conservation agriculture, and pest surveillance becomes crucial.
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and MGNREGS
Efforts to promote water conservation and dryland agriculture technologies are encapsulated in the IWMP and MGNREGS. These programmes aim toenhance water use efficiency in farmers’ fields, aligning with the broader goal of sustainable agricultural practices.
Women’s Involvement and Fore- casting Agricultural Output
Recognizing the pivotal role of women in agriculture, guidelines emphasize the allocation of at least 30% of the budget to benefit women farmers. Forecasting agricultural output through a multi-institutional program adds predictability to agricultural planning, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Integrated Farming System (IFS) and Agroforestry
Promoting resilience and sustenance, the emphasis on Integrated Farming Systems and Agroforestry underscores the need for holistic approaches. These practices enhance sustainability and contribute to the overall well-being of agricultural systems.
Crisis Management and Crop Insurance
Instituting a Drought Crisis Management Plan and implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provide a safety net against crop losses. These measures recognize the unpredictability of climate-induced crises and offer financial protection to farmers.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In conclusion, the intricate interplay between climate change, agriculture, and rural poverty necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated response. As climate change exerts its far-reaching impacts, there is an urgent need for adaptive strategies and policies. Lessons learned from analysing climate change impacts on agriculture and poverty must inform policy decisions, emphasizing gender-inclusive approaches, community involvement, and innovative solutions.
The call to action resonates across disciplines, urging policymakers, researchers, and communities to collaborate in crafting sustainable solutions. By addressing the challenges with foresight and determination, we can cultivate a future where agriculture thrives, rural poverty diminishes, and communities stand resilient in the face of a changing climate.
References
• Somanathan, E., & Somanathan, R. (2009). Climate Change: Challenges Facing India’s Poor. Economic and Political Weekly, 44(31), 51-58.
• Gupta, A., & Pathak, H. (Climate Change and Agriculture in India. Climate Change Programme, Strategic Programmes, Large Initiatives and Coordinated Action Enabler (SPLICE) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi.
• 3. Reilly, J. (1995). Climate Change and Global Agriculture: Recent Findings and Issues. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 77(3), 727-733. Oxford University Press on behalf of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association.
• African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Department for International Development, United Kingdom, Directorate-General for Development, European Commission, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Development Cooperation, The Netherlands, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, The World Bank. (Joint report titled “Poverty
and Climate Change: Reducing the Vulnerability of the Poor through Adaptation”)
• Kavi Kumar, K. S. (2007). Climate Change Studies in Indian Agriculture. Economic and Political Weekly, 42(45/46), 13, 15-18.
• The IUP Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol. VI, No. 1, 2012.
• Hertel, T. W., & Rosch, S. D. (2010). Climate Change, Agriculture, and Poverty. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 32(3), 355-385. Oxford University Press on behalf of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association.
• Heshmati, A., Maasoumi, E., Wan, G. (2015). Poverty Reduction Policies and Practices in Developing Asia (pp. 55-78). In Economic Studies in Inequality, Social Exclusion, and Well-Being
