- Name:Impacts of Climate Change on Farming Systems and Livelihoods in the Near East and North Africa 2017-2018
- Date:2017 - 2018
- Tag:Climate Resilience
Impacts of Climate Change on Farming Systems and Livelihoods in the Near East and North Africa 2017-2018
OBJECTIVES
Key Findings and Impacts by Farming System
1) Rain-fed Systems: Highly vulnerable to rainfall variability, facing increased drought risks, reduced productivity, and threats to food security and livelihoods,
2) Irrigated Systems: Less dependent on rainfall but are at risk from water scarcity and growing competition for water resources,
3) Pastoral Systems: Pastoralists face challenges such as heat stress on livestock, reduced pasture availability, and altered migration patterns, leading to livestock mortality, lower productivity, and resource conflicts,
4) Highland Mixed Systems: Changes in temperature and precipitation affect crop suitability and water availability, posing unique challenges,
5) Dryland Mixed Systems: Vulnerable to desertification and land degradation, these systems suffer from reduced agricultural productivity and heightened food insecurity.
Methodology
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Climate data, including temperature and precipitation projections, were sourced from the Regional Initiative for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts (RICCAR), while farming system information was obtained from FAO’s GeoNetwork database. Climate Impacted Farming System (CIFS) maps were created by overlaying climate projections with farming system data, focusing on irrigated, rain-fed mixed, dryland mixed, highland mixed, and pastoral systems.
Adaptation strategies
Focus on building resilience in water, crop, and livestock management. In water management, efforts include enhancing irrigation efficiency through techniques like drip irrigation and land leveling, implementing water harvesting systems, and adopting drought-resistant crops. Crop management emphasizes diversification, adjusted planting calendars, conservation agriculture, and the promotion of agroforestry. For livestock management, strategies involve using heat-tolerant breeds, improving grazing practices, increasing fodder production, and integrating crop-livestock systems.
Mitigation strategies
are designed to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. Conservation agriculture plays a key role, incorporating reduced tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation to improve soil carbon sequestration. Sustainable livestock management includes improved manure management and biogas production to minimize methane emissions. Agroforestry and reforestation further contribute by enhancing carbon sequestration while increasing ecosystem resilience.
Recommendations focus on a comprehensive approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Policies should promote climate-smart agriculture (CSA), secure land tenure, and improve access to climate information. Research and development must prioritize climate-resilient crops, efficient irrigation technologies, and sustainable livestock practices. Capacity building is vital, including training farmers in CSA and strengthening extension services. Private sector engagement should focus on investing in CSA technologies and improving market access for small-scale farmers. Empowering women and youth in climate-related decision-making is crucial. Monitoring systems should track climate impacts and evaluate adaptation strategies, while sustainable resource management should emphasize water conservation, soil health, and sustainable grazing.
