IA ASSIGNMENT

GEC-GEOGRAPHY

Name : Divya Singh

Course : B.A(Hons)Sociology
College Roll No : 22/SOC/24
Exam Roll No : 22029530001
GEC : Climate Change and Adaptation

Q. Discuss the impact of climate change on food security.

INTRODUCTION
Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is a present reality that
impacts food security globally. From rising temperatures to erratic
rainfall patterns, the effects of climate change are reshaping agricultural
systems and threatening the stability of food supplies, particularly in
developing nations. For the 70% of the world's rural poor who rely on
agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, this phenomenon creates a
vicious cycle of vulnerability. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) warns that failure to keep global warming below 2°C
will have catastrophic consequences for food security. This essay
examines the multifaceted impacts of climate change on food security,
exploring direct and indirect effects, adaptation measures, and mitigation
strategies.
DIRECT IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE
AND LIVESTOCK

1) The Effect of Higher Temperatures

Temperature increases directly affect agricultural productivity. In higher
latitudes, moderate warming could extend growing seasons and boost
crop yields. However, in semi-arid and tropical regions, higher
temperatures exacerbate water stress and decrease soil fertility. Maize
yields in Africa and Latin America, for example, could decline by 10%
by 2055, threatening the livelihoods of 170 million farmers.

2) Changes in Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall variability is a major concern as 80% of global agriculture
depends on rain. Tropical and subtropical regions are expected to
experience declining rainfall, with some African nations possibly seeing
a 50% reduction in crop yields by 2020. Meanwhile, high latitudes may
receive more precipitation, altering water availability across regions.

3) Extreme Weather
Extreme weather events such as heatwaves and droughts are becoming
more frequent. Droughts cause soil degradation and water stress,
limiting crop and livestock productivity. By 2050, areas affected by
persistent drought may increase from 2% to 10%, with extreme droughts
potentially affecting up to 30% of the earth’s surface by century’s end.

4) Torrential Rain, Flooding, and Tropical Storms

Increased torrential rainfall and tropical storms devastate crops and
farmland. For instance, the Indian Ocean region, home to densely
populated river deltas, faces rising risks of flooding. Losses from
flooding are compounded by salinization of soils and water sources,
particularly in coastal regions.

INDIRECT IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE

AND LIVESTOCK

1) Increased Infestations and Diseases

Higher temperatures expand the range of pests and pathogens, increasing
risks to crops and livestock. This phenomenon alters the geographic
distribution of agricultural diseases, making adaptation even more
challenging.

2) Water Supply Constraints

Irrigated agriculture, which accounts for 40% of global food production,
depends on reliable water sources. Climate-induced changes in river
flows, glacier melting, and rainfall patterns jeopardize irrigation
systems. The Nile and Ganges river basins are prime examples of water
insecurity, with millions relying on these waters for food production.

3) Rising Sea Levels

Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal regions, leading to saltwater
intrusion into freshwater resources and croplands. Countries in Southeast
Asia are particularly vulnerable, as rising seas could submerge fertile
farmland and displace millions.

4) Mass Migrations
Environmental degradation caused by climate change is driving mass
migrations, especially from developing nations. By 2050, climate-
induced migration could affect 150 million people, creating additional
pressures on food supplies in host regions.

ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS TO CLIMATE

CHANGE

1) Climate-Smart Agriculture
The FAO promotes "climate-smart agriculture," which integrates
sustainable practices, adaptation measures, and mitigation strategies.
Key actions include:
1. Improving soil management to reduce dependence on synthetic
fertilizers.
2. Using genetic resources to develop crops resilient to climate stressors.
3. Enhancing water efficiency through conservation techniques and
improved irrigation.

2) Role of Traditional Agriculture

Indigenous farming practices offer valuable insights into climate
adaptation. Techniques like polycultivation and agroforestry can increase
resilience to extreme weather conditions. For example, combining crops
with trees helps maintain soil moisture and reduces erosion.

THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN MITIGATION

1) Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Agriculture contributes 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions directly
and an additional 12% through land-use changes. Livestock farming
alone accounts for 18% of emissions, with methane from ruminants
being a major contributor.

2) Carbon Sequestration
Soil carbon sequestration offers a dual benefit: mitigating climate
change and enhancing soil fertility. Practices such as reforestation,
conservation agriculture, and agroforestry can significantly increase
carbon retention in soils.

3) Sustainable Energy Practices

Making the food supply chain more energy-efficient—through precision
fertilizers, renewable energy, and optimized irrigation—can further
reduce emissions.

FINANCING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

 1) Bridging the Funding Gap
Adapting agriculture to climate change requires substantial investment.
Current funding is insufficient, with estimates suggesting a need for
$75–100 billion annually in developing nations. Innovative mechanisms,
such as carbon markets and climate funds, could provide much-needed
support to vulnerable regions.

INDIAN CONTEXT
(IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD SECURITY IN INDIA:
A CASE STUDY)
India, home to one-sixth of the global population, faces a significant
challenge in ensuring food security. Despite economic growth,
undernutrition persists, with 194.6 million people undernourished as of
2014. Climate change exacerbates food insecurity by affecting food
availability, access, and absorption, making India particularly vulnerable
due to its dependence on agriculture, erratic monsoons, and high rates of
poverty.
Climate Change and Food Production
Agriculture in India, largely dependent on the monsoon, is severely
impacted by climate change. Approximately 65% of India’s cropped area
is rain-fed, leaving it susceptible to variability in rainfall patterns.
Predictions indicate a 15% increase in year-to-year monsoon variability
and a 10% increase in monsoon intensity due to a 4°C rise in global
temperatures. Droughts in the northwest and increased wetness in the
south further threaten agricultural productivity.
India’s wheat and rice yields are particularly sensitive to temperature
increases. Studies have shown that a 0.5°C rise in winter temperatures
can reduce wheat yield by 0.45 tons per hectare. Water scarcity
exacerbates this problem, with 54% of groundwater wells showing
declining levels, especially in critical agricultural regions like Punjab
and Haryana. Declining productivity due to thermal and water stress
highlights the critical need for climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Food Access and Economic Implications

Climate change impacts food access through economic vulnerabilities.
Smallholder farmers reliant on rain-fed monocropping are particularly at
risk, as crop failure leads to reduced incomes and heightened food
insecurity. Studies from Maharashtra’s Jalna district revealed that
droughts in 2012–13 caused a 60% drop in annual incomes, directly
affecting nutritional outcomes, particularly for children.
Urban food insecurity is another growing concern. Rural-to-urban
migration due to climate-induced agricultural stress has led to increased
populations in urban slums, where inadequate infrastructure and poor
living conditions exacerbate malnutrition. For example, over 30% of
children under five years are underweight in urban regions of Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Food Absorption and Nutritional Quality

Rising temperatures and erratic weather also affect food absorption.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels reduce the nutritional quality of staple
crops, such as pulses, which are the primary source of protein in India.
This reduction increases the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, further
compounding public health challenges. Poor sanitation and increased
incidence of climate-sensitive diseases like diarrhea and vector-borne
diseases also hinder food absorption, particularly in vulnerable
populations.

Case Study: Maharashtra Droughts

The drought-prone Jalna district in Maharashtra illustrates the
compounding effects of climate change on food security. During the
2012–13 drought, local crop yields and farmer incomes fell by 60%.
This income loss led to food shortages and malnutrition among children,
as families were unable to afford sufficient food. Similar impacts were
observed in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, where recurrent floods
resulted in long-term child malnutrition.
Policy Recommendations
Addressing food security in the face of climate change requires a
multifaceted approach:
1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Investments in climate-resilient
crops and water-efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation can
mitigate agricultural risks.
2. Improving Livelihood Security: Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have shown
promise in reducing distress migration and improving rural incomes.
Extending similar initiatives to urban areas can address urban food
insecurity.
3. Public Health Measures: Enhancing sanitation, healthcare
infrastructure, and disease surveillance systems in both rural and urban
areas can improve food absorption and nutritional outcomes.
4. Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening disaster management systems
and long-term relief measures can mitigate the impacts of natural
disasters on agriculture and livelihoods.
Climate change poses a significant threat to India’s food security,
magnifying existing vulnerabilities in agriculture, economy, and public
health. Adopting sustainable practices, strengthening social safety nets,
and improving infrastructure are essential to ensuring food security in
the coming decades. The case of Maharashtra’s droughts underscores the
urgency of these measures, as millions of livelihoods and lives depend
on immediate and sustained action.

CONCLUSION
The impact of climate change on food security is profound and
multifaceted, disproportionately affecting the poorest populations.
Achieving food security amidst changing climates demands a dual
approach: enhancing resilience through adaptation while mitigating
agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Investments in
climate-smart agriculture, traditional farming practices, and international
cooperation are essential. As the global population nears 9 billion,
ensuring sustainable agricultural development becomes a cornerstone of
combating hunger and poverty in a warming world.

REFERENCES
• Maria del Mar Hidalgo Gracia. Chapter-2, ‘The Impact of Climate
Change on Food Security' (2013)
• Malancha Chakrabarty. ‘Climate Change and Food Security in
India’ (September 2016). ORF ISSUE BRIEF (Issue No. 157)