Posted on March, 8, 2024 at 05:31 am
At the recently concluded UNEA-6 in Nairobi, delegates adopted resolutions to tackle environmental issues such as water quality, waste management and the conservation of natural resources.
These initiatives are essential for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. Unfortunately, climate change is still the biggest impediment to achieving the goals.
The impact of climate change on agricultural production is massive. It is necessary to establish sustainable policies and measures across all sectors, including agriculture, industry, transportation and urban planning. Climate change remains the biggest threat to humanity; not even AI can come close.
According to the World Bank, studies indicate that climate change is likely to have significant implications for maize production, resulting in estimated annual losses of US$100–200 million by 2050.
Additionally, the growth rate of staple crop yields is poised to decrease by 12 per cent to 23 per cent, while food prices are expected to rise by 75 per cent to 90 per cent by 2055.
These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security. The projected annual losses and decrease in growth rates are alarming, and the expected rise in food prices will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for millions of people.
Kenya’s agriculture, which relies heavily on rainfall, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise and rainfall becomes more unpredictable, farmers face challenges maintaining their crops and livestock.
The changing climate is leading to more frequent droughts and floods, making it difficult for farmers to plan their planting and harvesting schedules.
Agriculture in Kenya is not just about growing crops; it’s the bread and butter of the economy! According to FAO, the sector contributes 33 per cent directly and an additional 27 per cent indirectly to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
USAID estimates that the agriculture sector employs more than 40 per cent of the total population and 70 per cent of the rural population. With a significant chunk of the population relying on agriculture, any shake-up in the sector can send ripples through the entire country.
To effectively tackle the challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to take action by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in climate-resilient crops, and providing support to smallholder farmers who are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change.
For instance, counties can encourage farmers to grow indigenous crops and encourage planting of fruit trees. Collaborative efforts in adapting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture will pave the way for a more secure and sustainable food future.
Investing in research and education programmes that focus on sustainable agriculture practices can help equip farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Stakeholders must prioritize research and innovation in developing new technologies and practices that can enhance resilience of agricultural systems to climate change. This includes promoting agro-ecological approaches, implementing water-saving irrigation techniques and utilizing precision agriculture methods.
By embracing sustainable agriculture, we can not only mitigate the negative impacts of climate change but also create opportunities for increased productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability.
All sectors need to work together towards a common goal of building a more resilient and adaptive agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate. By working together to implement these solutions, we can create a more sustainable and secure food system for future generations.
We must continue to prioritise environmental protection and sustainability. The resolutions passed at UNEA-6 serve as a roadmap for action, guiding us towards a cleaner and healthier planet. Governments, businesses and individuals need to work hand in hand to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve our natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Source: PD