QUES . Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 150 words, 10 Marks
HINTS:
Key facts related with food insecurity
The number of people suffering acute food insecurity increased from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million in 82 countries by June 2022.
About 80% of the global population most at risk from crop failures and hunger from climate change are in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where farming families are disproportionally poor and vulnerable.
Tropical countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America face the double burden of experiencing higher weather extremities and uncertainties on the one hand and lower capacity to deal with such challenges on the other.
Falling crop yields, especially in the world’s most food-insecure regions, will push more people into poverty – an estimated 43 million people in Africa alone could fall below the poverty line by 2030 as a result.
Consequences of climate change on food security in tropical countries
Reduction in crop yield and livestock systems
Rising temperatures and increased evaporation in tropical areas decrease the soil moisture, which impacts crop productivity. According to NASA, Maize crop yields are projected to decline 24% in the tropics on account of climate change by late century.
Increase in pest attacks and diseases of crops
Climate change is increasing pest attacks and diseases and reducing pollinators. For instance, increase in locust attacks. Climate change can affect the population size, survival rate and geographical distribution of pests; and the intensity, development and geographical distribution of diseases. Up to 40 percent of food crops are lost to plant pests and diseases each year according to the FAO. Pest incidence also reduces food quality.
Reduction in income of farmers
Yield reductions lead to reduced farmer income which limit their ability to purchase food. The case becomes even worse for India where 70% of rural households depend primarily on agriculture with 82% of farmers being small and marginal.
Higher migration and conflict
Widespread crop failure may increase migration and conflict. Migration and loss of livelihood for farmers accelerate food insecurity for the poor who have limited alternate means of income generation.
Disruption in transportation of foodgrains
Weather extremities disrupt food supplies and transportation infrastructure.
Reduced nutritional quality
Reduced nutritional quality on account of increased carbon dioxide.
Decrease in production of foodgrains leads to their higher prices
Price rise of food items further affects food security especially of the low-income and food grain importer countries.
Interventions such as climate resilient agriculture, improving soil health, enhancing per capita income, investment in improved storage facilities, better post-harvest management practices and better disaster preparedness can help achieve sustainable development goal of food security by 2030. Global cooperation, and collective action to resolve the root cause of climate change is the need of the hour.
