Climate change poses a significant threat to food security in tropical countries, disrupting agricultural productivity, altering rainfall patterns, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.

Q4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. Food security is defined as the availability, access, utilisation, and stability of food for all people at all times. The impact of climate change on food security is particularly severe in tropical countries, where agriculture is a primary livelihood and climatic conditions are already challenging.

Body

• Increase in Temperature: Rising temperatures can lead to heat stress on crops, reducing yields. For instance, a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) predicts that by 2050, wheat yields in South Asia could decline by 50% due to increased temperatures.

• Change in Precipitation Patterns: Altered rainfall patterns can disrupt planting and harvesting cycles. In India, erratic monsoon rains have already led to significant crop losses, affecting food production and availability.

• Increase in Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Weather Events: Tropical countries are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and cyclones. For example, Cyclone Idai in 2019 devastated Mozambique's agricultural sector, leading to severe food shortages.

• Decrease in Crop Yield: Climate change can exacerbate pest and disease outbreaks, further reducing crop yields. The spread of the fall armyworm in Africa, exacerbated by changing climate conditions, has led to substantial maize crop losses.

• Increase in Food Prices: Reduced agricultural productivity and supply chain disruptions can lead to higher food prices. The 2007-2008 global food crisis, partly driven by climate anomalies, saw staple food prices skyrocket, disproportionately affecting tropical countries.

• Biodiversity Loss: Climate change worsens biodiversity loss, impacting ecosystems and the availability of wild foods. For example, the loss of honey bees driven by climate change will lead to a shortage of food crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oilseeds, as they are crucial pollinators.

• Crop Vulnerability and Pests: Climate change increases the susceptibility of crops to pests and diseases, endangering food security by reducing crop yields. For instance , climate change brought the worst locust attack in India in 2020 , which was reported in ten states.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of climate change and its impact on food security is crucial. International cooperation is essential to develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices, improve climate resilience, and ensure food security. A way forward includes investing in climate-smart agriculture, enhancing early warning systems, and promoting policies that support sustainable food systems.

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