 |
 |
 |
|
June 2012
|
Climate change refers to an identifiable change in the mean and/or variability of the properties of the climate that persist over an extended period of time. It refers to both natural and human induced factors. Weather patterns are becoming unpredictable and farmers must now adapt to intense temperatures and greater frequency of storms. Caribbean farmers must implement adaptation strategies to cope with climate change to safeguard food production. These adaptation strategies refer to adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems. It also refers to changes in practices and structures, to reduce potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change. The Trinidad Government recently announced its aim to increase agriculture’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 3% in five years. On a macro level, agriculture contributed only 1.02% to GDP in 2004 but proves to be a significant employer in rural society (5%), according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The agriculture sector has been in relative decline for several decades. The Trinidad Government’s objectives for agriculture include increasing farm profitability, international competitiveness and expansion of irrigated areas under cultivation and to reduce risk from praedial larceny. Some techniques which farmers can adopt to help cope with climate change are sustainable water use and management, crop management, soil conservation and farming systems. Sprinkler irrigation involves the application of adequate water to an area of land using machinery in the form of a spray, so it acts as ordinary rainfall. Climate change has a great effect on the ecosystem and growing seasons; which imperil food security and the lifestyle of humans. Rainwater harvesting helps to reduce flood, runoff, pollution of surface water and erosion. Sprinkler irrigation and rainwater harvesting methods are feasible in the Caribbean. They can generate large savings in water allocation, increase the productivity of agriculture to develop the wellbeing of farmers and alleviate the problem of poverty. Scientists and multi-national corporations have developed new seed varieties with built-in pest and disease resistance using biotechnology, reducing the need for chemicals. These varieties enhance plant productivity, quality and nutritional value. They can also cope with water and heat stress. Genetically modified (GM) crops can cope with climate change and are resistant to new diseases. Conventional seeds are cheaper but the cost of GM seeds is offset by profits from the higher yields. There is an ongoing debate between GM and organic farming. Caribbean countries are yet to fully accept biotechnology. GM varieties have been introduced to cope with viruses. Cuba has a well-developed biotechnology sector, which produces GM varieties, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have put mechanisms in place to support the development of GM foods. Organic agriculture is important in helping farmers reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and increase carbon sequestration, so that they can be better adapted. Organic agriculture deals with practices including crop rotation, green manure, compost, agro-forestry and minimum tillage which help in the maintenance of soil productivity and fertility. Caribbean farmers are posed with problems such as drought. Farmers can practice crop rotation which uses available water and helps in reducing pests. Less pesticide use will reduce GHG emissions. Green manure and compost increase soil’s organic matter and microbial activity which allows plants to withstand diseases. In Latin America and the Caribbean small scale farmers are involved in organic agriculture. Farmers experienced profits by adopting organic agriculture. Caricom countries are encouraged through government incentives to practice organic agriculture since it provides economical and environmental benefits. Agroforestry is another means by which farmers can adapt to climate change. It is the incorporation of trees into agricultural farming to provide economic, ecological and social benefits. It includes alley cropping, boundary planting, contour planting, Taungya (system) and intercropping. Agro forestry prevents soil erosion, forest degradation, improves soil fertility, medicinal value, provide construction materials, etc. Benefits of agroforestry outweigh the costs and Caribbean farmers can adopt this method of farming. Small scale Caribbean farmers may have limited land and other resources so the adoption of the agro forestry practice will be slow but beneficial since they can market the secondary products. It is also beneficial to medium and large scale farmers. It is difficult for farmers to adopt strategies on their own. Support programmes are required to provide capital and knowledge to help farmers adapt to climate change. Students in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture doing a Semester I course in Environmental Economics were asked to work in groups and produce papers on various environmental issues. This is an extract from the paper presented by a group comprising Kurina Baksh, Leean Ramdass, Ruqayyah Thompson, Natasha Mohammed, Sintra Benasrie, Nesha Mangroo and Chantelle Foote. |
