ArticlePDF Available

Economic Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Sector: A Review

Authors:
  • Putra Business School - Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

Global warming is the most serious environmental threat of the 21 st century. Extreme changes in global temperature over the last few decades have caused devastating natural disasters have immensely impacted on the agricultural sector as agricultural production is highly dependent on weather, climate and water availability, and is adversely affected by weather-and climate related disasters. This review paper summarizes the recent studies focused on (a) understanding and measuring the effect of climate change on the agricultural sector and (b) recent inventions and adaptations to cope up with the negative effects of climate change. The paper attempts to review how climate and agriculture is interrelated. It illuminates the vulnerability of the agricultural sector that depends highly on the climatic variables, like rainfall and temperatures. The exploration of climatic variations in this paper reveals the estimated economic costs of climate change on agricultural productivity of different regions and also gives an insight into how these climatic challenges at present and future can be best tackled in order to maximize agricultural output which in turn is the backbone of food sustainability of the nations worldwide.
CPS Journals Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship
Centre for Postgraduate Studies ISSN: 2289-3075
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp: 39-49 (2013)
© CPS Journals
Economic Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Sector: A
Review
Syed Ali Fazal, PhD Candidate (Corresponding Author)
Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
E-mail: fazalsyedali@gmail.com
Sazali Abdul Wahab, PhD
Dean, Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
E-mail: sazali@umk.edu.my
Abstract
Global warming is the most serious environmental threat of the 21st century. Extreme
changes in global temperature over the last few decades have caused devastating natural
disasters have immensely impacted on the agricultural sector as agricultural production is
highly dependent on weather, climate and water availability, and is adversely affected by
weather-and climate related disasters. This review paper summarizes the recent studies
focused on (a) understanding and measuring the effect of climate change on the agricultural
sector and (b) recent inventions and adaptations to cope up with the negative effects of
climate change. The paper attempts to review how climate and agriculture is interrelated. It
illuminates the vulnerability of the agricultural sector that depends highly on the climatic
variables, like rainfall and temperatures. The exploration of climatic variations in this paper
reveals the estimated economic costs of climate change on agricultural productivity of
different regions and also gives an insight into how these climatic challenges at present and
future can be best tackled in order to maximize agricultural output which in turn is the
backbone of food sustainability of the nations worldwide.
Keywords: Climate Change, Economic Impact, Agriculture
JEL Codes: Q18, Q54
1. INTRODUCTION
Climate change is the variation in global or regional climates over time. It reflects changes in the
variability or average state of the atmosphere over time scales ranging from decades to millions of years.
These changes can be caused by processes internal to the Earth, external forces (e.g. variations in sunlight
intensity) or, more recently, human activities. In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental
policy, the term "climate change" often refers only to changes in modern climate, including the rise in
average surface temperature known as global warming. In some cases, the term is also used with a
presumption of human causation, as in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC, 1994).
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi, and other life forms for food, fibre, bio fuel and
other products used to sustain human life. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary
human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food economic surpluses that
nurtured the development of civilization. The study of agriculture is known as agricultural science.
Agriculture generally speaking refers to human activities, although it is also observed in certain species of
ant and termite (Hölldobler, 1990). The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods,
fibres, fuels, and raw materials. In the 21st century, plants have been used to grow bio fuels,
biopharmaceuticals, bioplastics, (Brikates, 2007) and pharmaceuticals. Specific foods include cereals,
vegetables, fruits, and meat. Fibres include cotton, wool, hemp, silk and flax. Raw materials include
lumber and bamboo. Other useful materials are produced by plants, such as resins. Biofuels include
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 40
methane from biomass, ethanol, and biodiesel. Floriculture nursery (horticulture), tropical fish and birds
for the pet trade are some of the ornamental products.
Economic impact of climate change: Uzma Hanif, (2009) stated that climate change impacts the agrarian
economies in multidimensional forms, because of their dependence upon the vagaries of nature. The
ultimate climate change determines the paths and level of development in the long term. Climate change
has raised serious concerns for developing countries to face tremendous social, environmental and
economic impacts. As the change in climate is closely linked to food security and poverty of a vast
majority of any country’s population, many developing countries are dependent mainly on agricultural
sector making it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Agriculture forms the primary sector
of any agro-based economy and Mathieu Ouedraogo (2006) rightly mentioned that the activities of the
secondary and tertiary sectors depend to a large extent on the activities of the primary sector, for example
in the case of cotton and grain production, which is processed and transported by the secondary and
tertiary sectors. The primary sector’s activities thus have a ripple effect on the rest of the economy. The
whole GDP of any nation develops according to the rhythm of the primary sector.
Importance of understanding Economic Impact of Climate Change: Understanding climate change on
natural and human based systems has become increasingly important as changing levels of greenhouse
gases and alteration in earth surface characteristics bring about changes in the earth’s radiation budget,
atmospheric circulation, and hydrologic cycle (Houghton et. al., 2001). The importance of understanding
climate change impact on agriculture is essentially evident. The weather and climate intensely influence
the productivity of quality agricultural products. Individual weather and climate factors like, solar
radiation, heat accumulation, temperature extremes, precipitation, wind, etc, affect both the growth and
quality or agro products of high economic value. The importance of understanding the ongoing impact of
climate change on agriculture is often underestimated. Domestic policy considerations require that climate
change be factored into development activities that are influenced by the weather and climate. At the same
time, scientific evaluations of the immediacy of the impact of climate change and the extent of climate
vulnerability are essential to the formulation of national negotiating positions at international climate-
change negotiations (Jayaraman, 2011). The concern with climate change is heightened given the linkage
of the agricultural sector to poverty. In particular, it is anticipated that adverse impacts on the agricultural
sector will exacerbate the incidence of rural poverty. Impacts on poverty are likely to be especially severe
in developing countries where the agricultural sector is an important source of livelihood for a majority of
the rural population. For example, in Africa, estimates indicate that nearly 6070 percent of the population
is dependent on the agricultural sector for employment, and the sector contributes on average nearly 34
percent to gross domestic product (GDP) for every country (Mohamed et al. 2002).
2. THE RELATIONSHIP AND DEGREE OF ELASTICITY BETWEEN CLIMATE AND
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture and climate are directly related exerting mutual effects. Climate change affects most
significantly in agriculture out of the other economic sector because of its worldwide distribution and the
strong linkage and dependence of the climate and environmental factors. Thus the effects of climate
change on agricultural production impact the socio-economical dimension at both the macro and micro
scales (Quasem, 2011). The agriculture sector is a key source of global GHG (Green House Gas)
emissions (14 percent or 6.8 Gt of CO2 equation), but with a high technical mitigation potential (5.5-6 Gt
of CO2 equation per year by 2030) (Mueller, 2009). It is discovered that 74 percent of emissions from
agriculture are in developing countries. Mueller (2009) further notes that agriculture is a sector where
mitigation action has strong potential co-benefits for sustainable development in terms of food security
and poverty reduction among the 70 percent of the poor living in rural areas involved in environmental
services and climate change adaptation like improving agro-ecosystem resilience. The study also reveals
that most of the mitigation potential from agriculture could be achieved through soil carbon sequestration
(89 percent) and roughly 70 percent could be realized in developing countries. A study by the Netherlands
Environmental Assessment Agency (2005) mentioned that the relative fraction of man-made GHGs comes
from eight categories of sources, as estimated by the Emission Database for Global Atmospheric
Research. The value for each fraction is intended to provide a picture of global annual GHG emissions in
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 41
the year 2000. Rohde (2000) reveals that activities relating to agricultural by products and land use and
biomass burning, two categories among eight, are contributing 22.5 percent to global GHG emissions.
Molua (2006) stated that the basic climatic elements directly influence the spatial distribution of crop
types and agricultural systems, because different crops require different amounts of rainfall, humidity,
warmth and sunshine. In rain-fed agriculture, climate is the main factor determining crop types and yields.
Beyond certain climatic limits, it becomes impossible or disadvantageous to cultivate certain types of
crops. The different climate conditions that exist at different altitudes affect agriculture production
differently. In another study using Ricardian cross-sectional approach to measure the relationship between
the net revenue from growing crops and climate, net revenue is regressed on climate, water flow, soils and
economic variables. The resulting regression explains the role that each variable plays today. “We find
that net revenues fall as precipitation falls or as temperatures warm across all the surveyed farms.
Specifically, the elasticity of net revenue with respect to temperature is -1.3. This elasticity implies that a
10% increase in temperature would lead to a 13% decline in net revenue. The elasticity of net revenue
with respect to precipitation is 0.4” (Kurukulasuriy 2006).
3. AFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE
Impacts of climate variability and change on the agricultural sector are projected to steadily manifest
directly from changes in land and water regimes, the likely primary conduits of change. Changes in the
occurrence and intensity of droughts, flooding, and storm damage are likely. Climate change is expected
to result in long-term water and other resource shortages, worsening soil conditions, drought and
desertification, disease and pest outbreaks on crops and livestock, sea-level rise, and so on. Vulnerable
areas are expected to experience losses in agricultural productivity, primarily due to reductions in crop
yields (Rosenzweig et al. 2002). Climate change and variability affects countries’ economies and
households through a variety of channels. Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns affect
agricultural yields of both rain-fed and irrigated crops. The unchecked rise of sea levels leads to loss of
land, landscape, and infrastructure. A higher frequency of droughts will change hydropower production,
and an increase in floods can significantly increase the need for public investment in physical
infrastructure (Stern 2006; World Bank 2007; Garnaut 2008; Yu et al. 2010). Depending on countries’
natural conditions and economic structure, climate change affects countries differently. For example, sub-
Saharan Africa, is more vulnerable to an increase in climate variability, with projected large losses in their
national output (Thurlow 2009). Countries with large delta regions, such as Vietnam, are projected to be
hardest hit by rising sea levels, with strong implications for food security and the rural poor (Yu et al.
2010). Countries that are already experiencing water stress, especially those in the Middle East and North
Africa, are likely to experience additional declines in agricultural yields, resulting in negative effects on
rural incomes and food security (Breisinger et al. 2010). Climate change may also exacerbate climate
variability and reduce agricultural production and incomes in countries that depend on annual floods such
as Bangladesh or in drought-prone countries such as many in the Middle East (Yu et al. 2010, Breisinger
et al. 2010). Long-lasting climate pressures, such as prolonged drought, will also increase the vulnerability
of migratory groups to climate change which could be disastrous. Short-term migrants could be forced into
becoming more permanent migrants by limiting the scope of areas to move to, resulting in dire
consequences such as pressures on land and resources (Desanker, 2002).
Quasem (2011) stated in a study that climate change could reduce crop yield and areas vulnerable to
drought could become marginal for cultivation thus posing a threat to national food security and exports
earnings. Increasing temperatures will result in enhanced evapotranspiration, leading to a reduction of the
water availability. An increase in the magnitudes of the storms will result in an increase in the frequency
of floods and flood damage which in turn will increase salt intrusion causing less amount of water
available to use in the agriculture. A rise in the air and water temperatures will reduce plant efficiency and
power output leading to major economical costs. Geographic distribution limits and crop yield could be
modified due to changes in precipitation temperature, cloud cover and soil moisture as well as increases in
CO2 concentrations. High temperatures and diminished rainfall reduce soil moisture, reducing the water
available for irrigation and impairing crop growth in non-irrigated regions. According to Chamhuri et al.,
climate change could influence food production adversely due to resulting geographical shifts and
yield changes in agriculture, reduction in the quantity of water available for irrigation and loss of land
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 42
through sea level rise and associated saliniszation. The risk of losses due to weeds, insects and diseases
could increase. Physical damage, loss of crop harvest, drop in productivity, vigour and others related to
crop potentials are examples of direct and indirect effects of the extreme climate change. Climate change
may increase the amount of arable land in high-latitude region by reduction of the amount of frozen lands.
IRRI, (2007) on the other hand stated that sea levels are also expected to get up to one meter higher by
2100, as a response to climate variation. A rise in the sea level would result in an agricultural land loss, in
particular in areas such as South and South East Asia. Erosion, submergence of shorelines, salinity of the
water table due to the increased sea levels, could mainly affect agriculture through flooding of low-lying
lands such as Bangladesh, India and Vietnam.
In contrast, interestingly enough, climate change is also expected to result in some beneficial effects,
particularly in temperate regions (Mendelsohn et al.1999). The initial benefits arise partly because more
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reduces “water stress” in plants and may make them grow faster (Long
et al., 2006). The lengthening of growing seasons, carbon fertilization effects, and improved conditions for
crop growth are forecast to stimulate gains in agricultural productivity in high-latitude regions, such as in
northern China and many parts of northern America and Europe. As a direct impact of climate and price
change, farmland value is anticipated to increase by 31% while the indirect impacts from different
scenarios is expected to increase simulated land value by up to 51%. Results reveal that climate change
may not be a big threat for prairie agricultural economics if farmers employ appropriate adaptation
strategies such as switching between crops and introducing new crops. Instead, climate change may
provide an opportunity for agricultural producers in the prairies to gain from future price and
environmental change (Afshin Amiraslany, 2010). Other beneficial implications of climate change
include, higher wind speeds in the mid-latitudes that would decrease the costs of wind and wave energy
(Breslow and Sailor, 2002). Less sea ice would improve the accessibility of arctic harbours, would reduce
the costs of exploitation of oil and minerals in the Arctic, and might even open up new transport routes
between Europe and East Asia (Wilson et al., 2004). Warmer weather would reduce expenditures on
clothing and food, and traffic disruptions due to snow and ice (Carmicheal, et al., 2004). But initial
economic gains from altered growing conditions will likely be lost as temperatures continue to rise.
Regional droughts, water shortages, as well as excess precipitation, and spread of pest and diseases will
negatively impact agriculture in most regions (Horin, 2008).
4. MEASURING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON
AGRICULTURE
The quantity and intensity of the research effort on the economic effects of climate change appears
insufficient with the perceived size of the climate problem, the expected costs of the solution, and the size
of the existing research gaps (Tol, 2009). Combining local and global climate change scenarios show
welfare losses across all rural and urban household groups of between 1.6 2.8 percent annually, whereas
the poorest household groups are the hardest hit (Breisinger et al., 2011). Early global estimates predict
(without consideration of CO2 fertilization effects or adaptation) a 2030 percent reduction in grain
production (Darwin et al. 1995). Based on agronomic research in low latitude countries, Reilly et al.
(1994, 1996) approximate global welfare changes in the agricultural sector (without adaptations) between
losses of US$61.2 billion and gains of US$0.1 billion in contrast to losses of US$37 billion to gains of
US$70 billion with appropriate adaptations in place. Approximation also suggests 4 24 percent losses in
production in the developed countries, and 1416 percent losses in developing countries (IPCC 1996).
Murdiyarso (2000) highlights that rice production in Asia may also decline by 3.8 percent of production
levels of 2000 (estimated at 430 metric tons) under likely future climate regimes. Lansigan et al. (2000)
mentioned that variability in the form of typhoons, floods, and droughts has resulted in 82.4 percent of the
total Philippine rice losses from 1970 to 1990. The cost of domestic losses in 1990 alone from climatic
events had amounted to US$39.2 million.
With CO2 fertilization and trade effects, one study suggests net gains of $910.8 billion (Adams et al.,
1993). In another study based on the United States, estimated impacts range from -$4.8 billion to $5.8
billion. The study also shows that climate change results in 38.955.3 percent of U.S. land assigned to a
new land class, reflecting the new length of the growing season. Net changes in land classes reflect
increments in land allocated to crop production, while in many scenarios, land in pasture also increases by
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 43
0.77.4 percent. The implication is that climate change will increase the total amount of land in
agricultural production in the United States, even with 8.6 19.1 percent of cropland abandoned for
production (Darwin et al., 1995). Using a dynamic crop model to simulate the effect of heavy precipitation
on crop growth and plant damage, from excess soil moisture in order to estimate the impact on U.S. corn
production it is found that damages of approximately $3 billion per year are likely to result from climate
variability (Rosenzweig et al., 2002). Maddison (2000) finds that landowners are constrained by their
inability to costlessly repackage their land. Assuming CO2 doubling, as well as increases in temperature
of 1.5 degrees (C), and 7 percent increase in rainfall, results (Etsia et al., 2002) point out that Tunisia is
likely to suffer losses in agricultural production of 722 percent Even with no climate change, the price of
rice would rise by 62 percent, maize by 63 percent, soybeans by 72 percent, and wheat by 39 percent.
Climate change would result in additional price increases of 32 to 37 percent for rice, 52 to 55 percent for
maize, 11 to 14 percent for soybeans, and 94 to 111 percent for wheat (Nelson 2009). According to some
estimates, the overall economic impact of climate change on the agricultural sector could be up to 10
percent of GDP (Hernes et al. 1995). In addition, under-preparedness to increased frequency or
lengthening of periods of drought, higher temperatures, and climate variability (for example, extreme
events) can be prohibitively costly and can severely undermine expensive long-term investments
(Kurukulasuriya 2003).
5. INVENTIONS AND ADAPTATIONS TO COPE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE
Gabre-Madhin et al. (2002) state that technological change can bring about improvement in total factor
productivity in two ways: reducing average fixed costs by increasing yields per fixed factor or reducing
variable costs by reducing the cost of the technology itself. Smithers and Blay-Palmer (2001) identify two
basic types of technological options namely, mechanical and biological, that is important for agriculture.
Mechanical innovations include irrigation, conservation tillage, and integrated drainage systems, all of
which have contributed significantly to the intensification of agricultural activity and permitted a wider
range of agricultural activities than local resources would have otherwise permitted whereas biological
options like investment in crop breeding, the promotion of climate-resistant varieties that offer improved
resistance to changing diseases and insects, breeding of heat and drought-resistant crop varieties, the use
of traditional varieties bred for storm and drought resistance, and investment in seed banks are necessary
for success in overcoming vulnerability to climate impacts (Crosson, 1983). Current technological
advances in irrigation, such as the use of centre pivot irrigation, dormant season irrigation, drip irrigation,
gravity irrigation, and pipe and sprinkler irrigation make this possible (Lewandrowski and Brazee 1993;
Reilly 1995; Benioff et al. 1996; Reilly et al. 1996; Downing et al. 1997; Parry et al. 2000).
Adaptation to climate change is a broad issue and needs to be undertaken at many levels. Many of these
initiatives are self-funded (Stern 2007). Several studies discussed the issue of currently available supports
from government for adaptability of the farmers (Alam et al. 2011d), and required new supports for future
adaptability of farmers (Alam et al. 2011e). Adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its damages
are presumed to be the best ways to deal with its effects in the short run. There is potential to decrease
emissions of other non-carbon GHGs (N2O and CH4) through more efficient use of fertilizers and
improved rice and livestock systems as livestock and livestock-related activities such as deforestation and
increasingly fuel-intensive farming practices are responsible for over 18 percent of human-made GHG
emissions, and 64 percent of global nitrous oxide emissions. The preceding study also reported that
worldwide, livestock production occupies 70 percent of all land used for agriculture, or 30 percent of the
land surface of the earth (Murad, 2010)
To maintain self sufficiency, the main strategy could be improving management options. The following
are the three broad categories with mentioned sub-instruments (Quasem, 2011):
1. Management Related Instruments
a. Irrigation scheduling and integrated pest management (IPM)
b. Weather and climate information systems
c. Higher cropping intensity and Diversification of cropping production on irrigated area
d. Protected cultivation and Post-harvesting technology
e. Income stabilization programs due to farmers income loss
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 44
2. Infrastructure Related Instruments
a. Irrigation facilities integration
b. Storage and milling facilities
c. Other forms of mechanization
3. Community (CBOs and NGOs) Initiated Instruments:
a. Small scale capacity building
b. Credit facilities
c. Marketing support
Among the most important and direct current adaptations to climate variability are a variety of farm level
responses. For example: diversification of crop and livestock varieties, have been supported as having the
potential to increase productivity against temperature and moisture stresses (Benioff et al. 1996; Smit et al.
1996; Chiotti et al. 1997; Downing et al. 1997; Baker and Viglizzo 1998). Diversity in seed genetic
structure and composition has been recognized as an effective defence against numerous factors like
disease and pest outbreak and climate hazards. Delcourt and Van kooten (1995) pointed out several
options for addressing impacts on yields and soils from climate impacts, including changing land-use
practices, rotating or shifting production between crops and livestock, and shifting production away from
marginal areas that can help reduce soil erosion and improve moisture and nutrient retention. Studies also
suggest abandonment of land altogether and the cultivation of new land as an effective adaptation option
(Kaiser et al. 1993; Lewandrowski and Brazee 1993; Reilly 1995; El-Shaer et al. 1996; Erda 1996;
Easterling 1996; Iglesias et al. 1996; Mizina et al. 1999; Parry 2000). Brklacich et al. (2000) suggest that
altering the intensity of fertilizer and pesticide application along with capital and labour inputs can reduce
risks from climate change in farm production. Farmer adaptation can also involve changing the timing of
irrigation (de Loe et al. 1999) or use of other inputs such as fertilizers (Chiotti and Johnston 1995).
In addition, Baker et al. (1998) highlight shifts in biological diversity, species composition and/ or
distribution as appropriate adaptation measures. The options also include change in grazing management
or in mix of grazers or browsers; varying supplemental feeding; changing the location of watering points;
altering the breeding management program; changes in rangeland management practices; modifying
operation production strategies as well as changing market strategies. Adaptation measures like the use of
vegetative barriers or snow fences to increase soil moisture, or windbreaks to protect soil from erosion are
suggested by Easterling (1996) who also claims that changing land topography through land contouring
and terracing and construction of diversions and reservoirs and water storage and recharge areas can help
reduce vulnerability by reducing runoff and erosion and promoting nutrient restocking in soils. On the
other hand, Abidtrup and Gylling (2001) report on the establishment of agro-forestry to mitigate increased
risk of soil erosion in some European countries.
6. CONCLUSION
Climate change is a trans-border issue and its occurrence in every part of the world is inevitable. In
managing climate change, a few developed countries (who in fact are the major carbon dioxide emitters),
have drawn up and implemented relevant policies and strategies to minimize impacts on the economy.
Developing or agro-based countries are expected to suffer most from climatic variations. The agriculture
sector is the backbone of any agro-based economy and at the same time is the most vulnerable to extreme
climate change. Floods and droughts are the most common phenomena or disaster on the extreme side that
need to be managed holistically as the impacts are enormous, economically, socially and psychologically
to people and nations. More importantly, climate change could affect the sustainability of food supply of
the victim states and inflict poverty as a chain reaction. In addressing adverse effect of climate change on
agriculture, specific adaptation measures to manage climate change are necessary. Although lots of work
has been done in this particular arena, still further extensive research need to be carried out especially by
the governments and private sectors of all stakeholder nations to determine and assess the exact economic
impact of climate changes on the agricultural sector, and find out applicable remedies available naturally,
or that might be designed to minimise the adverse effects of such climatic changes. Special focus need to
be placed on formulating a single adaptation technique valid in both short and long term perspectives to
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 45
equalise the future climate variation, and how the enormous cost of such adaption can be managed (who
would pay?) these are in fact the toughest questions unanswered by existing studies.
REFERENCES
Abildtrup, Jens, and Morten Gylling, (2001), “Climate Change and Regulation of Agricultural Land Use:
A literature survey on adaptation options and policy measures,” Danish Institute of Agricultural and
Fisheries Economics Farm Management and Production Systems Division.
Abul Quasem Al-Amin, Walter Leal, Josep Maria de la Trinxeria, Abdul Hamid Jaafar and Zabawi Abdul
Ghani, (2011) “Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change in the Malaysian Agriculture Sector and its
Influences in Investment Decision”, Middle East Journal of Scientific Research, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 225-
234, 2011
Adams, Richard M., R. A. Fleming, (1993), “A Reassessment of the Economic, Effects of Global Climate
Change in U.S. Agriculture,” Washington, D.C.: United States Environmental Protection
Agency.Adapting to Climate Change: An International Perspective, New York: Springer-Verlag.
Afshin Amiraslany, (2010). “The Impact of Climate Change on Canadian Agriculture: A Ricardian
Approach”, PhD Dissertation. Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics, University of
Saskatchewan Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability in the New Countryside, Winnipeg: Hignell
Printing Limited.
Alam M.M., Toriman M.E., Siwar C., Molla R.I., and Talib B. (2011d): “The Impacts of Agricultural
Supports for Climate Change Adaptation: Farm Level Assessment Study on Paddy Farmers”. American
Journal of Environmental Sciences 7(2): 178-182. DOI 10.3844/ajessp.2011.82.89
Alam, M.M., Siwar, C., Mohd Ekhwan, T., Molla, R.I., and Talib, B. (2011), “Climate Change Induced
Adaptation by Paddy Farmers in Malaysia, Mitigation and Adaptation for Global Change”, Vol. 16(7),
DOI: 10.1007/s11027-011-9319-5
Baker, Barry, and E. F. Viglizzo, (1998), “Rangeland and Livestock,” In J. F. Feenstra, Ian Burton, Joel B.
Smith, Richard S. J. Tol, eds., Handbook on methods for climate change impact Assessment and
Adaptation Strategies. Amsterdam: UNEP.
B. Hölldobler & E.O. Wilson (1990): The Ants, Harvard University Press.
Benioff Ron, Sandra Guill, and Jeffrey Lee, eds. (1996), “Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment”: An
International Guidebook. Dordrecht, the Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Breisinger C., T. van Rheenen, C. Ringler, A. N. Pratt, N. Minot, C. Aragon, B. Yu, O. Ecker, T. Zhu,
(2010): “Food Security and Economic Development in the Middle East and North Africa: Current State
and Future Perspectives”. IFPRI Discussion Paper 00985, Washington, DC: International Food Policy
Research Institute.
Breslow, Paul B., and David J. Sailor, (2002): “Vulnerability of Wind Power Resources to Climate
Change in the Continental United States.” Renewable Energy, 27(4): 585–98.
Brklacich, Michael, C. Bryant, B. Veenhof and A. Beauchesne, (2000): “Agricultural Adaptation to
Climatic Change: A comparative assessment of two types of farming in central Canada.” Climatic Change,
Vol. 45, No.1, pp 181-201, doi:10.1023/a:1005653320241
Carmichael, Craig G., William A. Gallus, Jr., Bradley R. Temeyer, Mark K. Bryden. (2004). “A Winter
Weather Index for Estimating Winter Roadway Maintenance Costs in the Midwest.” Journal of Applied
Meteorology, 43(11): 178390.
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 46
Chamhuri, S., A. Mahmudul, M. Wahid and Al-Amin, (2009), “Climate Change, Agricultural
Sustainability, Food Security and Poverty in Malaysia”. IRBRP J., 5(6): 309-321
Chiotti, Quentin, and Tom Johnston, (1995): “Extending the Boundaries of Climate Change Research:
Modelling the Farm-level Decision-making Complex,” The Journal of Rural Studies 11(3): 335-350.
Chiotti, Quentin, Tom Johnston, Barry Smit, B. Ebel. (1997). “Agricultural Response to Climate Change:
A preliminary Investigation of Farm-level Adaptation in Southern Alberta”, Conference Paper,
Agricultural restructuring and sustainability: a geographical perspective. pp. 201-218
Clemens Breisinger, Tingju Zhu, Perrihan Al Riffai, Gerald Nelson, Richard Robertson, Jose Funes, Dorte
Verner, (2011): “Global and Local Economic Impacts of Climate Change in Syria and options for
Adaptation”, IFPRI Discussion Paper 01091, International Food Policy Research Institute.
Colleen Horin, Matthias Ruth, Kim Ross, and Daraius Irani, (2008): “Economic Impacts of Climate
Change on Georgia”. A Review and Assessment Conducted by The Center for Integrative Environmental
Research, University of Maryland
Crosson, Pierre. (1983), “A Schematic View of Resources, Technology and Environment in Agricultural
Development,” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 9: 339-357
Darwin, Roy, Marinos Tsigas, Jan Lewandrowski, and Anton Raneses, (1995), “World Agriculture and
Climate Change: Economic Adaptations”. Agricultural Economic Report 703, U.S.Department of
Agriculture, Economic Research Service, Washington, D.C.
Delcourt, G. and G. C. van Kooten, (1995): “How resilient is grain production to climatic change?
Sustainable agriculture in a dryland cropping region of western Canada,” Journal of Sustainable
Agriculture 5: 37-57
Downing, T. E., L. Ringius, M. Hulme, and D. Waughray, (1997), “Adapting to Climate Change in
Africa.” Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 2(1): 19-44.
Easterling, W. E. (1996). “Adapting North American Agriculture to Climate Change in Review,”
Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 80: 1-53.
El-Shaer, M.H., H.M. Eid, C. Rosenzweig, A. Iglesias, and D. Hillel, (1996): “Agricultural Adaptation to
Climate Change in Egypt.” Adopting to Climate Change, pp 109-127.
Erda, Lin. (1996). “Agricultural Vulnerability and Adaptation to Global Warming in China,” Water, Air,
and Soil Pollution 92(1-2): 63-73.
Etsia, Nabil-Balti, Slim Zekri and Alberto Etsia, (2002), “Economic impacts of climate change on the
Tunisian agriculture sector”. Paper presented at the Workshop on Regional Climate, Water Agriculture:
Impacts on and Adaptations of the Agro-ecological systems in Africa. Cape Town, South Africa.
Gabre-Madhin, Eleni, Christopher B. Barrett, and Paul Dorosh, (2002): “Technological Change and Price
Effects in Agriculture: Conceptual and Comparative Perspectives”. Washington, D.C.: International Food
Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Garnaut, R. (2008). “The Garnaut Climate Change Review”: Final Report. Accessed from
www.garnautreview.org.au/index.htm. Global Change, DOI: 10.1007/s11027-011-9319-5
Hernes, Helga, Arne Dalfelt, Terje Berntsen, Bjart Holtsmark, Lars Otto Næss, Rolf Selrod, and H.
Asbjørn Aaheim. (1995). Climate Strategy for Africa. Report 1995-03, Center for International Climate
and Environmental Research, University of Oslo
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 47
Houghton, J. T., G. J. Jenkins, and J. J. Ephraums, eds, (1990): “Climate Change”: The IPCC Scientific
Assessment. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
Iglesias, Ana, Lin Erda,C. Rosenzweig. (1996). “Climate Change in Asia: A Review of the Vulnerability
and Adaptation of Crop Production.” Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 92: 13-27.
IRRI (2007), “Coping with climate change”, Rice Today, Vol. 6, July-September, pp. 10-15
Kaiser, H. M., S. J. Riha, D. S. Wilks, and R. K. Sampath, (1993): “Adaptation to Global Climate Change
at the Farm Level.” In H. Kaiser and T. Drennen, eds.: Agricultural Dimensions of Global Climate
Change. Delray Beach, Florida: St. Lucie Press.
Kurukulasuriya P & Mendelsohn R, (2006): “A Ricardian analysis of the impact of climate change on
African cropland”. CEEPA Discussion Paper No. 8, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in
Africa, University of Pretoria
Lansigan, F. P., W. L. de los Santos, and J. O. Coladilla. (2000). “Agronomic Impacts of Climate
Variability on Rice Production in the Philippines.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 82(1-3): 129-
37
Lewandrowski, J. K., and R. J. Brazee, (1993): “Farm Programs and Climate Change.” Climatic Change
23(1): 1-20.
Long, Stephen P., Elizabeth A. Ainsworth, Andrew D. B. Leakey, Josef Noesberger, and Donald R. Ort.
(2006). “Food for Thought: Lowerthan- Expected Crop Yield Stimulation with Rising CO2
Concentrations.” Science, 312(5811): 1918–21
Maddison, David. (2000), “A Hedonic Analysis of Agricultural Land Prices in England and Wales,”
European Review of Agricultural Economics 27(4): 519-532
Md. Wahid Murad, Rafiqul Islam Molla, Mazlin Bin Mokhtar, & Md. Abdur Raquib, (2010), “Climate
change and agricultural growth: an examination of the link in Malaysia”. International Journal of Climate
Change Strategies and Management, 2010, (2): 403-417
Mendelsohn, Robert. (1999). “Efficient Adaptationto Climate Change.” Climatic Change 45: 583-600.
Mizina, S.V., J.B. Smith, E. Gossen, K.F. Spiecker, and S.L. Witkowski, (1999): “An Evaluation of
Adaptation Options for Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture in Kazakhstan.” Mitigation and
Adaptation strategies for Global Change 4: 25-41.
Mohamed, A. Ben, N. Van Duivenbooden, and S. Abdoussallam, (2002), “Impact of Climate Change on
Agricultural Production in the Sahel - Part 1, MethodologicalApproach and Case Study for Millet in
Niger”, Climate Change 54(3): 327-48
Molua E & Lambi C, (2006): “The economic impact of climate change on agriculture in Cameroon”,
CEEPA Discussion Paper No. 17, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University
of Pretoria
Mueller, A. (2009), “Climate Change and Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities for Mitigation, Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome
Murdiyarso, Daniel. (2000). “Adaptation to Climatic Variability and Change: Asian Perspectives on
Agriculture and Food Security.” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 61(1): 123-131
Nelson, G. C., Rosegrant, M. W., Koo, J., Robertson, R., Sulser, T., Zhu, T., et al. (2009): “Climate
Change: Impact on Agriculture and Costs of Adaptation”. Food Policy Report, Washington, DC: IFPRI.
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2499/0896295354
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 48
Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (2005), “EDGAR 32ft model description”, available at:
www.mnp.nl/edgar/model/v32ft2000edgar/ (accessed April 4, 2013).
Ouedraogo M, Somé L & Dembele Y, (2006), “Economic impact assessment of climate change on
agriculture in Burkina Faso: A Ricardian Approach”. CEEPA Discussion Paper No. 24, Centre for
Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria.
Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change; National Research Council, (2010): “Advancing the
Science of Climate Change by America's Climate Choices: The National Academies Press
Parry, M. L., ed. (2000). “Assessment of Potential Effects and Adaptations for Climate Change in
Europe”: The Europe Acacia Project. University of East Anglia, UK.
Pradeep Kurukulasuriya and Shane Rosenthal, (2003), “Climate Change and Agriculture A Review of
Impacts and Adaptations”, World Bank Paper
The National Academies Press.
Reilly, John, Neil Hohmann, and Sally Kane, (1994), “Climate Change and Agricultural Trade: who
benefits, who loses?” Global Environmental Change 4(1): 24-36
Reilly, John, W. Baethgen, F. E. Chege, S. C. Van de Geijn, Lin Erda, A. Iglesias, G. Kenny, D. Patterson,
J. Rogasik, R. Rötter, C. Rosenzweig, W. Sombroek, and J. Westbrook. (1996). “Agriculture in a
Changing Climate: Impacts and Adaptation.” (eds) In: R.T. Watson, M.C. Zinyowera & R.H. Moss (eds.),
Climate change 1995; impacts, adaptations and mitigation of climate change: scientific-technical analyses.
Cambridge (UK), Cambridge Univ. Press, 1996, pp. 427-467
Reilly, John. (1995). “Climate Change and Global Agriculture: Recent Findings and Issues.” American
Journal of Agricultural Economics 77: 727-733.
Richard S. J. Tol, (2009): The Economic Effects of Climate Change, Journal of Economic Perspectives
(23): 2951
Rohde, R.A. (2000), “Global warming art”, available at: www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/
Image:Greenhouse_Gas_by_Sector_png (accessed April 3, 2013).
Rosenberg, N. J. (1992). “Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change,” Climatic Change 21(4): 385-
405.
Rosenzweig, C., F.N. Tubiello, R. Goldberg, E. Mills, J. Bloomfield. (2002). “Increased Crop Damage in
the U.S. from Excess Precipitation under ClimatemChange.” Global Environmental Change: Human
Dimensions and Policy 12(3): 197-202
Smith, Joel, and S. Lenhart, (1996), “Climate Change Adaptation Policy Options,” Climate Research 6:
193-201 Southern Alberta.” In B. Ilbery, Q. Chiotti, T. Rickard, eds. Agricultural Restructuring and
Sustainability: A Geographical Perspective.CAB International
Stern, N (2007): “The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review”. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge
T. Jayaraman, (2011): “Climate change and Agriculture: A Review Article with Special Reference
to India”, The Journal of the Foundation for Agrarian Studies, Vol. 1, No.2 available at
http://www.ras.org.in/climate_change_and_agriculture
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1994),”Climate Change” available at
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/background/items/1349.php
Fazal, S. A. & Wahab, S. A.
Journal of Transformative Entrepreneurship 49
Thurlow, J., T. Zhu, and X. Diao, (2009): “The Impact of Climate Variability and Change on Economic
Growth and Poverty in Zambia”. IFPRI Discussion Paper 00890, Washington, DC: International Food
Policy Research Institute.
University of Maryland
Wilson, Katherina J., John Falkingham, Humfrey Melling, and Roger A. de Abreu, (2004): “Shipping in
the Canadian Arctic: Other Possible Climate Change Scenarios,” International Geoscience and Remote
Sensing Symposium, 2004. IGARSS ’04, Proceedings, IEEE International, vol. 3, pp. 185356
Val Brickates Kennedy (2007 October 16), “Plastics that are green in more ways than one”, The Wall
Street Journal, New York available at http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bioengineers-aim-to-cash-in-on-
plants-that- make-green-plastics
World Bank, (|2007): “The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Developing Countries: A Comparative Analysis”.
World Bank Policy Research Working Paper WPS4136. Washington, DC
Yu, B., L. You and S. Fan, (2010): “Toward a Typology of Food Security in Developing Countries”.
IFPRI Discussion Paper 00945, Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute
Yu, W., J. Thurlow, M. Alam, A. Hassan, A. S. Khan, A. Ruane, C. Rosenzweig, et al. (2010). Climate
Change Risks and Food Security in Bangladesh, London: EarthScan.
... Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) are among the most vulnerable areas to climate variability and change [7]. The population residing those areas often exposed to food shortages [18], leading to food insecurity and its negative impact on livelihood [18,19]. These areas are subject to rise in temperature and change in precipitation patterns [20]. ...
... The presence of a large number of individuals in the 27-35 and 36-42 age intervals is a positive sign for current productivity. However, the relatively low number of young adults (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) suggests potential future labor shortages, likely due to the increased risk of agricultural losses. The significant number of older adults highlights the importance of succession planning and the need to attract younger individuals to agriculture to sustain and advance the sector. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
This research provides an in-depth analysis of drought impacts in West Pokot, Kenya, utilizing both remote sensing surveys and focus group discussions. The study commenced by assessing the impact of drought on vegetation health via spatial sensors. It then utilized surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) to engage farmers from the most drought-affected areas in Kacheliba and Sigor sub-counties. The analysis of remote sensing data from 1990 to 2022 highlighted that Sigor and Kacheliba experienced significant drought events during the years 1995, 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2009, and 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2019, respectively. This study delves into both the meteorological and socio-economic effects on local communities. Using the Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) model with the glm function, the research uncovered the impacts of so-cio-economic factors and agricultural practices on household livestock production. Additionally, the study employed Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) to explore the dynamics between livestock production, community resilience, and crop production. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to enhance community resilience in the face of increasing climatic extremes, serving as a blueprint for similar arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.
... The complexity of African agro-ecologies, coupled with a lack of long-term rainfall data from the past century in many African regions, makes it hard to state any conclusions about annual precipitation trends during this time [12]. This has set limits for food production [13], with negative consequences for farmers in terms of their food security and livelihood across the world, especially in developing countries [2,[13][14][15]. Neufeldt et al. [16] explained that ...
... The complexity of African agro-ecologies, coupled with a lack of long-term rainfall data from the past century in many African regions, makes it hard to state any conclusions about annual precipitation trends during this time [12]. This has set limits for food production [13], with negative consequences for farmers in terms of their food security and livelihood across the world, especially in developing countries [2,[13][14][15]. Neufeldt et al. [16] explained that ...
Article
Full-text available
This study integrated local and scientific knowledge to assess the impacts of climate change and variability on food security in West Pokot County, Kenya from 1980–2012. It characterized rainfall and temperature from 1980–2011 and the phenology of agricultural vegetation, assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and surveyed local knowledge and perceptions of the relationships between climate change and variability, land use decisions, and food (in)security. The 124 respondents were aware of long-term changes in their environment, with 68% strongly believing that climate has become more variable. The majority of the respondents (88%) reported declining rainfall and rising temperatures, with respondents in the lowland areas reporting shortened growing seasons that affected food production. Meteorological data for 1980–2011 confirmed high inter-annual rainfall variability around the mean value of 973.4 mm/yr but with no notable trend. Temperature data showed an increasing trend between 1980 and 2012 with lowlands and highlands showing changes of +1.25 °C and +1.29 °C, respectively. Land use and land cover changes between 1984 and 2010 showed cropland area increased by +4176% (+33,138 ha), while grassland and forest areas declined by –49% (–96,988 ha) and –38% (–65,010 ha), respectively. These area changes illustrate human-mediated responses to the rainfall variability, such as increased stocking after good rainfall years and crop area expansion. The mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values ranged from 0.36–0.54 within a year, peaking in May and September. For weather-related planning, respondents relied on radio (64%) and traditional forecasters (26%) as predominant information sources. Supporting continuous climate change monitoring, intensified early warning systems, and disseminating relevant information to farmers could help farmers adopt appropriate adaptation strategies.
... In one of their positions, they submitted that even though agricultural sector is of high priority in climate change analysis, climate change impacts are not limited to the implications of temperature and precipitation changes on the agricultural sector solely, but are likely to impact other sectors and infrastructural development in an economy. A review of the economic impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector which was conducted by Fazal and Wahab (2013) has it that the agricultural sector is the most vulnerable to extreme climatic changes. According to the study, it is because at extremes, floods and droughts are most common phenomena or disaster. ...
Thesis
Persistent increase in the atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases across Nigeria and an unstable growth rate in real agricultural output motivated this study to examine the nexus of climate change and agricultural productivity. The study used emissions level being an aggregated form of climate change, as opposed to the common but unsatisfactory use of CO2 emissions which is a disaggregated form of the phenomenon. In this empirical study, an autoregressive distributed lag model was employed as a methodology to analyze secondary data collected over the time frame of 1981 to 2018 from World Development Indicators and CBN's (Central Bank of Nigeria) statistical bulletin. By the bound-testing approach of co-integration, this study found that there exists both short and long rum impacts between climate change and agricultural productivity. Also, the study showed that climate change has negative and statistically significant relationship with agricultural productivity. Hence, to avert climate emergency in Nigeria and also join global action in the minimal reduction of climate change to a target within 1.5°C and 2°C by 2050, the study by way of recommendation, advised policymakers and government to adopt regenerative agriculture, Agro-tech investment, clean growth path involving carbon fines and carbon budgets amongst others. Literature Type: Admixture of Secondary and Primary Literature. Data Sources: Secondary. Methodology: ARDL JEL Classification: Y40, Q54, Q15 and O47.
... Same changes will also be found in Thailand where average day temperature increase is likely to be 2.0 °C to 4.0 °C by 2100 (IPCC, 2013). In developing countries, several studies have recently examined the economic effects of climate change on agricultural production and showed susceptibility of crop agriculture to this change reported by Fazal and Wahab (2013). ...
Article
Full-text available
article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. Abstract This research paper aims to evaluate the performance of DSSAT CERES-Rice model in simulating the impact of different (28 °C, 30 °C and 32 °C) increased temperatures change with the relations of five upland rice genotypes (Dawk Pa-yawm, Mai Tahk, Bow Leb Nahng, Dawk Kha 50 and Dawk Kahm) on grain yield for future crop management. Results showed that temperature significantly affected grain yields, harvest index, flowering and maturity date which indicate that medium temperature (30 °C) gave highest grain yield bearing genotype Dawk Kahm (6,700 kg/ ha) whereas at maximum temperature (32 °C), simulated grain yields varied from 3094 to 6460 kg/ ha. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of simulated and observed data less than 10% indicated that grain weight, leaf area index, tillers number and harvest index had more consistency agreement with the yield. Thus, it was proved that the CERES-Rice crop simulation model was more useful as a tool for different phenological traits under changing temperature conditions. And the model approximated grain yields at different temperatures with reasonable accuracy.
... In 1992, many countries adhered to the Kyoto Protocol on climate change to reduce all of these emissions. These adherences have been translated at European level by the implementation of new directives imposing authorized emission limits for many pollutants and the streghtening of already existing standards [4], [8][9][10], [14]. These standards require improvement of treatment techniques. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Chapter 9 Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technologies in Sri Lanka: Scope, Present Status, Problems, Prospects, Policy Issues, and Strategies
Chapter
Agriculture is a key pillar of the economy of the Republic of Mauritius, and 46% of the island is under agricultural cultivation. There has been a boost in the production of food crops owing to the need for Mauritius to become self-sufficient in the recent years, thus decreasing food security issues in the island. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Mauritius is among the countries that are most affected by climate change and its impacts. Climate change as well as the micro-climate environment in Mauritius makes the selection of plants for sowing and cultivation a challenging process. Effective selection of crops for sowing and cultivation is of utmost importance in order to avoid waste, improve growth and yield. To address this gap, this project aims to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of the implementation of an AI-driven mobile-based agriculture tool to recommend on selection and sowing of crops for cultivation within Mauritius. In this research work, a mobile application (MauCrop) was designed and implemented to help small planters in the crop selection process and to collect data for data analytics using machine learning models.
Chapter
Seaweeds are important component in the marine ecosystem. In the global scenario, about 221 species are having commercial utility but only 10 species are being commercially cultivated and has a market value of 11.7 billion US.Amongthe10species,Eucheumasp.(35. Among the 10 species, Eucheuma sp. (35%), Laminaria japonica (27%), Gracilaria sp. (13%), Undaria pinnadifida (8%), Kappaphycus alvarezii (6%), and Porphyra sp. (4%), have a major share in global seaweed biomass production. Seaweeds are the only resources for commercially important phycocolloids such as agar, carrageenan, and alginic acid production. In 2015, seaweed’s phycocolloids production was 93,035 tons wt and had a market value of 1058 million US. Hectare level cultivation of K. alvarezii (carrageenan yielding seaweeds) can sequester 643.80 tons CO2/ha/yr, whereas Gracilaria edulis and Gracilaria debilis (agar yielding seaweeds) can sequester 10.71 tons CO2/ha/yr. Seaweeds are an excellent biosorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions. Seaweed biochar, an effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment systems. For bioremediation of eutrophicated water, green seaweeds Ulva sp., Cladophora coelothrix, and Cladophora parriaudii; red seaweeds Porphyra sp. and Gracilaria sp. are used. Seaweed has high protein content as it is being used by many of the countries like Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and other South East Asia. Seaweeds like Ulva sp., Enteromorpha sp., Caulerpa sp., Codium sp., Monostroma sp., Sargassum sp., Hydroclathrus sp., Laminaria sp., Undaria sp., Macrocystis sp., Porphyra sp., Gracilaria sp., Eucheuma sp., Laurencia sp., and Acanthophora sp. are used in the preparation of soup, salad and curry, salad vegetable or as garnish material for fish. Ascophyllum, Ecklonia, and Fucus are the general species sold as soil additives and functioned as both fertilizer and soil conditioner. Red seaweeds K. alvarezii, G. edulis, a green seaweed Caulerpa spp. Ulva spp., etc., have been commercially exploited for biostimulant production and increase in crop yield was found in the range of 8–25% over control.
Article
Full-text available
Problem statement: The climatic factors are changing very rapidly in Malaysia. To adapt farmers with the changes, government and other external agencies are providing several kinds of supports, but yet the adaptability is not that high. Approach: To analyze the climate change adaptability of the farmers in Malaysia, this study uses primary data that have been collected through questionnaire survey on paddy farmers in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA), North-West Selangor, Malaysia. Data have been analyzed by using descriptive statistics and ordered regression. Results: Most farmers believe that buying additional fertilizer from market is not important for their current adaptation capability with climate change. As a consequence, 75.3% of the farmers never used extra fertilizer beyond the fully subsidized quantity. But, 41.4% farmers agree that government’s supports are not enough to adequately cope with climate change. Conclusion/Recommendations: It is found that sustainability of agriculture and farmers’ livelihood are strongly dependent on the external supports. Therefore, farmers’ adaptability to climate change needs to be addressed through steps beyond the incentives and subsidies. Farmers need training and motivational supports for the necessary adaption. ... Key words: Agricultural productivity, climate change, adaptation, paddy, rainfall variability, Agricultural Development Area (IADA), crop damages, agricultural activities, farm level assessment
Experiment Findings
Full-text available
The mission of the Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA) is to enhance the capacity of African researchers to conduct environmental economics and policy inquiry of relevance to African problems and increase the awareness of the role of environmental economics in sustainable development for economic managers and policy makers. CEEPA PUBLICATIONS Aims and Scope CEEPA publishes peer-reviewed work in environmental economics in its Discussion Paper Series and other publications. The goal of the publications is to promote the exchange of ideas among environmental economists conducting both quantitative and qualitative analysis for both analytical and applied policy design in the public and private sectors in Africa. CEEPA also publishes research materials intended as useful resources for researchers, policy makers and students in environmental economics and policy.
Article
Full-text available
There is broad consensus among scientists that climate change is altering weather patterns around the world. However, economists are only beginning to develop tools that allow for the quantification of such weather changes on countries' economies and people. This paper presents a modeling suite that links the downscaling of global climate models, crop modeling, global economic modeling, and subnational-level computable equilibrium modeling. Important to note is that this approach allows for decomposing the potential global and local economic effects on countries, including various economic sectors and different household groups. We apply this modeling suite to Syria, a relevant case study given the country's location in a region that is consistently projected to be among those hit hardest by climate change. Despite a certain degree of endogenous adaptation, local impacts of climate change (through declining yields) are likely to affect Syria beyond the agricultural sector and farmers and also reduce economy-wide growth and incomes of urban households in the long term. The overall effects of global climate change (through higher food prices) are also negative, but some farmers can reap the benefit of higher prices. Combining local and global climate change scenarios shows welfare losses across all rural and urban household groups of between 1.6 – 2.8 percent annually, whereas the poorest household groups are the hardest hit. Finally, while there is some evidence that droughts may become more frequent in the future, it is clear that even without an increase in frequency, drought impacts will continue to put a significant burden on Syria's economy and people. Action to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and variability should to be taken on the global and local level. A global action plan for improving food security and better integration of climate change in national development strategies, agricultural and rural policies, and disaster risk management and social protection policies will be keys for improving the resilience of countries and people to climate change.
Chapter
Egypt may be particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its dependence on the Nile River as its primary water source, its large traditional agricultural base, and its long coastline, which is undergoing intensifying development and erosion. A simulation study characterized the potential impact of climate change on two reference crops; dynamic crop simulation models were combined with climate change scenarios derived from three equilibrium General Circulation Models. Under the future climate, yields and water-use efficiency (WUE) were lower than those under current climate conditions, even when the beneficial effects of carbon dioxide were taken into account. On-farm adaptation techniques that would result in no additional cost to the agricultural system did not improve the crop WUE or compensate for yield losses due to the warmer climate. Economic adjustments, such as improving the overall WUE of the agricultural system, soil drainage and conservation, land management, and crop alternatives, are essential. If appropriate measures are taken, the negative effects of climate change in agricultural production and other major resource sectors (water and land) may be lessened.
Article
The vulnerability of the agricultural sector to both climate change and variability is well established in the literature. The general consensus is that changes in temperature and precipitation will result in changes in land and water regimes that will subsequently affect agricultural productivity. Research has also shown that specifically in tropical regions, with many of the poorest countries, impacts on agricultural productivity are expected to be particularly harmful. The vulnerability of these countries is also especially likely to be acute in light of technological, resource, and institutional constraints. Although estimates suggest that global food production is likely to be robust, experts predict tropical regions will see both a reduction in agricultural yields and a rise in poverty levels as livelihood opportunities for many engaged in the agricultural sector become increasingly susceptible to expected climate pressures. While contemporary policy dialogue has focused on mitigating emissions that induce climate change, there has been relatively limited discussion of policies that can address climate impacts. First, climate variability is already a problem both in developed and developing countries. Second, even moderate climate change provides added impetus to promoting local adaptation options concurrently with the pursuit of global efforts on mitigation strategies. That is, adaptation to climate change and variability (including extreme events) at the national and local levels is regarded as a pragmatic strategy to strengthen capacity to lessen the magnitude of impacts that are already occurring, could increase gradually (or suddenly), and may be irreversible. Consequently, several key themes have emerged from the current literature on adaptations to climate change. First, given the range of current vulnerability and diversity of expected impacts, there is no single recommended formula for adaptation. Second, responsibility for adaptations will be in the hands of private individuals as well as government. Third, the temporal dimension of policy responses is likely to have a significant role in the effectiveness of facilitating adaptation to climate change. One set of measures will decrease the short-term vulnerabilities of the agricultural sector through adaptations to weather effects. These measures will therefore address concerns with climate variability. However, more often than not policies aimed at reducing vulnerability to short term climate variation will not reduce vulnerability to long term climate change. Another set of strategies that reduce vulnerability to climate change will thus be necessary. This second set of adaptation measures include options such as improving water management practices, modernization by adopting and utilizing new technologies, and changing crop types and location, including migrating permanently away from the agricultural sector. Finally, a third set of adaptation options need to incorporate economic, institutional, political, and social policy changes that promote sustainable development. The pursuit of such “no-regrets” options through an interdisciplinary approach is fundamental to strengthening local capacity to adapt. In conclusion, it is clear that in the short run, adaptation options in the agricultural sector need to reflect what is currently known about climate conditions. In contrast, in the long term it is necessary for national sectoral policy and assistance provided by international agencies to developing countries to reflect expected changes in the future from climate change. The focus of policymakers should thus be on formulating and implementing policies that promote better adaptation. In particular, incentives that promote adaptation need to be formulated and incorporated into project designs. It is also clear that policymakers should promote dynamic adaptation, as it is unlikely that there will be one solution for all time. Finally, incentives that promote adaptation policies should be incorporated into poverty reduction and other sustainable development policies that in turn will also enhance the resiliency of the agricultural sector.