Smallholder farmers need a leg-up to adapt to climate change

Abstract

Water and food Smallholder farmers need a leg-up to adapt to climate change By 2050, global food demand is projected to 60% more than current levels. This constant increasing demand for food is driven by population and income growth, as well as rapid urbanisation. It is anticipated that the highest population increased will be concentrated in regions with the highest prevalence of undernourishment and high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The effects of climate change on agricultural production and livelihoods are expected to intensify over time, and to vary across countries and regions. Beyond 2030, the negative impacts of climate change on the productivity of crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry will become increasingly severe in all regions. Productivity declines would have serious implications for food security. Food supply shortfalls would lead to major increases in food prices, while increased climate variability would accentuate price volatility.

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