Food Vulnerabilities
Projected Impacts of Climate Change on Maize Production in Central Uganda
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Alex Nimusiima
Changes in air temperature and rainfall pattern brought about by climate change are likely to affect agricultural production system both directly and indirectly. In addition to the direct effect of climate on crop growth and development, weather also affects other process that may impact agricultural production system as a whole. A study was carried out using a crop simulation model (CERES) to examine the relationship between maize yields and changes in weather and climate and other related factors in order to forecast possible future yields using projected climate for a future period in central Uganda. Results show that in all climate scenarios future maize yields are projected to decrease by 5-50% in the near future and 10-60% in mid century climate period compared to the 1980-2010 maize yields. However early planting in both seasons was found to reduce the yield reductions by about 5% and should therefore be taken advantage of by the communities
Climate Vulnerability, Diet Diversity and Household Nutrition Insecurity among Small-holder Farmers of Eastern Region of India View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Anup Kumar Das, Arabinda Acharya
Diet diversity, a preventive approach to address malnutrition is influenced by household consumption pattern. Climate vulnerability affects crop production thereby impact household’s access to nutrition. Using primary data from tribal dominant regions, the study seeks to examine effect of climate vulnerability on nutrition outcomes. Evidences reveal weather variability results in low productivity (25% less crops) triggering low diet diversity (less than two food groups >80% households). Limited diet diversity coupled with deficiency of vitamins and protein exposes small-holders to nutrition insecurity. Households consume more than five food groups per day are less likely to have stunted children than those consume less than five food groups [OR=0.52; P<0.005; CI:0.40-0.67], but more likely to have low BMI level [OR=1.20;0.80-1.80]. Empirical evidences suggest that beyond household dietary diversity, positive nutrition outcomes at household level could be achieved ensuring other dimensions of nutrition, such as nutrition behaviour, enabling environment and climate smart agriculture practices.
Impacts and Vulnerability in the Rice Terraces of Ifugao, Philippines
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ria Jhoanna Ducusin, Maria Victoria Espaldon, Carmelita Rebancos, Lucille Elna De Guzman
The pressing issue of climate change poses a serious threat to agriculture specifically to rice production and its impacts could be devastating since rice is a staple food and serves as a subsistence agriculture in Ifugao, Philippines. However, little is known on the impacts of climate change at the rice terraces; hence, vulnerability assessment to climate change impacts of the Batad Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Inscribed World Heritage Site and one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Philippines, was conducted. Reviewed, adopted, and modified indices were used as deemed fit to the area to assess the vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The data were gathered through literature review, actual measurements, key informant interview, and household interview in 2017. Results revealed that sensitivity indicators contribute to the vulnerability of the rice terraces to climate change impacts. Overall, socially and culturally appropriate adaptation strategies should be critical considerations to decrease the vulnerability of the system.
