Unpredictable Weather and Agriculture-Based Economy of Developing Countries

Abstract

Climate change is now seen as an established challenge, and its consequences are being felt across the world. Principally, it affects the people and food chain systems, but its influence would also affect every aspect of the economy. Agriculture is important for food security as a source for food and, more importantly, the primary source of livelihood incorporating about 40% of the world’s total workforce. Overpopulation, especially in developing countries, amplifies the demand for agricultural products. The weather in different parts of the world is becoming increasingly divergent from the norms of the local climate. The temperatures are increasing on a regular basis, and precipitation is becoming more unpredictable. The weather-based extremes, including heavy downpours, flooding, extremes of both heat and cold, storms, and a prolonging of drought are occurring more frequently. In the climate change context, the agricultural sector has been the most badly affected. Climate change effects have been reduced through the application of state-of-the-art forecasting systems and modernized farming technologies. However, those are inaccessible to the underdeveloped or poor states of developed countries. These states have agrarian-based fragile economies and are incapable of bearing any loss due to climatic extremes. In addition, the continuous availability of water throughout a cropping season became a substantial challenge which has enhanced the application of dryland farming on a wider scale. In this scenario, the responsibilities of the stakeholders, from planners and breeders up to the growers, are more pronounced. International partners, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) are working on various schemes to cope with these issues.

Topics & Concepts