VoxDev Development Economics
S4 Ep45: Strengthening climate resilience in agriculture
Nov 7, 2024
Tavneet Suri, a Professor at MIT and co-chair of J-PAL's agricultural sector, discusses the urgent need to strengthen small-scale farmers' resilience against climate change. She highlights effective interventions like the use of drought-resistant seeds and the importance of timely weather forecasting. Suri also delves into how graduation programs can enhance farmers' adaptability and the necessity for income diversification in rural Africa. The conversation reveals intriguing insights into policies and technologies that can help these communities thrive despite extreme weather challenges.
22:46
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Quick takeaways
- Research indicates that drought-resistant seeds improve crop yields during extreme weather events and promote better agricultural practices.
- Mobile money services and improved weather forecasting significantly enhance financial and informational resilience for farmers facing climate challenges.
Deep dives
Vulnerability of Small-Scale Farmers
Small-scale farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their heavy reliance on rainfall for irrigation and crop production. Increased temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have become more common, significantly impacting their harvests. These farmers often operate on small plots of land, making them less resilient to fluctuations in weather patterns. As a result, when calamities like flooding or drought occur, they face dire consequences, often leading to food insecurity and financial distress within their families.
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