Climate change impacts on tropical agriculture and the potential of organic agriculture to overcome these impacts

Abstract

Global warming mostly causes climate change which affects agriculture by increasing the temperature, modifying the rate of rainfall, water-preservation and soil fertility. Climate change impact on agriculture is different depending on the agro-ecosystem condition, but based on a number of studies, the most affected part of the world would seem to be the tropical region. South East Asian countries located within the tropical belt will be most affected. The probable impacts include productivity loss, drought risk, varying monsoon pattern and shifting crop cycle. Since most of the agricultural products in South East Asia are climate-dependent plants, the impact will be widespread. For example, rice is a staple food product in South East Asian countries and its cultivation is very dependent on climate conditions and water resources. Any loss of productivity with rice would cause socioeconomic problems and have implications for food security in the longer term. A number of studies have suggested that organic agricultural practices have the ability for enhanced drought resistance and greater adaptability to climate change. Organic agriculture is also self regulating and has proven to be a sustainable agricultural system. Based on the available evidence, organic agriculture is expected to help farmers overcome the impacts of climate change. This paper will assess the impact of climate change towards agriculture in the tropical region, especially in South East Asian countries, as well as analyzing the potential of widespread application of organic agriculture to alleviate climate change impacts on agriculture. Keywords: climate change impacts; South East Asia; organic agriculture