The Impact Of Climate Change On Food Production And Security And Its Adaptation Programs In Indonesia

Abstract

The increased intensity and frequency of storms, drought and flooding, altered hydrological cycles and precipitation variance have implications for future food availability. Many developing countries, in fact, already contend with chronic food problems. Climate change presents yet another significant challenge to be met. While overall food production may not be threatened, those least able to cope will likely bear additional adverse impacts. As a consequence, climate change has threatened food security in many developing countries, including Indonesia. While the adverse impacts of climate change will affect the poor, actual impacts will depend on socio-economic conditions as on the biophysical processes involved. Managing these risks is an imperative necessity for Indonesia. Policies and investments supporting sustainable agricultural practices and technological progress can help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture and food security while increasing the capacity of people and societies to adapt. Simulation based on climate data from 1971 to 2006 indicated that Indonesia agricultural production is more sensitive to temperature increase rather than rainfall decrease. A combination of these two climate components has significant impact on the country’s food balance by 2050. It is estimated that the deficit will be 90 million tons of husked rice by 2050. This rice deficit can not be met only with a single effort, by improving cropping areas, crop productivity, cropping intensity or consumption alone. Only multiple adaptation programs could save Indonesia from this rice deficit. The feasible adaptation programs include improvement in cropping areas, crop productivity, cropping intensity and consumption.