Farmers in Madagascar are grappling with significant climate change effects, primarily regarding temperature and rainfall variations impacting their agricultural practices. Despite the issues, only a minority of farmers are adapting their techniques due to financial barriers and a lack of support. Future research will explore more villages to identify effective adaptive strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for resilience in agricultural practices.
In Madagascar, farmers are increasingly challenged by climate change, experiencing significant alterations in temperature and rainfall that complicate agricultural practices. Despite these daunting changes, only a small percentage of farmers are modifying their practices, as evidenced by interviews conducted in 2023 in Sarahandrano and Mandena, two villages near Marojejy National Park. The primary crops grown include vanilla, rice, bananas, and coffee, cultivated on small plots utilizing basic tools and local water sources.
Three quarters of the surveyed farmers reported a reduction in water sources and an inability to work their land adequately due to extreme weather events such as oppressive heat and heavy rainfall. Additionally, many respondents noted a rise in pests along with increased illness related to malaria and diarrhea. Surprisingly, only one in five farmers is actively adapting their methods, such as by employing fertilizers or adjusting planting schedules, which is significantly lower than similar studies conducted elsewhere.
The ability to adapt appears to correlate with ownership of durable goods, indicating that financial constraints limit many farmers’ capacity for change, especially given that approximately 80% of Madagascar’s population lives beneath the poverty line. Senior co-author Randall Kramer emphasized that many new farming techniques necessitate higher labor and material costs, suggesting that supportive policies could alleviate these burdens.
Proposed adaptive strategies include the integration of fruit trees in agricultural systems and aquaculture in rice paddies, enhancing food security while also assisting in pest management and fertilization. Farmers are particularly susceptible to climatic extremes, including cyclones that devastate crops and inhibit market access.
The effects of climate change extend beyond northeastern Madagascar, with elders in southeastern regions noting unprecedented weather changes, such as the absence of frost in the past ten years. The average temperatures have risen, whereas precipitation levels have dropped over the last five decades, impacting small-scale farmers globally who contribute significantly to the food supply.
Upcoming research will broaden the scope to 34 villages to confirm initial findings and scrutinize the outcomes of adaptive practices. Researchers emphasize the need for increased flexibility and resourcefulness among farmers in light of climate shifts, presenting a critical concern for food security and livelihood stability.
The challenges posed by climate change for Madagascar’s farmers necessitate urgent attention. Despite the clear impact on agriculture and potential food security, adaptability among local farmers remains low, with financial limitations and a lack of supportive infrastructure as significant barriers. Future research aims to expand understanding and identify effective solutions to enhance resilience against climatic changes, ensuring farmers can sustainably manage their livelihoods.
Original Source: today.duke.edu
