Extreme vulnerability of smallholder farmers to agricultural risks and climate change in Madagascar

Author:

Harvey Celia A.1,Rakotobe Zo Lalaina2,Rao Nalini S.1,Dave Radhika1,Razafimahatratra Hery3,Rabarijohn Rivo Hasinandrianina4,Rajaofara Haingo2,MacKinnon James L.2

Affiliation:

1. Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA

2. Conservation International Madagascar, Villa Hajanirina, lot II W 27D, Rue Vittori Francois, Ankorahotra, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar

3. High School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Antananarivo, PO Box 175, Antananarivo, Madagascar

4. IDACC Association, Lot VS 52D, Bis Ankatso Nord Antananarivo 101, Madagascar

Abstract

Across the tropics, smallholder farmers already face numerous risks to agricultural production. Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect smallholder farmers and make their livelihoods even more precarious; however, there is limited information on their overall vulnerability and adaptation needs. We conducted surveys of 600 households in Madagascar to characterize the vulnerability of smallholder farmers, identify how farmers cope with risks and explore what strategies are needed to help them adapt to climate change. Malagasy farmers are particularly vulnerable to any shocks to their agricultural system owing to their high dependence on agriculture for their livelihoods, chronic food insecurity, physical isolation and lack of access to formal safety nets. Farmers are frequently exposed to pest and disease outbreaks and extreme weather events (particularly cyclones), which cause significant crop and income losses and exacerbate food insecurity. Although farmers use a variety of risk-coping strategies, these are insufficient to prevent them from remaining food insecure. Few farmers have adjusted their farming strategies in response to climate change, owing to limited resources and capacity. Urgent technical, financial and institutional support is needed to improve the agricultural production and food security of Malagasy farmers and make their livelihoods resilient to climate change.

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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