Rural adaptation to climate change

The research found that some farmers were responding to climate change mostly by adopting changes in farm management practices, and that the incentive for farmers to act was influenced by the policy environment, the institutional environment and investment by governments. Because planned and institutional measures are in the hands of various levels of government, the research reinforced the importance of coordination to develop a cohesive package of measures for farmers to address climate change at the farm level.

Understanding farmers’ adaptation strategies and decision-making processes is important for designing future policy interventions to ameliorate and prevent the adverse effects of extreme weather events on farming systems. This technical report presents the findings of an ACIAR project that examined the effects and potential benefits of responses to climate change in rice markets in China and Vietnam. The project provided a social sciences dimension to the study of climate change and its primary objectives were to identify those farmers most at risk from climate change and then to identify policy responses to assist their adaptation and adjustment.

Other Publications

Regional Brief: Strengthening the Role of Public Extension and Advisory Services in Asia

In 2022, the Rural Development Administration(RDA) of the Republic of Korea through its Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI), launched a project “Improvement of Rural Agricultural Technology Extension System in Asia (RATES)” to strengthen extension systems in 12 Asian countries. The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) is a partner in this initiative and its regional network in Asia, the Asia-Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services (APIRAS) is supporting the implementation of the RATES project. One of its early activities was to make an assessment of the EAS system in these countries. This brief is based on the assessment of EAS, especially focussing on the role of public EAS in these countries, the challenges they face, and identifying some of the potential ways forward to enhance the contributions of EAS.

Climate Change and Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services

Rising temperatures, longer droughts, more severe storms, warming oceans, and recurring floods are already threatening global agriculture and food security. Most smallholder farmers in middle- and lowincome countries have limited abilities to respond and adapt to these climate risks. While highly vulnerable to climate change, agriculture is also a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To strengthen the resilience of agriculture to changing climate, a two-pronged approach that supports adaptation – adjusting to actual or expected future climate change – and promotes mitigation – reducing greenhouse gases or enhancing accumulation and storage of GHG – is needed. Promoting these strategies at scale involves changing the behavior, strategies, and agricultural practices of millions of agricultural producers.

Scaling agroecology using video in Africa and India

This manual is a tool for produce growers to learn about food safety risks and apply that knowledge to review their farm practices and operations to identify where food safety improvements may be needed. By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this manual, growers can assess their current practices and take proactive steps to enhance the safety and quality of their fresh produce.

Produce growers worldwide play a pivotal role in nourishing our communities, providing essential sustenance, and contributing to local economies. However, with increasing attention on food safety and environmental sustainability, growers face ever-evolving challenges. It has become imperative to adapt to a new era of best practices, embracing modern techniques and standards that ensure both the health of consumers and the vitality of our planet. This detailed Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) manual was developed to meet this need by enhancing the current Nepal GAPs for fresh produce growers. The primary goal is to empower produce growers with the knowledge, tools, and guidelines necessary to navigate the complex landscape of fresh produce safety and GAPs.