Food and water are basic human needs. Accessibility to these needs is almost impossible in many parts of the developing countries due to increasing climate change effects.
Continued greenhouse gas emissions are likely to raise earth’s average atmospheric temperature, influence rainfall patterns and increase acid levels in oceans. Also, it can threaten human health, shift ecosystem features and significantly reduce ice and snow cover, reduce food supply and water resources, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Weather variability is evident due to climate change. Relying on rains to support agriculture is becoming a challenge because of the changing rainfall patterns.
Extreme weather conditions are the reason why, on one end we experience drought and on the other end we experience heavy rains. The anticipated El Nino could cause havoc to crops and animals.
Livestock, the main source of food for patoralist communities, also suffer effects of climate change. During the 1997-98 heavy rains, outbreak of Rift Valley Fever was recorded in East Africa leading to loss of animals and people according to Center for Disease Control and Protection.
People have lost their livestock to drought. Travelling for longer duration in search of water and pasture becomes unendurable for animals. Because of heat stress and exhaustion, animals die.
Increased atmospheric temperatures accelerate evaporation of water vapour from the soils. Crops suffer from heat stress.
The Consultative Group on International Agriculture and Research says climate change provides warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels, drought and rainfall that promote weeds, pests and disease establishment.
Such events enhance pests and diseases to spread widely while multiplying much in present areas of existence.
Drought that is a consequent of climate change limits the amount of water in rivers and lakes. High temperatures amplify evaporation rates in water bodies and the soil.
People depending on flowing water for their domestic and commercial purposes suffer the consequences of drought. Particularly, those in downstream are largely affected.
In order to cope with the climate variability, adaptive and mitigation measures need to be implemented. Climate smart agriculture is significant.
Diversification and adoption of drought resilient crops like sorghum and millet is vital. Instead of depending on maize as we are accustomed to, trying new crops that do better in drought conditions is important in ensuring food security.
Shifting from open crop production to greenhouse crop production is ideal especially in places where rainfall patterns are varying. Greenhouse crop production assures value for money as long as the stipulated conditions are adhered to.
Greenhouse crop production can assure continuous supply of food to the market given that crops tend to mature faster and face little harsh environmental conditions.
Irrigation would also serve to address climate changes. Almost all crops can be irrigated. With sustainable water supply to the farm fields, drier areas can produce food throughout the year, from vegetables to cereals.
In order to reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is accelerating the rate of warming, there is need to engage more in reforestation and agroforestry.
Agroforestry allows farmers to grow crops and at the same time plant trees. It ensures proper land use and environmental conservation.
Livestock diversification is also ideal in responding to climate change risks.
Going for improved livestock breeds, such as galla goats that are fast maturing and endures harsh weather conditions, is an adaptive measure. Galla goats produce more milk as compared to local breeds.
Going for small ruminants, birds and bee keeping is also a way of addressing food insecurity.
Bee keeping which is a slow but viable venture is beneficial. Bees cannot withstand an environment without water and nectar. This means individuals must ensure that they plant trees and flowers and place their hives close to a water body.
In response to water crisis, water harvesting and storage during rainy seasons is essential. Water pans need to be established as they serve as a source of water for irrigation and domestic purposes.
People in the rural areas have a better chance of digging water pans because of their expansive pieces of land.
Future climate changes will depend on the present human actions. The more emission mitigation measures are implemented the higher the chances of reducing climate change risks.
Caroline Kibii is an environmentalist. [email protected]