Farmers in Northeast Madagascar Face Climate Change Challenges

Farmers in Northeast Madagascar are struggling with climate change, facing adverse weather and increasing challenges to their livelihoods. While many report difficulties such as water scarcity and pests, only a small percentage are adapting their farming practices. The study, led by Duke researchers, highlights the need for supportive measures to empower these farmers, most of whom live below the poverty line, to develop resilience against climate impacts.

The study highlights that farmers in Northeast Madagascar are increasingly facing adverse effects from climate change, including temperature fluctuations and altered rainfall patterns. Although these farmers are already struggling to provide sufficient food for their families, there is a concerning lack of adaptation strategies being implemented. Interviews from 2023 in villages near Marojejy National Park revealed that most farmers primarily cultivate vanilla and other crops using traditional methods but are becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental weather changes affecting their livelihoods.

Charles Nunn, a senior co-author and professor at Duke University, noted that about 75% of farmers surveyed reported diminishing water sources or reduced farming hours due to extreme weather conditions. Moreover, many have observed a rise in pest populations and increased incidence of diseases such as malaria. Despite these challenges, only 20% of the farmers were taking measures to adapt, such as adjusting their planting schedules or using fertilizers, indicating significant barriers to adaptation.

The study led by Ph.D. student Tyler Barrett underscores a disparity in adaptation practices, particularly influenced by gender and access to resources. Men and those possessing durable goods were more likely to adapt their farming techniques, reflecting the impact of financial constraints on farmers in Madagascar, where approximately 80% live below the poverty line. Senior co-author Randall Kramer emphasized the need for supportive programs to alleviate these costs for disadvantaged farmers.

To enhance food security and improve adaptive capacity, the researchers propose methods such as integrating fruit trees into farms or aquaculture in rice paddies. Voahangy Soarimalala, study co-author, remarked that these practices can assist with both fertilization and pest management. Farmers in Madagascar are not only confronted by climate change but also by natural disasters like cyclones, which further threaten their agricultural stability.

Kramer warned that across global tropical regions, small-scale farmers are particularly vulnerable, producing one-third of the world’s food supply. The research team plans to expand their survey to 34 additional villages to verify the findings and observe the impact of adopted farming adjustments. Nunn cautioned, “Climate change means that farmers are going to have to be more flexible, more resourceful, take more risks; that is really problematic when the success of your farm in a particular year determines if your family goes hungry or not.”

In summary, the challenges faced by farmers in Northeast Madagascar due to climate change reveal a pressing need for adaptation strategies. The low rates of adaptation are linked to financial and resource constraints, particularly affecting disadvantaged populations. It is imperative that supportive measures are implemented to aid farmers, thereby ensuring both food security and resilience against climate-related challenges. The ongoing research aims to expand understanding of these dynamics and facilitate essential adaptations in agricultural practices.

Original Source: today.duke.edu