Marine Plants as a Sustainable Source of Agri-Fertilizers for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Climate change is forcing farmers in Small Island Developing States to find novel methods to maintain crop productivity. Past practices using chemical fertilizers and poor waste management severely damaged many coastal areas, leading to an ecosystem shift towards algal dominance. In this chapter, the authors propose an approach to deal with this issue by devising methods which divert excess marine plant biomass into agricultural uses through conversion of the biomass to solid and liquid fertilizers. Seaweed-based fertilizers have already been tried with much success on crops in some developed countries, but these are expensive to import into Pacific Islands. The authors also suggest empowering local communities with the knowledge to convert marine plant biomass into ecologically friendly fertilizers. They will be able to save on the purchase of commercial fertilizers detrimental to the environment, while at the same time reducing the spread of seaweeds on their coral reefs. Farmers' incomes will increase.

Protected Agriculture

This chapter provides an overview of the changing environment and the increased pest pressure that are projected to occur due to climate change and variability. Protected agriculture is introduced as an adaptation strategy to address these conditions and assist with food and nutrition security targets. The scope of the technology and the benefits of producing crops using protected systems as well as the use of protected systems in SIDS, with some emphasis on the Caribbean region, are outlined. The chapter outlines: (1) the specific features of the technology that assist with reducing the impacts of climate change and (2) some possible considerations for the successful development of a sustainable protected agriculture industry under climate change and variability.

Adaptations to Climate Change and Climate Variability in the Agriculture Sector in Mauritius

Like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Mauritius is highly vulnerable to the impacts of Climate Change (CC) and Climate Variability (CV). Particularly vulnerable are small-scale farmers who carry out rain-fed agriculture. While adaptation to CC and CV has taken place among small planters, the first methodological assessment of the technology needs for adaptation in the agriculture sector took place in Phase II of the global GEF-UNEP Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) project. In addition to providing a systematic approach for identifying and prioritizing adaptation technologies, the TNA project also sought to increase the preparedness of Mauritius for leveraging international climate financing and support for technology transfer. Since Mauritius was the only SIDS participating in Phase II of the TNA project, this chapter shares with other SIDS the methodology and lessons learned. The climate change-agriculture-food security nexus is also discussed.

Soil, Water, and Agricultural Adaptations

Threats to the Caribbean's diminishing soil and water resources will be heightened under predicted climate change scenarios for the Caribbean. Changes in climate change drivers, temperature, and precipitation present the greatest impact on soil and water resources. Predicted increases in air surface temperature would affect sea-level rise. Low total precipitation across both wet and dry seasons with increased incidence of drought and extreme storm events will pose challenges to agriculture. Erosion and land degradation are expected to increase, thereby reducing arable land acreage, and elevated temperatures will further reduce soil organic carbon contents. In this chapter, strategies to sustainably manage soil resources in the Caribbean are discussed and focus on (1) reducing the incidence of erosion and degradation and (2) increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) contents. The authors also present some appropriate water conservation techniques including micro-irrigation and water harvesting, which are necessary to maintain consistency of food supply.

Postharvest Management Strategies

Climate change will pose many challenges along the food value chain and will threaten not only food security but also poverty alleviation and economic growth in SIDS. Building resilient food systems for vulnerable farmers should focus not only on improving yields and on use of more suitable crops under changing climatic conditions but also on climate-smart postharvest adaptation strategies. In this chapter, strategies to raise awareness about climate change and its effects on postharvest losses are discussed. The authors recommend several actions: training of farmers to build functional adaptive capacity on the ground, increased investments in technological innovation, the continuous sharing of traditional/research-based knowledge with farmers and stakeholders in the food supply chains. Success will also depend on incentives, monitoring systems, appropriate application of approaches, tools and technologies, and involvement of farmers and policy makers. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue.

Education, Extension, and Training for Climate Change

This chapter details the education, extension, and training interventions that are needed in this changing global climate situation, with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS); new content will have to be taught, and innovative education and extension methods will have to be embraced. Actions will be needed at the highest levels of government to build capacity in all sectors and funding will have to match programmes and projects. SIDS are by nature not well-endowed with financial resources, and as such, there will be challenges with the training of teachers and extension staff and the conduct of public education activities. Notwithstanding, creative ways can be developed by governments, community leaders, and all civic-minded persons in SIDS to access such funds and undertake the appropriate actions that are needed to educate and train resource persons in these areas.

Farming Adaptations to the Impacts of Climate Change and Extreme Events in Pacific Island Countries

Farmers in Pacific Islands' communities are considered to be most vulnerable to the impacts of increased temperature, sea-level rise, droughts, cyclones, and heavy rainfall. Farmers living on a raised atoll in the Solomon Islands (Bellona) were interviewed to understand their perceptions and experiences on the impacts of climate change and extreme events on their crops. Some examples of damage and impacts according to the farmers included rotting of roots, damage to leaves and branches, and destruction of fruits and valuable yields. Interviews also revealed that the ability of farmers to recover after disasters was dependent on their pre-disaster conditions, number and varieties of crops they had planted, type of cropping system in use, and consistent use of simple, traditional, and innovative adaptive techniques. Such techniques included crop rotation, change of planting and harvesting dates, and the planting of new resilient varieties.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security and Management in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change since it encompasses 17,000 km of coastline, 600 low-lying islands, and 2,000 coastal villages. It is vulnerable to sea-level rise and other manifestations of climate change. Climate change provides new and unprecedented challenges that demand equally new and urgent efforts to meet them. Research and development efforts are taking rapid strides forward in understanding what is going to happen to farming, fishery, and forest systems as the climate changes. The interactions that will occur with other global changes within this complex and dynamic situation, as well as the trade-offs between food security, livelihoods, and environmental security are also being studied. PNG is engaging new strategies, forging new partnerships and truly integrating approaches. Climate change risks are effectively mainstreamed in development planning at all levels to build in adaptation and mitigation measures. This chapter looks at these new strategies.

The Caribbean's Response to Climate Change Impacts

To fully appreciate climate change impacts and adaptations in the Caribbean, several aspects of the phenomenon and the region's response must be placed in historical and chronological sequence. This chapter starts with a review of the Caribbean islands, focusing on the agricultural sector and its vulnerability to climate change impacts. It then provides a brief review of the Caribbean's foray into organized planning for climate change; the early advocacy of those who believed the issue was a serious threat to the region, and the projects that were developed. It also traces organized institutional level responses, some national efforts, and the degree to which climate change issues have now become part of the routine agricultural development discourse. An overview of the possible climate change impacts and the programmed adaptations at a regional level are presented, and the chapter ends with a look at the importance of communication to raise awareness and ultimately change behaviours.

An Overview of Climate Change and Impacts on Food Security in Small Island Developing States

Our climate is changing and this will impact food security around the world. The impacts from climate change will not be evenly felt around the world. Some of the most vulnerable areas will be coastal zones and island territories. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are especially vulnerable. This chapter provides an overview of climate change, discusses climate change projections, and then highlights specific regional climate change projections. It then discusses how SIDS can respond to climate change, introduces gender as a variable to consider when discussing climate change, and concludes by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluation.