The Atlas of Climate Adaptation in South Asian Agriculture (ACASA) has been launched by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA). This atlas is designed to help farmers and policymakers understand how climate change affects agriculture in South Asia, specifically in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The atlas provides valuable information about climate risks, such as heat waves and irregular rainfall, and suggests ways for farmers to adapt. According to Pramod Aggarwal from BISA, collaboration with local agriculture research institutions has ensured that the data is relevant and based on regional expertise.
ACASA features detailed maps that show climate risk information at the village level for various crops and livestock. This allows stakeholders to visualize risks and plan accordingly. The hope is that this tool can help not only researchers and policymakers but also provide insights for insurance companies and agricultural banks, especially in crafting solutions that support women farmers.
Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi, the head of Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture, emphasizes the need for specific climate actions in the country, noting that recent studies reveal gaps in knowledge that this atlas can help fill.
The need for such tools is pressing. Over half of South Asians have experienced climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, as per the World Bank. This has resulted in short floods damaging crops and prolonged dry spells that threaten soil health. For smallholder farmers, who often lack resources like irrigation and insurance, these climate events pose serious risks to their livelihoods.
Recent statistics show that the growing uncertainty in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures are already affecting staple crops like rice and wheat. As Aggarwal notes, these challenges underscore the importance of local adaptation strategies to safeguard food security in the region.
In summary, ACASA not only equips farmers and policymakers with the necessary information to tackle climate challenges but also highlights the vital role of local knowledge in shaping climate-smart agriculture practices.
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adaptation,agriculture,Bangladesh,Borlaug Institute for South Asia,CIMMYT,climate change,India,Nepal,resilience,Sri Lanka
