Protected Agriculture: A Climate Change Adaptation for Food and Nutrition Security

Protected Agriculture: A Climate Change Adaptation for Food and Nutrition Security

Janet Lawrence, Leslie Simpson, Adanna Piggott
Copyright: © 2015 |Pages: 25
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6501-9.ch007
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Abstract

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.
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Climate Change Projections For Small Island Developing States (Sids)

According to the current list of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, fifty-two states and territories are categorized as Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS are located across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and also in the Caribbean Sea. The southwest Pacific and the Caribbean Sea have a high concentration of SIDS. In the Atlantic and Indian oceans, SIDS are located predominantly around the African continent.

These 52 SIDS face similar sustainability challenges, including exceptional vulnerability to climate change. Of particular importance to SIDS are the projected rise in sea levels which threaten the very existence of some islands. Also, changes in precipitation causing drought directly affect drinking water and impact food security through a decline in agricultural production. In addition, increased sea surface temperatures can cause coral bleaching which in turn affects artisanal fisheries and reduces storm surge protection. Further, extreme events impact infrastructure, agriculture and cause salt water intrusion into the freshwater lens (UNFCCC, 2005).

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