Agriculture around the world is increasingly at risk of being disrupted by multiple hazards and threats, such as flooding, water scarcity, drought, declining agricultural yields and fisheries resources, loss of biological diversities and environmental degradation. Geophysical hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mass movements damage infrastructure and cause widespread disruption to the services and networks (such as transport and market access) on which agriculture is reliant.
Variations in water supply and extreme temperatures are two of the biggest factors affecting agricultural production. Floods and heavy precipitation can have both positive and negative impacts on agricultural systems and productivity; rainfall variability is one of the leading causes of most crop losses. In Pakistan, exceptional monsoon rainfalls and subsequent flooding in 2022 caused nearly US$4 billion (about R73 billion) in damages to the agriculture sector.
In Honduras, the combined effects of drought and the 2020 storms halved agricultural production and heightened food insecurity, forcing many to flee internally and across borders. Agricultural drought emerges from a combination of rainfall deficits (meteorological drought), soil water deficits and reduced groundwater or waterstorage levels needed for irrigation (hydrological drought). During the growing season especially, drought can result in a lack of precipitation that affects crop production or ecosystem function. Soil moisture deficits and soil degradation affect other productive systems in addition to agriculture, particularly other natural or managed ecosystems, including forests and rangelands.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
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South African avocado production: a success story
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An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
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Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
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The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
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Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
