Abstract
ABSTRACT: Subsistence-based and natural resource-dependent societies are especially vulnerable to climate change. In such contexts, food security needs to be strengthened by investing in the adaptability of food systems. This paper looks into the role of agrobiodiversity conservation for food security in the face of climate change. It identifies agrobiodiversity as a key public good that delivers necessary services for human wellbeing. We argue that the public values provided by agrobiodiversity conservation need to be demonstrated and captured. We offer an economic perspective of this challenge and highlight ways of capturing at least a subset of the public values of agrobiodiversity to help adapt to and reduce the vulnerability of subsistence based economies to climate change. KEYWORDS: Climate change, adaptation, agrobiodiversity, economic incentives, resilience. JEL classification: Q18, Q24, Q54.
Generated Summary
This research explores the economics of agrobiodiversity conservation in the context of climate change and its implications for food security. It examines the role of agrobiodiversity as a public good that provides essential services for human well-being, particularly in subsistence-based and natural resource-dependent societies vulnerable to climate change. The study employs an economic perspective to analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with agrobiodiversity conservation, focusing on the potential of economic instruments and policy interventions to enhance the resilience of farming systems. The methodology involves a literature review and conceptual framework development to understand the value of agrobiodiversity, its loss, and potential strategies for its conservation and sustainable utilization. The scope of the study encompasses global, agro-ecosystem, and farm levels, analyzing how agrobiodiversity conservation can provide adaptation, insurance, and resilience to climate change impacts, as well as strategies to improve agricultural systems to reduce vulnerability.
Key Findings & Statistics
- The study mentions that out of 7,600 livestock breeds, 20% are classified as being at risk and 9% are already extinct (FAO, 2007a).
- Between 2000 and 2006 alone, 62 breeds became extinct (FAO, 2007a).
- Since the 1930s, 90% of all local maize varieties and 80% of all local wheat varieties in Mexico and China, respectively, have been lost (FAO, 1997).
- The 2009 FAO follow-up report explicitly noted that diversity in farmers’ fields has decreased for some crops in certain areas and countries (FAO, 2009:4).
Other Important Findings
- Agrobiodiversity plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation by offering resilience and serving as natural insurance, particularly in regions where climate acts as a chronic issue and a short-lived shock.
- Agrobiodiversity is essential for adapting to climate change by contributing to the resilience of agro-ecosystems.
- Farmers utilize diverse plant and animal genetic resources (PAGR) to mitigate risks and adapt to changing market and environmental conditions.
- Community seed banks (CSBs) can provide a promising method to improve in-situ agrobiodiversity conservation for adaptation and conservation.
- Payments for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (PACS) could be used to increase the private benefits from utilizing local PAGR on-farm through voluntary reward mechanisms.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The study acknowledges that measuring and implementing interventions to enhance agrobiodiversity, particularly PACS, requires careful consideration of various institutional challenges, including baselines, verification of service delivery, and potential conflicts with existing institutions.
- The study notes that the effectiveness of CSBs may be uncertain without external financial incentives.
- The study acknowledges the difficulty in measuring the benefits of agrobiodiversity conservation services, which are often dispersed across various levels, requiring careful consideration of government representation and the dispersed nature of service providers.
- The study emphasizes the need for further research on the application and effectiveness of PACS in different contexts and the necessity for integrating PACS with a broader approach that includes multiple conservation goals.
Conclusion
The study underscores the critical role of agrobiodiversity conservation in enhancing food security and building the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change. The paper emphasizes that agrobiodiversity serves as a vital resource for adaptation and insurance against climate-related shocks, particularly for vulnerable communities. The analysis highlights the need to understand the value of agrobiodiversity and address market failures that undermine its conservation. The implementation of economic incentives, such as Payments for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (PACS), is suggested as a promising approach to correct these market failures. The study suggests that policymakers should aim to incorporate multiple criteria to enhance the conservation of agrobiodiversity at various spatial levels. It also suggests the need for continuous research and adaptation of PACS schemes to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. The study emphasizes that by adopting such an integrated approach, it may be possible to establish a more sustainable agricultural landscape. The successful implementation of such strategies requires continuous investigation, policy adjustments, and stakeholder involvement.