Climate change and Agriculture:The two way process

Climate change is the gradual change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns which lasts for an extended period of time. When we say climate is changing, we are just comparing our weather patterns to what our ancestors used to have. The bigger questions still remain; what causes climate change? Is really climate changing? At what rate is climate changing?

Though Agriculture is being affected by climate change, it is the same agriculture that is fueling climate change. It is like two children on a seesaw, one suffers on the expense of the other and vise versa. Agriculture sector has become one of the main driving force of gas emission, gas being an agent of climate change. Carbon dioxide emission is linked to deforestation and burning of bush when clearing land to make room for field and pastures. In addition, modern chemical agriculture is believed to be polluting water bodies which in turn inhibits the water cycle. This result into interference with the nature and change in climate.

Evidence of climate change is everywhere, here in Malawi we used to have reliable rainfalls from early November to late April. Over the years,the situation has changed; currently we are experiencing persistent droughts which was not the case before. This is manifested through very ugly land surfaces with large cracks especially in dry season symbolizing onset of droughts. Long periods without rainfall are worsening people’s access to clean, and drinkable water. These droughts are also hindering irrigation projects due to low levels of available water.

It is difficult to quantify the rate at which the climate change is occurring. It usually happens gradually without us noticing, that is the reason why some people deny its existence.