CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY

Preface

This International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security in South Asia is a continuation of the International Symposium on Global Climate Change and Food Security in South Asia which was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh ten years ago, from 25 to 30 August, 2008. The present conference will more specifically evaluate the impact of climate change on crop production in South Asia.

Introduction

Across South Asia, large populations depend on semi-subsistence agriculture. According to the Fifth Assessment Report of the WMO/UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in 2014 on future projections of climate change, South Asia is very likely to be seriously affected because of global warming. Moreover, fresh water availability is projected to decrease and coastal areas will be at the greatest risk due to increased flooding from the sea and rivers. In some South Asian countries, a substantial reduction in crop yields from rain-fed agriculture could occur. Additionally, dramatic changes in the land use patterns in South Asia compound the problem of climate change. To cope with climate change more effectively in South Asia, it is necessary to integrate climate-smart agriculture options for a range of ecosystems, so as to enable a favorable policy environment for the implementation of a regional climate change adaptation framework.

Objectives

To provide a central forum to improve understanding and assessment of climate change impacts on agriculture and the associated vulnerability in South Asia;

To identify and adapt climate-smart agriculture in different ecosystems of South Asia;

To discuss and propose a regional Agricultural Mitigation and Adaptation Framework for Climate Change in South Asia;

To discuss the implementation of a regional framework and it’s integration into the sustainable development planning of South Asia countries; and

To discuss appropriate options for strengthening information exchange on climate change impacts and foster cooperation on climate-smart agriculture in South Asia.

These objectives will be realized through presentations of invited keynote speakers,plenary sessions and working groups

Plenary Sessions

1. Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture in South Asia
2. Mitigation and Adaptation Options in different Agroecosystems in South Asia
3. Policy, Financial, Institutional and Cooperation Issues

Working Groups

1. Soil/Water/Nutritional Quality
2. Vegetation Management
3. Carbon Sequestration