Climate change and agriculture in Central Asia: adaptation and mitigation through the agri-food system

Nadyrbek AVAZBEKOV

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Agriculture takes an important role in the social and economical activities of Central Asian countries, contributing up to 24% of the GDP and providing approximately 50% of jobs in rural areas. However, the agricultural sector is currently facing crucial challenges under pressure of climate change and heat stress. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are expected to result in reduced crop yields, increased water stress, and more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. Additionally, agriculture is a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 13% of global emissions, particularly in the form of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide. Thesis aims to comprehensively understand the causes and consequences of climate change on agriculture while proposing a range of adaptation and mitigation strategies specifically for the livestock sector. The study employs a mixed research methodology, utilizing the FAO's online platform GLEAM-i to estimate emissions from the livestock sector in the region. Through this research, it is anticipated that a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and agriculture will be achieved. Moreover, the findings will contribute to the development of practical measures that can be implemented to enhance the resilience of the livestock sector and reduce its environmental footprint in Central Asia.

Abstract:

Agriculture takes an important role in the social and economical activities of Central Asian countries, contributing up to 24% of the GDP and providing approximately 50% of jobs in rural areas. However, the agricultural sector is currently facing crucial challenges under pressure of climate change and heat stress. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are expected to result in reduced crop yields, increased water stress, and more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. Additionally, agriculture is a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 13% of global emissions, particularly in the form of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide. Thesis aims to comprehensively understand the causes and consequences of climate change on agriculture while proposing a range of adaptation and mitigation strategies specifically for the livestock sector. The study employs a mixed research methodology, utilizing the FAO's online platform GLEAM-i to estimate emissions from the livestock sector in the region. Through this research, it is anticipated that a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and agriculture will be achieved. Moreover, the findings will contribute to the development of practical measures that can be implemented to enhance the resilience of the livestock sector and reduce its environmental footprint in Central Asia.

Keywords

Heat stress, livestock, Central Asian, GLEAM-i, adoption, mitigation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Maria Sassi

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Global Development Policy / Global Development Policy