Two Essays on Climate Change and Agriculture: A Developing Country Perspective

by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The agricultural sector is closely linked to climate change. Agriculture has a significant impact on the process of climatic change while the latter has a potential effect on agricultural production. There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding the implications of climate change for agricultural production and the most effective ways to mitigate undesirable effects. The two studies included in this publication deal with issues related to major sources of uncertainty surrounding the relationship between agricultural production and climate change. The first study, by Robert Mendelsohn, addresses the impact of climate change on agriculture. It provides an analysis of the various methodologies that have been employed in measuring the potential impacts of climate change on agricultural production, and makes suggestions for future research. In the second study, by Dirgha Tiwari, the subject is the impact of agriculture on climate. A detailed analysis is made of the potential for implementing the Clean Development Mechanism proposed under the Kyoto Protocol Convention on Climate Change, in the agricultural sector of developing countries, along with relevant policy implications and requirements. Summaries in Arabic, French and Spanish of the two essays are included.

94 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates into English as "let there be bread". As of 8 August 2013, FAO has 194 member states, along with the European Union (a "member organization"), and the Faroe Islands and Tokelau, which are associate members.