Agriculture during climate change: How the industry can cope

Climate change is shaking up agriculture like never before. The delicate balance of weather patterns that farmers have relied on for generations is now in flux, and the consequences are staggering. 

From record-breaking droughts to relentless floods, the impact of climate change is reshaping how food is grown, distributed, and consumed. Let’s dig into agriculture during climate change, what it means for farmers and food security, and, most importantly, what we can do to turn the tide.

Extreme weather & shifting seasons are rewriting the rules

For farmers, weather is everything. It dictates when to plant when to harvest, and how much food makes it to market. But now, extreme weather events like prolonged droughts, unseasonal rains, and violent storms are throwing all that out the window.

Take the Horn of Africa, for example. Six consecutive failed rainy seasons have left millions struggling with food shortages. Crops can’t grow without rain, and when it does come, it’s often too much too fast, washing away topsoil and nutrients.

Meanwhile, unpredictable seasons make it nearly impossible to plan ahead. Long dry spells stress crops and livestock, while sudden floods destroy entire harvests. This isn’t just bad for farmers—it’s a disaster for everyone who depends on agriculture for food.

Soil is crumbling under pressure

Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture, but climate change is wreaking havoc on it. Heavy rains erode topsoil, stripping it of nutrients. Without these nutrients, crops struggle to grow, and yields plummet. On the flip side, longer dry periods sap the soil’s moisture, turning fertile land into dust.

Add in deforestation and overgrazing, and you’ve got a recipe for degraded land that can’t support crops or livestock. This is already happening in places like sub-Saharan Africa, where arable land is shrinking while demand for food keeps growing.

Pests and diseases are gaining ground

As temperatures climb, pests and diseases are expanding their range into new areas. Crops that were once safe from certain threats are now vulnerable, and farmers are left scrambling to find solutions. Warmer, wetter climates are also ideal breeding grounds for insects like locusts, which have devastated harvests in East Africa in recent years.

Diseases that affect livestock are spreading, too. Inconsistent weather weakens animals, making them more susceptible to infections, which in turn affects meat and dairy production.

Food insecurity is on the rise

When crops fail, people go hungry. It’s that simple—and that devastating. Climate change is already making food scarcer in many parts of the world. Failed harvests drive up prices, putting food out of reach for those who can least afford it. 

The ripple effect is felt globally. As agricultural productivity declines, the entire food supply chain becomes more fragile. Rising prices and decreased availability mean that even wealthier countries can’t escape the impacts entirely.

Climate-smart agriculture is stepping up

To combat these challenges, farmers are turning to climate-smart agriculture. It’s a set of practical strategies designed to adapt farming practices to climate realities. Think drought-resistant crop varieties, better irrigation techniques, and agroforestry systems that combine trees with crops to protect the soil.

Regenerative practices, like cover cropping and organic fertilization, are helping farmers restore degraded land and capture carbon in the soil. These methods are a long-term strategy to make farming more resilient and sustainable.

Smallholder farmers need support

Smallholder farmers—those working on plots of less than 10 hectares—are the backbone of global food production. Yet they’re also the most vulnerable to climate change. They often lack access to resources like modern tools, financing, and technical training, making it harder for them to adapt.

Organizations like Heifer International and GIZ are stepping in to help. From providing training in sustainable practices to supporting local cooperatives, these groups are empowering farmers to weather the storm. But scaling these efforts is crucial.

Cutting emissions from agriculture is critical

Agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Methane from livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and carbon dioxide from deforestation are all part of the problem.

Solutions include improving livestock diets to reduce methane emissions, using fertilizers more efficiently, and transitioning to renewable energy in farming operations. Agroforestry—integrating trees into farmland—is another game-changer, helping to store carbon while improving soil health.

Final thoughts

The stakes for agriculture during climate change couldn’t be higher. It’s not just about crops and livestock—it’s about food security, livelihoods, and the health of the planet. 

The challenges are immense, but the solutions are within reach. Climate-smart practices, regenerative agriculture, and stronger support for farmers can help turn the tide.

The clock is ticking, but with the right investments and collective action, agriculture can adapt to a changing climate—and even become part of the solution. The future of food depends on it.