Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Systems Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: A Review

Abstract

Climate change poses a substantial threat to global agricultural systems, impacting crop yields, livestock productivity, and resource availability through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This review synthesizes current understanding of climate change impacts on agriculture and explores strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while enhancing system resilience through adaptation. Mitigation approaches, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and improved nutrient and livestock management, show significant potential to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration. However, economic, technological, and institutional barriers such as high implementation costs, limited access to finance, and inadequate policy support restrict their adoption. Adaptation strategies, including crop diversification, advanced water management, and climate-resilient technologies, are critical for sustaining agricultural productivity in variable climates. Synergies between mitigation and adaptation, such as integrating trees into croplands, can provide co-benefits, but trade-offs arise when resource competition occurs or land is diverted from food production to carbon sequestration. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary research, robust data infrastructure, and tailored policies to bridge knowledge and resource gaps, particularly in vulnerable regions. Successful implementation requires coordinated efforts across stakeholders, supported by enabling policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices and align with global climate goals. Future research should prioritize understanding the long-term impacts of integrated strategies, enhancing monitoring systems, and fostering inclusive approaches that consider local contexts and socio-economic conditions. Addressing these challenges holistically will be crucial to building resilient agricultural systems capable of maintaining food security and supporting livelihoods in the face of accelerating climate change.