Livelihood Challenges of Farmers in South Asian Countries: Bridging the Gap between International and National Legal Instruments and Policies for Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Abstract

In this research paper, researcher has attempted to examine national and international legal instruments and policies relating to climate change and sustainable development through the lense of livelihood challenges for farmers. Researcher has also attempted to explore the farmers concern in different national and international legal instruments, declarations and policies. This paper also finds out an impact of climate change on farmers and agricultural sector, which is the backbone of economy for many South Asian countries. Despite of the efforts of different international organizations, still problems like, climate change induced livelihood challenges for farmers, food security problems etc. in South Asian countries including Bangladesh, China and India, are persisting. Besides, in this paper researcher has vigorously argued that concern of farmers is only the missing link between climate change induced problems and sustainable development. Sustainable development will be a reality when livelihood challenges of farmers and especially agricultural sector will be addressed in the climate change related legal and policy documents. This paper takes a broader view and explores the multiple effects that climate change can have on farmers, food production and food security. It also tries to explore an adaptation and mitigation measures, especially in the agricultural sector with reference to farmers of South Asian countries.