Proposing mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of rice cultivation on climate change in Egypt

Abstract

This research assesses different strategies for reducing methane emission from rice cultivation that might reduce climate change. The methane emission is calculated during the period from 1990 to 2010, based on the Egyptian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory of year 1990. Management of the produced rice straw is also covered to combat methane emission from burning rice residues in the field. The proposed mitigation strategies for methane emission from rice cultivation are water management, fertilizer management and short duration rice varieties. These mitigation strategies were assessed in terms of environmental sustainability impact using the Weighted Summation Method.Based on the multi-criteria evaluation, the best mitigation strategy for methane emission is the short duration rice variety which has the greatest utility or of the highest score. Meanwhile, fertilizer management strategy or switching from urea to ammonium sulfate fertilizer has the second highest score and followed by the midseason drainage strategy.The research results revealed that farmer acceptance or participation in applying different mitigation strategies is the cornerstone of this aspect. Meanwhile farmer awareness is essential for adaptation with climate change.