Resilient Agriculture Research Articles

Climate vulnerability of agroecological and conventional smallholders in Mvomero district, Tanzania: using mixed-methods to uncover local experiences and motivations of farming for the future

Changing rainfall patterns make farmers increasingly vulnerable to crop failure, income loss and food insecurity. Agroecology is proposed to reduce climate vulnerabilities of farmers, as such practices and social movement aim to create more resilient farm and food systems. It is however fairly unknown if, and to what extent, agroecological farmers are better able to cope with climate induced exposures as compared to conventional smallholders. We conducted 194 surveys with agroecological and conventional smallholders to explore the three components of climate vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. We combined this with field observations and interviews, and an analysis of long-term rainfall data. We also followed up the initial survey analysis with additional focus group discussions. Just as climate change occurs incrementally over time, we highlight modest, yet important differences between conventional and agroecological farmers. We find that agroecological farmers are less vulnerable to short-term dry spells, due to a combination of farming practices that improve soil water retention, like mulching and the use of cover crops. However, the use of botanicals might induce new vulnerabilities, as their processing requires additional labor, and sometimes expenditures, and may not protect the crops from pests and diseases. We also find limitations to agroecology in terms of scale, as most farmers are unable to use botanicals on all their farmland. Yet, agroecological farmers process and apply botanicals for health benefits both in production and consumption of foods, and they can occasionally sell their organic farm products for a higher price than conventional famers. With this study, we emphasize that farmers’ reasons to practice agroecology is not just to boost productivity and become more climate resilient, but rather for improving the long-term health of producers, consumers, soils and the environment.

Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM): Principles, Key Features and its Potential Role in Soil, Crop Ecosystem and Climate Resilience Farming

As the world population expands, farming practices have intensified to meet increased food demand. Modern crop varieties now require higher levels of fertilization compared to traditional organic methods, which are insufficient to meet these new demands. However, inefficient nutrient management and imbalances in field nutrient levels have led to various crop issues. To achieve higher agricultural output and productivity, there has been a notable increase in the application of chemical fertilizers, which unfortunately contributes to soil and water pollution, degradation of soil fertility, and nutrient imbalances. In response, modern technologies are being leveraged to promote sustainable food production and foster balanced agricultural development. Site specific nutrient management (SSNM) aims to empower farmers to adjust fertilizer application dynamically to meet the nutrient requirements of high-yielding crops, bridging the gap between natural nutrient sources like soil, crop residues, manure, and irrigation water. It is based on the principles of 4Rs: right product, right dose, right time and right place. Modern technologies like Optical sensors, Crop Manager, Remote Sensing, Nutrient Expert®, fertility mapping, Active Canopy Sensors, Variable rate technologies etc. are used to enhance the potential of SSNM to higher level. The focus is on optimizing nutrient application timing and rates to maximize crop yield and nutrient efficiency, thereby enhancing the economic value of harvest per unit of fertilizer used, rather than simply increasing or decreasing fertilizer use.

Designing a resilient agriculture supply network for mitigating the disruptions

Designing a resilient agriculture supply network for mitigating the disruptions

Integrated Weed Management: A Comprehensive Review of Conventional, Non-Conventional, and Emerging Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture

This manuscript comprehensively reviews integrated weed management (IWM) strategies, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural practices. It explores conventional methods, such as herbicide and mechanical control, and non-conventional techniques, including mulching, cover crops, and thermal methods. The review also delves into emerging technologies like precision agriculture, genomic approaches, and robotic weed control. The discussion is framed around five pillars of IWM: diverse cropping systems, cultivar selection, field and soil management, direct control, and monitoring and evaluation. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of weed management are considered, highlighting the need for a new paradigm that integrates diverse control tactics to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability.

Nematode community structure suggests perennial grain cropping cultivation as a nature‐based solution for resilient agriculture

AbstractIntroductionConventional agricultural land‐use may negatively impact biodiversity and the environment due to the increased disturbances to the soil ecosystem by tillage, for example. Cultivation of the perennial grain intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, IWG, Kernza®) is a nature‐based solution for sustainable agriculture, improving nutrient retention mainly through its extensive root system. Nematodes serve as sensitive bioindicators, detecting early changes in the soil food web, reflecting in changes in their community structure.Materials and MethodsIWG and annual wheat sites in South France, Belgium and South Sweden were investigated in April 2022 for two depths (5–15 cm; 25–35 cm) to evaluate the difference in nematode community structure among the cropping systems.ResultsSites with IWG cultivation held an accumulation of structure indicators (c‐p 3–5 nematodes) compared to sites with annual wheat cultivation. A generalised linear mixed model revealed significantly more root feeders, especially for the subsoil, under IWG as a result of the perennial cultivation. The maturity index, plant‐parasitic index, channel index and structure index were greater for IWG sites. The enrichment index was greater for annual wheat sites due to the dominance of bacterivores and enrichment indicators (c‐p 1 nematodes). The nematode community structure (weighted faunal profile analysis) indicates IWG sites as being a generally undisturbed system with efficient nutrient cycling and balanced distribution of feeding types, as well as higher metabolic footprint values for root feeders (including plant‐parasitic nematodes) and fungivores. Annual wheat sites, on the other hand, held indicators of a disturbed system with increased occurrence of opportunistic species and a more bacterial driven pathway. The topsoil had an increased occurrence of structure indicators in both cropping systems.ConclusionIWG creates favourable conditions for a diverse food web, including improved nutrient cycling and a heterogeneous resource environment, regardless of climatic conditions, establishing it as a stable and resilient agricultural management system.

Integrating rainfall index-based insurance with optimal crop management strategies can reduce financial risks for Australian dryland cotton farmers

Drought undermines the financial sustainability of farmers. While farmers have adopted various strategies to mitigate some drought impacts, they remain exposed to substantial drought risk. Insurance could be useful in managing climatic risks and for encouraging farmers to take sensible risks (e.g., changing their sowing date to increase yield), but it can be costly. Here, we tested whether the integration of a change in sowing date with rainfall index-based insurance could improve farmer profitability and income stability. We used the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)-Cotton model to simulate cotton lint yields for various sowing dates, taking into account different management strategies, across three dry-land cotton research farm sites – Dalby, Goondiwindi, and Theodore – from 1940 to 2022. We designed the index-based insurance payout when the average rainfall received during the growing season falls below a predefined level, such as the 5th, 10th, or 20th percentile of rainfall. Our study, which involved 3.9 million cotton lint simulations and 3,000 rainfall index-based insurance products, showed that combining a shift in sowing date with insurance can lead to an income improvement of up to 21.5% at some study sites. Additionally, in drought years, the income improvement for farmers who combined optimal sowing dates with rainfall index-based insurance was up to 48.0%. The framework developed in this study could aid in devising financial strategies to enhance farming resilience during climate extremes.

From 'Farm to Fork': Exploring the Potential of Nutrient-Rich and Stress-Resilient Emergent Crops for Sustainable and Healthy Food in the Mediterranean Region in the Face of Climate Change Challenges.

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios.

Climate Resilient Agriculture: Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change Scenario

The increasing demands of a growing population pose a serious danger to global food and nutritional security due to the detrimental impacts of climate change on crop growth and agricultural production, both in terms of quantity and quality. Climate change impacts on income, livelihoods, and population health are directly related to factors including increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events. Agronomic practices that are robust to climate change have the potential to improve the current state of matters, maintain agricultural productivity globally, especially in a sustainable way, and accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agricultural scientists are anticipated to be crucial in this scenario in advancing the shift to climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), enhancing the conversion of conventional to sustainable food systems, and serving as liaisons between farmer practices and technological developments. In this study, we offer a road map for increased agricultural sustainability that includes the efficient application of technological advancement, policies and plan that will support the intensification of sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Morphophysiological indicators, phenophase and cutting time in an irrigated forage cactus–sorghum intercropping system under strategies of agricultural resilience and agriculture biosaline

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate growth and development in an irrigated forage cactus–sorghum intercropping system under different strategies for improving agricultural resilience. The research was carried out from 2018 to 2020 in Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil, in four experiments in a randomized block design, each with four replications. The first experiment consisted of different configurations for the cactus–sorghum intercropping system (Orelha de Elefante Mexicana [OEM]‐single crop [SNG], IPA Sertânia [IPA]‐SNG, Miúda [MIU]‐SNG, OEM–SF11, OEM–Progenitor 288 [P.288], OEM–467, IPA–SF11, IPA–P.288, IPA–467, MIU–SF11, MIU–P.288 and MIU–467); in the second and third experiments, the cactus–sorghum system was planted under different planting densities (100,000; 50,000; 33,333; 25,000 and 20,000 plants ha−1 for forage cactus and 200,000 plants ha−1 for sorghum) in east–west and north–south orientations, respectively; and the fourth experiment consisted of different planting densities for the cactus and sorghum (50,000; 40,000; 33,333; and 28,571 plants ha−1 and 200,000; 160,000; 133,333; and 114,285 plants ha−1, respectively). The maximum values of the dry matter accumulation rate were observed in the cultivation configurations that contained the OEM clone and at the highest densities. The different cultivation configurations affected the duration and number of phenophases. The cutting time increases as the planting density increases (50,000 and 100,000 plants ha−1) and when the OEM clone is used.

Earth Observation based multi-scale analysis of crop diversity in the European Union: First insights for agro-environmental policies

Characterizing and quantifying crop diversity (“effective number of crops”) across scales is needed to understand a wide range of issues related to resilience of farms and the agricultural sector, the provision of ecosystem services, and ultimately to provide a scientific basis for effective agro-environmental policies. We use a novel European Union (EU) wide satellite-derived product at 10 m spatial resolution to produce datasets of crop diversity across spatial (1–100 km) and administrative scales for the year 2018. We focus on the 27 EU countries and the United Kingdom. We define local crop diversity (α-diversity) at the 1 km scale corresponding to large farms or clusters of small-to-medium sized farms. Across countries, the α crop diversity ranges from 2.3 to 4.4 with the highest levels achieved by systems dominated by a high number of small farms (less than 10 ha on average). Computed at grid level aggregation, γ-diversity (the number and area of crops that are grown independently from the precise location, for landscape region, and country levels) increases rapidly from 2.85 at 1 km to 3.86 at 10 km and levels off 4.27 at 100 km. Such diversity levels are higher than that reported for the U.S.A., likely related to differences in farm structure and practices. β-diversity, the ratio of γ and α diversity, provides a measure of the diversity between agroecosystems and ranges from 1.2 to 2.3 across EU countries. Based on the magnitude and change of γ-diversity across scales, we classify countries’ diversity in four groups with possible consequences for regional to national agro-environmental policy recommendations, in particular the monitoring activities and indicator development of interventions for the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU. Forthcoming annual high-resolution continental Copernicus crop type maps will facilitate temporal comparisons. Various ecosystem co-variates are to be explored for deeper understanding of the link of crop diversity to agro-ecosystem services.

Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors Impacting Resilience and Disturbances of Lithuanian Family Farms

Climate change, changes in the natural environment, changing markets, price volatility, etc. pose tension and threats to the future of European Union farms. The uncertain future of family farms requires farm resilience—the ability to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of turbulent change. The limited resilience of family farms has become an important concern for rural and agricultural policy. The main goal of this work is to identify disturbances affecting Lithuanian family farms, assess their influence, investigate the general resilience of Lithuanian family farms, propose measures to reduce the vulnerability of farms, and increase the general resilience and sustainability. We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to conduct the research. Survey research was conducted using a semi-structured expert interview in which various types of variables were collected. The survey questionnaire, consisting of 38 groups of questions, was sent by email to 500 randomly selected family farmers in January 2024 and collected in the same month. The statistical analysis of the data from the 205 duly filled-out questionnaires was carried out using correlation analysis. In this article, we apply the concept of general resilience of the family farm in the direction of robustness, adaptability, and transformability. We identify the main factors influencing the general resilience of the family farm and study the main attributes of the resilience of family farms. We find some links between family farm characteristics, vulnerability factors, and general resilience capabilities, and we make several proposals to increase family farms’ resilience. The obtained results prove that higher education, larger farm sizes, higher agricultural sales, and employment of permanent workers are associated with better resilience. Furthermore, increasing environmentally friendly practices positively impacts resilience. Older farms and farmers, longer durations of farming activity, and risk-averse behaviors tend to decrease resilience. Due to local and global circumstances, economic and social changes have occurred very quickly in recent years, so the results obtained in the study may not be valid in the long term. Similar surveys after several years will be necessary to study the resilience of Lithuanian farms, including deeper economic analyses that evaluate factors such as price sensitivity, the level of farm debt, and market access.

Climate change and income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): effects and transmission channels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the direct effect of climate change on income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the channels through which it spreads. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 38 countries, the authors specify and estimate a panel data model using the generalized least squares method over the period 1991–2020. Robustness is achieved through the generalized moment method-system. Findings The results show that an increase in vulnerability to climate change is positively and significantly associated with an increase in income inequality. The results also show that the effects of climate change are mediated by gross domestic product/capita, population and agriculture at the 15%, 17% and 24% thresholds, respectively. Research limitations/implications The authors suggest the implementation of inclusive development policies consistent with climate mitigation and adaptation objectives; the creation of financial spaces from various sources to finance the social security of the most vulnerable; and the strengthening of agricultural resilience to climate-related adverse events, including financing for greenhouse agriculture. Originality/value On the positive side, it contributes to the literature on the analysis of the direct and indirect effects (transmission channels) of climate change on income inequality in SSA. Methodologically, the study goes beyond previous work as it adopts a stepwise methodology, dealing with the endogeneity issue. At the logical level, it offers some non-exhaustive suggestions of potentially interesting economic policies to guide policymakers in their common commitment to “reduce income inequality” (Sustainable Development Goal 10, target 10.1).

Empowering Nueva Ecija’s Farmers through Microfinancing: A Blueprint for Enhancing Financial Literacy and Agricultural Resilience

This study examines the impact of microfinancing on the livelihoods of farmers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, with the ultimate goal of formulating a comprehensive financial literacy plan. By analyzing the profile, status, and future prospects of these farmers, the research highlights how microfinance is utilized as a critical tool for economic stability and growth within the agricultural sector. The study identifies significant barriers to accessing microfinancing, including stringent loan conditions and the seasonal uncertainties of farming, which often hinder timely loan repayments and financial planning. Findings suggest that while microfinance has the potential to substantially improve farmers' economic conditions, its effectiveness is currently limited by a lack of financial literacy, inadequate loan flexibility, and insufficient alignment with the specific needs of farmers. As a result, many farmers experience challenges in securing and managing microfinance, thereby affecting their productivity and economic resilience. In response, targeted interventions are proposed to enhance the financial literacy of farmers, coupled with recommendations for microfinance institutions to adapt their products and services to better meet the needs of the agricultural sector. These initiatives aim to empower farmers with the necessary skills and resources to optimize their financial decisions and improve their livelihoods sustainably. The study underscores the need for a collaborative approach involving government bodies, educational institutions, and financial organizations to foster a supportive ecosystem that enhances the viability and sustainability of farming communities in Nueva Ecija.

The Sweet Gains of Diversification: A Review of Intercropping Benefits in Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane farming, a cornerstone of the global sugar and bioenergy industries, has seen a surge in interest in recent years due to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. One such practice, intercropping, is becoming increasingly recognized for its potential to transform the dynamics of sugarcane cultivation. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security, the adoption of intercropping in sugarcane farming stands as a promising strategy. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of diversification in enhancing the resilience and prosperity of sugarcane farming while contributing to global agricultural sustainability. It underscores the pivotal role of intercropping in sugarcane cultivation, not only in augmenting crop yields and farmer livelihoods but also in fostering soil resilience and health.

Exploring Farmers Attitudes towards Climate Resilient Agricultural Technologies in Telangana State, India

Since the start of this century, there has been significant attention placed on climate change, largely due to its direct impact on ecosystems and agriculture, particularly affecting farmers in vulnerable regions. A descriptive research study was undertaken to explore the attitude of farmers towards climate resilient agricultural technologies in the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project implemented villages of Suryapet and Khammam districts of Telangana state, India. The ex-post facto research design was used in this study. A sample of 200 respondents from the two districts i.e. Suryapet and Khammam were randomly selected to assess the attitude of farmers towards these CRA technologies and also employed Z test to evaluate significant difference between the attitude of farmers in Suryapet and Khammam districts towards climate resilient technologies. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the Suryapet and Khammam (62.67% and 72.00%) farmers had highly favourable attitude towards CRA technologies which was followed by moderately favourable (35.33% and 28.00%) and less favourable (2.00% and 0.00%). On the whole, nearly two third (65.00%) of the respondents had highly favourable attitude towards CRA technologies which is considered as a precursor for adoption of these technologies by the farming community. By employing the Z-test it was observed that there was a difference between farmers' attitude in the Suryapet and Khammam districts where Khammam farmers were having slightly more favourable attitude when compared to Suryapet farmers. Therefore, the outcomes of this research study could assist extension organizations in effectively training and implementing climate-resilient technologies under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) initiative in the other villages.

Examining the confluence of climate change and conflicts on agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia

Climate-induced extreme weather events and conflicts are jointly contributing to disruptions in agricultural supply chains and destabilizing global food trade. Since the literature has identified that variations in climatic conditions hamper farming and animal raising, it is necessary to explore the consequences of climate change on crop and livestock exports in order to implement policies that mitigate the exposure and enhance exports. In this context, this study aims to examine the confluence of climate change and conflicts—internal and external—on agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia during 1985–2017. The evidence from the cointegration analysis verified the presence of a consistent long-run cointegration between the variables. The empirical results of the ARDL approach indicate that average rainfall enhances agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia in the short-run and long-run, while mean temperature particularly hampers agricultural exports in the long-run. Despite livestock production was found to be statistically insignificant, crop production positively contributes to agricultural exports. In addition, increases in rural population enhance both export categories in the short-run and long-run. A striking finding from the study indicates that internal and external conflicts decrease crop and animal exports in the long-run, although the coefficients of external conflicts were statistically insignificant. The long-run findings were validated using the FMOLS cointegration approach. Moreover, the causality findings demonstrate a unidirectional causality from agricultural exports to precipitation, temperature fluctuations, and internal conflicts. Furthermore, the study shows that agricultural labor Granger causes farm and livestock exports. To this end, this study recommends policymakers promote product diversification, foster sustainable land management practices, facilitate market access, and invest in resilient farming systems.

Innovative extension approaches for climate-smart agriculture: Building farmer resilience to environmental change

Innovative extension approaches for climate-smart agriculture: Building farmer resilience to environmental change

Developing Farmers’ Community Resilience in the Volcanic Area of Mount Merapi, Indonesia

Mount Merapi is one of the active stratovolcanoes in Indonesia, and its slopes are not only home to the powerful forces of nature but also to thriving communities of farmers. Many farmers' communities are found around the slopes of this mountain, relying on the fertile volcanic soil for their agricultural activities. This research was undertaken near Mount Merapi, approximately 4 km from the volcano peak, to investigate the resilience of farmers' communities in the face of Mount Merapi's potential disasters. It affects the farmer’s behavior, with the majority of residents being farmers. The primary objective of this study was to understand why and how these farmers’ communities demonstrate resilience in the wake of Mount Merapi's potential disasters. The qualitative approach was used in this research and the key informants were determined by using the purposive sampling technique. Data obtained were analyzed using an interactive data analysis model. The study identified three primary themes that significantly influenced the resilience of farmers' communities. The first theme encompasses social aspects, highlighting the importance of social capital, including strong social relations, trust, and community networks. The second theme revolves around economic factors, specifically business capital and the various forms of income within the farmers' communities. Lastly, the third theme focuses on environmental considerations, emphasizing the role of natural capital, particularly effective land use, as the most impactful in maximizing community resilience. Additionally, it was also found that the strong engagement among farmers within their communities made their resilience ability toward disaster highly formidable

Harnessing Soil Diversity: Innovative Strategies for Potato Blight Management in Central-Eastern Poland

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 and 2020, the study analyzed integrated and organic production systems across different soil types and potato varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications in two locations. Integrated production systems involve the strategic use of mineral fertilization and chemical protection to optimize crop growth and health, whereas organic production systems rely solely on natural inputs and biological pest control methods. Integrated practices, enhanced by mineral fertilization and chemical protection, notably delayed the onset of late blight by 16 days and extended the critical infection period by 17% compared to their organic counterparts. Remarkably, the integrated systems resulted in a 49% increase in total production and a 52% increase in commercial yields, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience. Different potato varieties exhibit varied responses to cultivation systems, influencing both yield and disease resistance. Further investigation into these varietal responses can help optimize cultivation practices, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability in potato farming. Location and soil conditions have a significant impact on potato yield and the spread of potato blight. Specific soil properties such as pH levels, organic matter content, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand composition), moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability are crucial in determining potato productivity and disease dynamics. Further research into these soil properties and the adaptation of varieties to local conditions can contribute to increased productivity and stability in potato production. This study not only paves the way toward sustainable agriculture but also highlights the crucial role of soil diversity in shaping resilient farming practices. Potato producers in the eastern-central region of Poland should implement integrated production systems using mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection, adapted to local soil conditions and potato varieties. These practices can delay the appearance of late blight and increase the total and marketable potato yield. Further research on soil properties and variety adaptation may increase production stability and efficiency. Promoting soil diversity and modern technologies will ensure resilient and sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change.

Ecological Adaptation and Sustainable Cultivation of Citrus reticulata by Applying Mixed Design Principles under Changing Climate in China

Climate change is heavily altering plant distributions, posing significant challenges to conventional agricultural practices and ecological balance. Meanwhile, mixed species planting emerges as a potent strategy to enhance agricultural resilience, counteract climate change, preserve ecological balance, and provide a solution to economic instability. The MaxEnt model was used to predict the suitable area of Citrus reticulata under five climate scenarios and to explore affecting environmental factors. Litchi chinensis, Punica granatum, and Lycium chinense were selected as mixed species to analyze the spatial distribution and centroid migration trend of potentially suitable areas. The research results show the following: (1) The primary environmental factors impacting C. reticulata distribution are annual precipitation (1000–4000 mm), precipitation of driest quarter over 100 mm, and mean temperature of coldest quarter (12–28 °C). Crucially, the mixed species exhibited similar environmental sensitivities, indicating mutual mixing suitability. (2) Currently, the C. reticulata suitable area is of 240.21 × 104 km2, primarily in South, East, Central, and Southwest China, with potential for expansion to 265.41 × 104 km2 under the 2090s SSP1-2.6 scenario. (3) The geometric center of the moderately-to-highly suitable areas for C. reticulata is located in Hunan Province. Future scenarios show the C. reticulata’s centroid migrating northwest, with distances of less than 110 km. Mixed planting trends toward higher latitudes, fluctuating from 6 km to 210 km. (4) Mixed planting area planning: C. reticulata and L. chinensis are suitable for mixed planting in South China. C. reticulata and P. granatum, C. reticulata and L. chinense are suitable for mixed planting in most areas of Central, East, Southwest, and South China. This research presents a new perspective on using mixed design principles for ecological adaptation and the sustainable mixed planting of C. reticulata, in response to China’s changing climate. This approach is expected to help the economic fruit tree industry enhance ecological resilience and economic stability in the face of future climate change challenges.