ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(a) Climate Change and Agriculture-Dependent Countries

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(a) Climate Change and Agriculture-Dependent Countries. Detailed answer discussing how climate change adversely affects agriculture and food security with relevant examples.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(a) Climate Change and Agriculture-Dependent Countries

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question

Q.2(a) “Climate change is likely to adversely affect certain countries dependent on agriculture.” Examine this statement citing relevant examples.

Answer :

Agriculture is highly sensitive to climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal cycles. Climate change disrupts these factors and poses serious challenges to agricultural productivity and food security.

One major impact is the increasing occurrence of droughts and water scarcity, which reduce crop yields and affect livestock production. Countries such as India, Ethiopia, and Sudan face significant risks due to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

Climate change also increases the frequency of floods, cyclones, and extreme weather events, causing crop damage and loss of agricultural income. For example, Bangladesh frequently experiences floods that affect agricultural land and food production.

Rising temperatures can reduce the productivity of major crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. In parts of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have already affected agricultural output.

Melting glaciers and altered river flows threaten irrigation systems in regions dependent on glacier-fed rivers, including parts of India, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Agriculture-dependent economies often have limited resources for adaptation, making rural communities more vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.

To address these challenges, countries must adopt climate-resilient agriculture, improve irrigation efficiency, promote drought-resistant crop varieties, and strengthen disaster preparedness measures.

Conclusion

Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture-dependent countries by affecting crop production, water availability, and rural livelihoods. Sustainable agricultural practices and climate adaptation strategies are essential for ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.