A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides an eye-opening assessment of the global consequences of disasters on the agricultural sector and food security. Over the past three decades, the agricultural sector has experienced staggering losses, totaling approximately $3.8 trillion (equivalent to around €3.6 trillion).
Diverse Contributors to Agricultural Losses
Nearly half of these immense costs can be attributed to droughts, a persistent challenge faced by many regions. Additionally, floods, storms, pests, health crises, and conflicts also significantly contribute to the growing impact on agriculture.
Unprecedented Damage in Agriculture
The report underscores that disasters are causing unprecedented levels of damage and loss in the agricultural sector worldwide. The increasing severity and frequency of these events are alarming, with around 400 disasters per year in the past two decades, compared to approximately 100 per year in the 1970s. These disasters affect various dimensions of agrofood systems, jeopardizing food security and undermining the sustainability of the agriculture sector.
Hardest-Hit Region and Global Losses
The Asian region faces the most significant impact, but globally, the average annual losses amount to a staggering 116 billion euros. This is equivalent to 5% of the annual agricultural gross domestic product, nearly equal to the combined losses experienced in Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
African Challenges and Vulnerabilities
However, losses appear to be particularly significant in various parts of Africa when compared to estimated counterfactual production. Eastern, Northern, and Western Africa are particularly affected. Africa faces an additional challenge as it experiences 70 percent of all global wildland fires, making it particularly vulnerable to climate-related hazards.
Escalating Impact with Climate Change
The FAO highlights a substantial increase in the number of disasters, from around a hundred per year in the 1970s to approximately 400 in recent times. With climate change looming on the horizon, these impacts are anticipated to intensify, further exacerbating existing social and environmental vulnerabilities. This report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for global efforts to address disaster resilience in the agriculture sector and safeguard food security in the face of mounting challenges.