Drought, agriculture and climate change in Small Island Developing States

Agriculture is one of the sectors that is most vulnerable to climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and meteorological, agricultural and hydrological drought have direct negative impacts on agricultural systems, resulting in increased food insecurity and poverty.

This is especially true among smallholder subsistence farmers. Effective adaptation to climate change is crucial for building more resilient food systems.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and many are already affected by escalating climate shocks, including drought. 

While we have a relatively high level of understanding of the risks SIDS face from hazards such as tropical storms and sea level rise, we know less about the risks they face from drought.

How will drought impact their agricultural systems, food systems and poverty levels as the climate changes? How might SIDS address drought risks effectively as the impacts of climate change intensify?

What is IIED doing?

IIED is working to assess the climate change vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities of agricultural systems across a number of SIDS. Through this assessment, IIED is working to identify a range of possible solutions to drought risk in agricultural systems.

Through country-level consultations, regional workshops and an analysis of existing tools, frameworks and global datasets, IIED will identify drought vulnerable SIDS across Caribbean, Pacific and Africa, take stock of current adaptation priorities and actions for addressing drought and, through a multi-stakeholder process, plan future adaptation measures for climate-resilient agriculture.