A spatially explicit assessment of the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change in the Union of the Comoros.
Abstract
Located between Mozambique and Madagascar, the Union of the Comoros is one of the most poor countries of the world. Its very high dependence on the agricultural sector coupled with a population and a lack of governance has led the country to poor management of natural resources and significant land degradation. In addition, the country faces environmental risks such as drought, soil erosion and flooding. Characterized by two growing seasons and a favourable microclimate agriculture, there is a real potential for increasing production of banana (Musa acuminata), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). With the aim of improving food security and generating income opportunities for the rural poor, analysis of value chains of these three cultures is considered as one of the projects of the International Agricultural Development (IFAD). The study aims to characterize the impacts of climate change on these value chains and uses the spatial approach associated with GIS tools to provide preliminary recommendations on how to manage climate risks and increase the resilience of smallholder farmers.