
Environmental Studies and Forestry
Climate change and food security in Sri Lanka: towards food sovereignty
M. S. Gunaratne, R. B. R. Firdaus, et al.
This study conducted by Mahinda Senevi Gunaratne, R. B. Radin Firdaus, and Shamila Indika Rathnasooriya delves into the pressing food security and climate change challenges faced by Sri Lanka. It highlights how embracing food sovereignty can mitigate these impacts in a country heavily affected by global climate issues.
Playback language: English
Introduction
Climate change significantly impacts agriculture and food security globally. The FAO (2016) notes prolonged impacts, with a projected 60% increase in global food demand by 2050. Agriculture, while capable of carbon dioxide absorption, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions (24% in 2010, 34% in 2015, according to Tubiello et al., 2014 and Crippa et al., 2021). The Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food (2014) highlighted drawbacks of current food security processes and proposed agroecological techniques and small-scale farming to improve sustainability and resilience. Sri Lanka is particularly vulnerable, experiencing severe droughts and floods impacting food production (Coslet et al., 2017; Eckstein et al., 2019). These events cause significant economic losses (Siriwardana et al., 2018; UNDRR, 2019) and threaten food security through heat stress and rainfall anomalies (Sathischandra et al., 2014). The study defines food security through its four dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability (FAO, 2006; World Food Summit, 1996; FAO, 2008). In contrast, food sovereignty emphasizes the right of people to define their own food systems, prioritizing producers and consumers over market demands (Nyeleni, 2007a, 2007b; La Via Campesina, 2018). This study aims to map the interrelation between climate change, food security, and food systems; elaborate on food sovereignty's contribution to securing people's and nature's rights; and understand the establishment of these concepts in Sri Lankan development discourse to determine a way forward.
Literature Review
The literature review examined the interconnectedness of climate change and food security, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Existing literature showed that while global food production has increased significantly, hunger and malnutrition persist. The review also explored the concept of food sovereignty as an alternative development path gaining traction in international forums. Food sovereignty's six pillars (Nyeleni, 2007b; La Via Campesina, 2018) were examined. The review found that the conventional food security approach mainly focuses on food availability, neglecting accessibility and utilization. Existing literature highlighted the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture in Sri Lanka, affecting rice production (Ratnasiri et al., 2019), and the vulnerability of fisheries and livestock. The review also discussed the concept of food sovereignty as a response to the limitations of conventional food security approaches, particularly concerning the rights of small-scale food producers and the need for more holistic and sustainable food systems. It also explored the application of food sovereignty principles and practices globally, showcasing successful examples from various countries.
Methodology
This mixed-methods study utilized a narrative literature review and in-depth interviews. The literature review screened 378 documents, ultimately analyzing 170 relevant publications on climate change, food security, food sovereignty, agroecology, and sustainable development. Databases included Google Scholar, Elsevier, JSTOR, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and Kopernio. The review was conducted in two stages: (1) to establish a global understanding of the concepts, and (2) to assess their application in the Sri Lankan context. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with social activists, farmer organization leaders, agricultural practitioners, and experts involved in climate change, food security, and food sovereignty. Participants were purposively selected for their unique expertise and experience. Interviews, lasting approximately 45 minutes, were semi-structured, conducted in Sinhala (translated from English), and tape-recorded with informed consent. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Ethical approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Key Findings
The study found a significant decline in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector's contribution to GDP (from 33.53% in 1974 to 7.24% in 2019), despite an increase in agricultural land area. While Sri Lanka produces approximately 80% of its food requirements locally, imports account for a substantial portion (65%). Climate change significantly impacts agricultural productivity, with drastic changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, and temperatures affecting food security. Sri Lanka's ranking in the Global Food Security Index (66th out of 113 in 2019) reflects these challenges. Studies highlight the negative impacts of temperature increases on rice production (Ratnasiri et al., 2019; Seo et al., 2005) and the positive effects of increased rainfall, but these are offset by other negative factors. Home gardens demonstrate resilience due to biodiversity strategies (Landreth and Saito, 2014; Yapa, 2018; Mattsson et al., 2018; Weerahewa et al., 2012). However, malnutrition, income inequality, inefficient food systems, and policy gaps remain significant concerns (South Asia Policy and Research Institute, 2017; APWLD, 2011; Siriwardana et al., 2018). The interviews revealed that climate change impacts disproportionately affect small-scale food producers, causing crop failures, biodiversity loss, increased agrochemical use, and reduced access to food (Table 1). Existing adaptation practices (Table 2), primarily water conservation, use of drought-resistant crops, and soil conservation measures, are prevalent among small-scale farmers. Despite efforts to increase food production, challenges persist related to malnutrition, poverty, and regional disparities. The fisheries sector, a significant source of protein, is also vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable practices (Wickramasinghe, 2010; Amarasinghe and De Silva, 2018; Arunatilake et al., 2008; Sosai, 2015; The World Bank, 2017; Ibrahim, 2020). The food sovereignty concept, introduced to Sri Lanka primarily by MONLAR (Box 1), challenges the current market-oriented approach. Ecological agriculture, based on agroecological principles, is presented as a viable alternative (Delgado, 2008; FAO, 2018; Ching, 2018; Ortega-Espes and Finch, 2018; Schaller, 2013). Examples of successful agroecological initiatives such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India (Bharucha et al., 2020; Khadse et al., 2018; Tripathi et al., 2018) and initiatives in other countries, illustrate the potential of food sovereignty (Table 3). The study emphasizes the need for policy reforms and structural changes to achieve food sovereignty in Sri Lanka (Table 4).
Discussion
The findings highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift from conventional agriculture to a food sovereignty approach in Sri Lanka. The interconnectedness of climate change, food security, and the limitations of current development strategies is evident. The study demonstrates that the food sovereignty framework, with its emphasis on local control, agroecological practices, and the rights of small-scale food producers, offers a more sustainable and equitable path towards food security. The success of initiatives like ZBNF in India showcases the transformative potential of agroecological movements when coupled with supportive policies and institutional frameworks. The study emphasizes that a transition to food sovereignty requires not only changes in agricultural practices but also systemic changes in policies, governance structures, and societal values. It calls for addressing the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to food insecurity and inequality.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the urgent need to transition towards food sovereignty in Sri Lanka to address the challenges of climate change and food insecurity. The research highlights the limitations of the current market-oriented approach and the potential of agroecological practices and food sovereignty to promote sustainable and equitable food systems. Further research is needed to explore specific policy interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and the role of diverse stakeholders in achieving food sovereignty in the Sri Lankan context. Collaboration among academics, policymakers, and community organizations is crucial for effective implementation.
Limitations
The study's reliance on a limited number of in-depth interviews might limit the generalizability of findings. The focus on Sri Lanka may not fully capture the nuances of food sovereignty in other contexts. Future research could expand the sample size of interviews, incorporate quantitative data, and conduct comparative studies across different regions and countries. The focus on English-language publications may have excluded relevant research in other languages.
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