How Should We Prepare for So Much Uncertainty?
Take some time to understand your weaknesses when dealing with contingencies. Identify local vulnerabilities, including those specific to your farm. Ask yourself, “Are my crops more sensitive to droughts, heavy rains, strong winds or heat waves?”
Develop a strategic plan to help you better respond to extreme weather events. By anticipating such events, you will already be one step ahead when the time comes. Plan for the future and mentally prepare to adjust your habits and methods because unfortunately, your previous “tried and tested” way of farming will no longer be as reliable.
Last but not least, get involved with your town, agricultural community and professional associations. Challenges of this magnitude cannot be faced alone. Keep yourself informed about innovative farming practices by attending lectures or training events. And don’t forget to share your knowledge, successes and mistakes with your network! Working together is the key to overcome the trials ahead.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the three watchwords for farmers across the globe are resilience, adaptation and mitigation. Why not use these words as a mantra for the years to come?
*According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 99% chance that 2024 will rank among the top five warmest years since 1850.
Sources:
• 2023 was the world’s warmest year on record, by far, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2024. • Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2022. • El Niño expected to last at least until April 2024, World Meteorological Organization, 2023.