Socio-economic Implications of Drought in the Caribbean

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Introduction

Broad Topic: Drought

Narrowed Topic: The economic cost/value of drought on the agricultural sector.

Research Question: What are the socio-economic implications of drought on Jamaica’s Agricultural sector?

Over 2.5 billion people worldwide are dependent on agriculture. Why is agriculture important in Jamaica? Agriculture provides employment, it helps to reduce the country’s trade deficit, increases food security and it earns foreign exchange, (JAMPRO, 2017). In 2012, agriculture accounted for 6.8 percent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product and made up 33 percent of the labour force. Agriculture is very sensitive to climate variations, and one such is drought, which results in lower crop yields and diseases. Due to the effect of drought on agricultural production, farmers lose their harvest and livelihoods, the population is exposed to high food prices on the market and the most vulnerable face food insecurity, (Institute for Environment and Human Security). According to the National Weather Service, drought is a period of abnormally dry weather, sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to cause a serious hydrologic imbalance in affected areas. In crucial times like now when climate change is in full effect, drought has become more frequent and severe. Some of the causes of drought include heavily populated lands, inadequate planning, climate change, and poor agricultural methods, (ODPEM). In order to assess the impact of drought on the agricultural sector, an analysis of the social and economic implications are quantified

This research aims to enhancing one’s knowledge of climate variations, more specifically drought and the impacts it has on the agriculture sector. Drought has been an issue for decades and most individuals including myself are unaware of its damaging effects socially and economically. This research will spark conversation amongst individuals resulting in a more informed and aware populous. The recent drought faced by Jamaica up until a few weeks ago, has forced the government and other organizations to pump millions into the agriculture sector to make up for damages and losses sustained since June 2019.

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This paper is suitable for a general educated audience; upon completion, we hope that the readers will gain knowledge on:

  • The social and economic impacts of drought on agriculture
  • How can we adapt to climate variations (drought)
  • The importance of drought mitigation

Literature Review

Drought causes a rippling effect on a country’s economy; it affects agriculture on a wider scale and the Tourism and Health sector on a smaller scale. A study done in Texas showed that the agriculture sector incurred losses of approximately 7.62 billion in 2011 due to severe drought. In that same year, over 106,000 agriculture jobs were lost: social effects of the drought such as reduced income amounted to 3 billion. In 2005-2009, agriculture in Texas contributed 6.1 billion to the economy. Ziolkowska (2016)

The effects of drought are quite noticeable, from abandoned agriculture lands to withered fruits and vegetables.

Methodology

This thesis makes use of qualitative research strategy, in the sense that majority of the information was gathered from articles, journals, newspapers, case studies and various reliable online sources.

Analysis

Drought causes major disruption in our daily lives and production; water is a very important part of our well-being and the greatest means of survival. With the frequent occurrence of drought in the Caribbean, the agriculture sector faces serious social and economic outcome, (FAO, 2019). Drought is consider an expensive natural disaster because of its major impact on society. In another report from FAO, over a 10 year span (2005-2015) drought has cost the Caribbean in excess of 13 billion USD. The social impact of drought include anxiety/depression due to economic losses, health problems related to limited and poor water quality and dust and migration, (National Drought Mitigation Center, 2019).

· Mental Illnesses

Drought causes financial struggle amongst farmers and their families. The losses sustained are so high which makes them unable to recuperate; losing your main source of income and survival is a major stress factor, which increases the possibility of developing a mental illness such as anxiety and/or depression, (Sartore, Kelly and Stain, 2019). In an article by (Austin et al., 2019), it was founded that extensive periods of drought causes both mental and physical health disorders. Further studies revealed that farmers under 35 years whose livelihood was strictly farming experienced more stress than farmers who had other streams of income.

· Health Problems

The health implications are quiet severe and varies, the decrease in the air and water quality causes serious health problems such as respiratory infections (pneumonia and bronchitis), viruses/bacteria and gastrointestinal illnesses. Scarcity of freshwater sources could limit Jamaica’s social and economic development. It would affect local sectors, which include agriculture and domestic usage which account for 75% and 17% respectively of local water demand, (CDC, 2019). Water contamination and exhaustion is the main effect of drought. Drought has been associated with a number of illnesses and disease; individuals who receive water privately from wells and underground facilities are at a higher risk of illnesses related to drought. The threats of other infectious diseases arise when surface water and other water sources is contaminated, (GlobalChange.gov, 2019). To prevent the usage of contaminated water and make up for the lack thereof, in 2018, the government allotted 30 million dollars for the transfer of water to the parishes of Clarendon, Portland, St. Mary, St. Catherine and St. Elizabeth, (Jamaica Information Service, 2018).

· Migration

Severe drought forces farm families to move away from their homes to search for better lives. This causes vulnerability in areas experiencing drought since majority of the young and working population are forced to leave, as a result production and development in that region decreases. Migrating from rural to urban areas forces women to find jobs outside of faming in order to sustain their lives. Studies have shown that individuals who migrate are often victimized and causes an increase in violence, (Phys.Org, 2018).

The economic impacts of drought is mainly focus on how farmers, businesses and the government loses money. These include but are not limited to bush-fires, farmers spending more money, hike in food prices, businesses and industries that are dependent on agriculture encounter losses and there is an increase in unemployment.

Conclusion

Is it easier for the government to provide funding for farmers during droughts, or is it best to mitigate and adapt which will eventually cost less? Since post-independence, agriculture has been the driving force in Jamaica’s economy as it contributes to employment and GDP. However, as time progressed the agriculture sector failed to do the same, mainly because of poor decision-making and since lately, climate change. Climate change has caused an increase in the frequency and severity of drought. Drought and agriculture are not a good combination for successful production. Drought threatens food security, causes a decline in businesses that profit from agriculture, increase in health issues and reduces household incomes that are dependent on farming.

The effects of drought are very costly to both farmers and the government. In 2016, the estimated losses in agriculture was 8 billion.

Limitations

The aim of this research was to assess the social and economic impacts of drought specifically to the agriculture sector. However, there were a few setbacks. These include:

  • Drought is hard to define and measure
  • Accessing information specific to the research area was difficult to find.
  • The timeframe to carry out the research was short.
  • The social and economic impacts of drought is hardly explore and most literature focused on the farmers at large.
  • Some useful information that could strengthen the literature came at a cost.
  • Difficulty placing a figure on the social impacts, the figures given were general and not specific.

Recommendations

Drought is not new to agriculture. However, as climate change comes into play the impacts have worsen. Many practices are adaptable in farming to make the sector more reliable and resilient to drought, some of which include but not limited to

  • Improve agricultural infrastructure ( water saving irrigation systems, water management and building on-farm water storage such as ponds)
  • Variety in crop cultivation.
  • Establishment of food storage facilities ( to ensure food security when agricultural output is scarce)
  • Usage of improved technologies for soil conservation
  • Diversifying crop rotation
  • Agroforestry- This is the management and integration of trees, crops and livestock on the same land. This helps to control runoff and soil erosion, thereby reducing losses of water, soil material, organic matter and nutrients
  • Undertaking research and communication to educate the public
  • Reforestation and promoting the use of cleaner technologies.

References

  1. 4.5 Droughts | Climate and Health Assessment. (2019). Retrieved from https://health2016.globalchange.gov/extreme-events/content/droughts
  2. 5 Facts on Drought – Institute for Environment and Human Security. (2019). Retrieved 26 November 2019, from https://ehs.unu.edu/news/news/5-facts-on-drought.html
  3. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN JAMAICA. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.mona.uwi.edu/physics/sites/default/files/physics/uploads/ECLAC%20CC%20and%20Jamaica%20Agriculture.pdf
  4. Austin, E., Handley, T., Kiem, A., Rich, J., Lewin, T., & Askland, H. et al. (2019). Drought‐related stress among farmers: findings from the Australian Rural Mental Health Study. Retrieved from https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/209/4/drought-related-stress-among-farmers-findings-australian-rural-mental-health
  5. Drought, conflict and migration in Kenya. (2018). Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2018-09-drought-conflict-migration-kenya.html
  6. FAO – News Article: Disasters causing billions in agricultural losses, with drought leading the way. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1106977/icode/
  7. Gov’t Allocates $30 Million to Alleviate Drought Conditions – Jamaica Information Service. (2018). Retrieved from https://jis.gov.jm/govt-allocates-30-million-to-alleviate-drought-conditions/
  8. Health Implications of Drought | CDC. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/drought/implications.htm
  9. How Does Drought Affect Our Lives? (2019). Retrieved from https://drought.unl.edu/Education/DroughtforKids/DroughtEffects.aspx
  10. Sartore, G., Kelly, B., & Stain, H. (2019). Drought and its effect on mental health. Retrieved from https://www.racgp.org.au/afpbackissues/2007/200712/200712Sartore.pdf
  11. The Effects of Drought on Recreation and Wilderness. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/droughtrecreationwilderness2018o320with508.pdf
  12. What is meant by the term drought? Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/bmx/kidscorner_drought
  13. Ziolkowska, J. (2016). Socio-Economic Implications of Drought in the Agricultural Sector and the State Economy. Economies, 4(4), 19. doi: 10.3390/economies403001

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