2009年-世界发展银行全球_Dominican_Republic_-_Country_Note_on_Climate_Change_Aspects_in_Agriculture_11页_2mb

Dominican Republic: Climate Change and Agriculture

Core Content Overview

The Dominican Republic is a country in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) that has submitted one national communication to the UNFCCC and is preparing a second. The country faces significant climate-related challenges, particularly in agriculture, and has implemented various policies and initiatives to address both mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Main Points

1. Climate Context

• Agricultural Land Use: Approximately 68% of the country's land is used for agriculture (51% pasture, 17% cultivation), and 28% is used for forestry.
• Climate Projections:
  • Temperature is projected to increase from 26.2°C in 2010 to 29.6°C by 2100.
  • Precipitation is expected to decrease by 11% by 2030, 23% by 2030, and 57% by 2100.
  • Sea levels are expected to rise by 1.47-13.55 cm by 2010, 3.77-26.73 cm by 2030, 6.53-47.27 cm by 2050, and 12.71-105.67 cm by 2100.
• Environmental Constraints: The country faces challenges such as dry/cold areas, low soil suitability, erratic rainfall, steep slopes, and severe land degradation.
• Climate Impacts on Agriculture: Agriculture is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, especially storms. Historical events like Hurricane Mitch (1998) and Tropical Storm Noel (2007) have caused significant crop losses.

2. Policy Context

• National Climate Change Communication: The Dominican Republic has submitted one national communication to the UNFCCC and is preparing a second, which will include adaptation measures for various sectors and a national adaptation plan for agriculture.
• National Climate Change Program: Initiated in 2000 with funding from the GEF, it aimed at preparing the First National Communication.
• Regional Initiatives:
  • Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC): Coordinates regional climate change data and provides policy advice.
  • Association of Caribbean States: Supports disaster preparedness and relief through various projects.
  • Red Cross-Caribbean: Focuses on disaster preparedness and resilience through community-based initiatives.

3. Institutional Context

• National Council for Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism (CNCCMDL): Created in 2008, it is the focal point for the country's climate change commitments and represents the Designated National Authority (DNA) for the CDM.
• Key Agricultural Institutions:
  • Ministry of Agriculture (SEA): Formulates and directs national agricultural policy.
  • National Weather Office (ONAMET): Provides weather forecasts and climate change reports.
  • National Institute for Water Resources (INDRHI): Manages water resources and irrigation systems.
• Capacity Building: The country has developed a national GHG inventory for 1990 and 1994, including agricultural and land-use change data.

4. Mitigation Measures

• Agriculture's Contribution to Emissions: Agriculture contributes only 1% of total GHG emissions, but is responsible for 38% of methane emissions (mainly from enteric fermentation) and 86% of nitrous oxide emissions (from soil use).
• Forestry and Land Use Change:
  • The sector absorbs 6,633.17 Gg CO₂ in 1994, representing a 17% increase from 1990.
  • Deforestation rates have dropped to nil since 1990 due to increased forest fire control and reduced clearing for agriculture.
  • Reforestation programs such as "Plan Quisqueya Verde" aim to restore degraded areas and improve forest management.
• Livestock:
  • Livestock accounts for 87% of total methane emissions from agriculture.
  • 94% of methane emissions are from enteric fermentation, while 6% are from manure handling.
• Carbon Trading:
  • The Dominican Republic has only one registered CDM project, not in the agricultural sector.
  • It is the first Caribbean country to join the Methane to Markets Partnership.

5. Adaptation Measures

• Land Management:
  • Adaptation strategies include sustainable agriculture, conservation tillage, and the development of drought-resistant crop varieties.
  • A framework for drought adaptation is under development, including early warning systems and zoning for crops based on land suitability.
• Water Use:
  • Agriculture accounts for 81% of freshwater withdrawals.
  • 17.2% of agricultural land is irrigated, higher than the LAC average but lower than the Central America and Caribbean average.
  • Adaptation measures include improved water storage, no-till practices, and the use of shallow water pumps in drought-affected areas.
• Social Aspects:
  • Rural populations, especially in border regions with Haiti, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to poverty, lack of infrastructure, and exposure to natural disasters.
  • The Human Development Report 2009 indicates high inequality (Gini coefficient of 0.52), with 44.5% of the population living below the poverty line.
  • Several projects aim to improve rural livelihoods through crop diversification and access to financing.
• Insurance Instruments:
  • Agricultural insurance was introduced in 1984 through AGRODOSA, a public-private entity.
  • The government subsidizes up to 50% of insurance premiums.
  • The Solidarity Program provides conditional cash transfers and food subsidies.
  • IFAD and WFP are exploring index-based insurance as a pilot project to support farmers during food crises.

Key Information

• Emissions Data: Agriculture contributes 1% of total GHG emissions, but has a significant share in methane (38%) and nitrous oxide (86%).
• Land Use: Reforestation and land management are critical for both mitigation and adaptation.
• Climate Vulnerability: The country is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, especially in agricultural regions.
• Institutional Support: The CNCCMDL, SEA, ONAMET, and INDRHI are central to climate change policy and adaptation in agriculture.
• Adaptation Strategies: Focus on sustainable practices, early warning systems, and water management.
• Social and Economic Impact: Rural populations, particularly in the border region with Haiti, are the most vulnerable and require targeted support.
• Insurance: AGRODOSA provides agricultural insurance with government subsidies, and there is ongoing interest in index-based insurance.

Conclusion

The Dominican Republic has taken steps to address climate change in the agricultural sector, including policy development, institutional coordination, and adaptation strategies. While the country has limited CDM projects in agriculture, it has initiated reforestation programs and is exploring new insurance mechanisms to support farmers. Continued efforts in capacity building, sustainable land and water management, and social interventions are essential for enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.