2009年-世界发展银行全球_Venezuela_-_Country_Note_on_Climate_Change_Aspects_in_Agriculture_8页_2mb

Summary of Venezuela's Climate Change and Agriculture Context

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the relationship between climate change and agriculture in Venezuela, highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate impacts, its policy and institutional frameworks, and the potential for mitigation and adaptation measures.

Main Points

1. Climate Context

• Agricultural Land Use: Approximately 25% of Venezuela's land is used for agriculture (22% for pasture and 3% for cultivation), with 54% covered by forests.
• Climate Projections:
  • Temperature Increase: Expected to rise by 1–2°C by 2060, which could negatively affect plant biological functions and soil nutrient dynamics.
  • Precipitation Decrease: Southern states like Bolivar may experience a 20% reduction in precipitation by 2060 compared to 1990 levels.
  • Dry Climate Expansion: The area with dry climate is projected to increase from 39% to 47% of the total territory by 2060, posing a significant threat to agriculture.
• Environmental Constraints: The country faces challenges such as low soil suitability, erratic rainfall, steep slopes, and land degradation.

2. Policy Context

• National Communications: Venezuela has submitted one National Communication to the UNFCCC and is preparing a second.
• First National Communication:
  • Established the First National GHG Inventory with 1999 as the base year.
  • Includes vulnerability studies and mitigation opportunities.
• Climate Change Plans: The Ministry of Environment (MINAMB) oversees national commitments to climate change initiatives.
• Agricultural Sector Initiatives: The Ministry of Agriculture and Land (MPPAT) is responsible for agricultural policy and sustainable rural development.

3. Institutional Context

• Key Institutions:
  • DGCH (General Directorate of Watersheds): Manages the largest climatic, hydrometric, and hydro-geological network in the country.
  • DGB (General Directorate for Forests): Oversees national forest policy and is important for CDM projects.
  • INIA (National Institute for Agricultural Research): Conducts research on climate change and its agricultural impacts.
• Capacity Building: Initiatives like Mision Árbol aim to increase reforestation and promote sustainable practices.

4. Mitigation Measures

• Forestry and Land Use Change:
  • The sector absorbs CO₂ due to natural vegetation regeneration.
  • Mision Árbol has reforested around 26,000 hectares between 2005 and 2007.
  • The initiative includes the creation of conservationist committees, greenhouses, and reforestation goals.
• Livestock:
  • Responsible for 27% of total methane emissions, primarily from enteric fermentation in cattle.
• Carbon Trading:
  • Venezuela has no registered CDM projects in the agricultural sector.
  • The BioCarbon Fund offers potential for carbon sequestration and conservation in land use and forestry projects.

5. Adaptation Measures

• Land Management:
  • Adaptation strategies include developing heat-resistant and drought-tolerant crop varieties, implementing no-till agriculture, and promoting organic farming.
  • Yield decreases are expected by 2020 for corn (4.4%), caraota (13.4%), and rice (4.4%) due to climate change.
• Water Use:
  • 94.3% of agriculture is rainfed, making it highly vulnerable to climate variations.
  • Adaptation measures include creating a Water Policy, implementing irrigation efficiency, and organizing rural communities for better water management.
• Social Aspects:
  • Rural communities are highly dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to climate change.
  • Small farmers are responsible for most agricultural production and face financial constraints due to the collapse of agricultural credit institutions in the 1990s.
  • Programs like Mision Che Guevara and Banmujer provide technical education and micro-credit support to rural populations, focusing on women's empowerment and sustainable development.

6. Insurance Instruments

• Agricultural Insurance: Introduced in 1998, it is offered by six private companies and covers 12 crops against 5 risks (drought, floods, fire, wind, lightning).
• Coverage: Only 18,000 hectares of cropland are insured, representing 0.5% of total cropland.

Key Information

• GHG Emissions: Agriculture accounts for 96.1% of nitrous oxide emissions and 28.3% of methane emissions in Venezuela.
• LUCF Emissions: Land use change and forestry result in net CO₂ absorption due to natural regeneration.
• Vulnerability Indicators:
  • Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
  • Rainfed cropland (% of total cropland)
  • Water usage in agriculture (% of total annual fresh water withdrawals)
  • Uninsured cropland (% of total cultivated land area)
  • Soil degradation (% of total land)
  • Risk of extreme weather events (index; annual average 1997–2006)

Conclusion

Venezuela is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly in agriculture. The country has taken steps to address these challenges through policy development, institutional coordination, and specific adaptation and mitigation initiatives. However, there is a need for further investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices, improved water management, and the development of insurance mechanisms to protect against climate-related risks. The lack of CDM projects in the agricultural sector presents an opportunity for exploring carbon trading and sustainable land use practices.