Climate change is reshaping temperature and rainfall patterns in Venezuela, threatening crop yields and smallholder livelihoods. Below, we explore its key impacts and how sustainable farming practices can help mitigate them.
🌡️ Key Impacts on Crop Production
- Rising temperatures: increase evapotranspiration, lower soil moisture, and induce heat stress in maize, coffee, and vegetables.
- More frequent droughts: reduce reservoir levels and water availability, undermining traditional irrigation.
- Extreme events: heavy rains and cold snaps damage fields, compact soils, and boost erosion.
- Pests and diseases: warmer, variable conditions expand the range of insect pests and fungal pathogens.
♻️ Sustainable Mitigation Practices
- Permanent ground cover
– Use mulch or cover crops to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. - Agroforestry systems
– Integrate native trees to shade crops, improve microclimate, and sequester carbon. - Efficient irrigation
– Implement drip systems and rainwater harvesting to ensure water during droughts. - Resilient varieties
– Plant heat-, drought-, and disease-tolerant seed varieties. - Rotation and diversification
– Alternate crops to break pest cycles and maintain soil fertility.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions about Climate Change & Agriculture
How does extreme heat impact crops?
It causes water stress, lowers photosynthesis, and can cut yields by up to 30 %.
Which crops are most vulnerable?
High-altitude coffee, certain fruit trees, and heat-sensitive vegetables.
Does agroforestry improve microclimate?
Yes—trees moderate temperature, boost water infiltration, and enhance biodiversity.
How much water does drip irrigation save?
Up to 50 % compared to furrow irrigation by delivering water directly to roots.
Where to find climate-adapted seeds?
At germplasm banks in universities (ULA, LUZ) and Agroecological Mission programs.