agriculture
Newsletter
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Maasai pastoralists turn to fish farming as drought decimates cattle
A devastating drought in Kenya has killed millions of livestock, forcing Maasai and other pastoralist communities to explore alternative livelihoods like fish farming and camel rearing.
Zelipha Kirobi, Desmond Tiro, and Evelyne Musambi report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The prolonged drought in Kenya has killed more than 2.6 million livestock, pushing pastoralists to reconsider their reliance on cattle.
- The Maasai and other herders are turning to fish farming and camels, which are more drought-resistant, to cope with climate change.
- The Kajiado government supports fish farming as a new source of income for pastoralists, with over 600 families participating.
Key quote:
“We never used to live near lakes and oceans, so fish was very foreign for us. We grew up seeing our elders eat cows and goats.”
— Kelena ole Nchoi, Maasai Council of Elders chair
Why this matters:
Shifting climates threaten traditional livelihoods, forcing communities to adapt to new sources of income and food. This transformation highlights the broader impacts of global climate change on cultural practices and food security.
Related: Maasai livelihoods at stake as conservation efforts expand in Tanzania
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Newsletter
Examining Tim Walz's agricultural ties, climate record
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, faces scrutiny over his climate policies despite strong agricultural ties.
In short:
- Gov. Tim Walz's agricultural policies have earned him praise from climate advocates, but his support for ethanol and factory farming raises environmental concerns.
- Walz's legislative work, including the SOIL Stewardship Act, highlights his efforts to promote sustainable farming by improving soil health and carbon sequestration.
- Critics point to Walz's support for emissions-intensive agricultural practices, such as ethanol production, which conflicts with his environmental advocacy.
Key quote:
"On biofuels he’s indistinguishable from all the other Republicans and Democrats in Midwestern states, which is bowing at the altar of almighty corn."
— Ferd Hoefner, former policy director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Why this matters:
Ethanol, often touted as a greener alternative to fossil fuels, still poses challenges in terms of its actual carbon dioxide emissions and the extensive land use required for corn production, the primary source of ethanol in the United States. Meanwhile, factory farming, known for its efficiency in meeting global food demands, continues to be a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and often involves practices that can lead to deforestation, water pollution and biodiversity loss.
Related:
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Newsletter
Florida farmland faces threats from development and climate change
Florida's agricultural land is rapidly shrinking due to increasing development and climate change, jeopardizing the state's position as a major supplier of fresh winter produce in the United States.
In short:
- Florida's farms, which provide a large portion of the nation's winter produce, are at risk of being converted to residential and commercial uses by 2070.
- Climate change and rising sea levels also threaten Florida's agricultural land, potentially reducing the state's capacity to produce fruits and vegetables.
- Florida farmers face financial pressure due to competition with Mexican imports and lack sufficient legal protection against land conversion.
Key quote:
“Once farmland is converted to a neighborhood, it can’t reverse back. If you lose farmland, it is gone.”
— Zhengfei Guan, agricultural economist
Why this matters:
The loss of Florida's farmland could disrupt the U.S. winter produce supply and increase reliance on imported fruits and vegetables. This dependency raises concerns about pesticide use and food security, impacting both health and environmental sustainability.
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Credit: Sven Lachmann/Pixabay
Drought intensifies across the eastern US
A severe drought has expanded from the Ohio Valley to the South, impacting more than a dozen states and prompting emergency declarations in some areas.
In short:
- The eastern U.S. is experiencing a "flash" drought due to record heat and lack of rain, affecting more than a dozen states from Ohio to Georgia.
- Severe drought conditions have prompted a state of emergency in West Virginia and disaster relief loans from the USDA for affected regions.
- The National Weather Service forecasts above-average rainfall in August, which could ease drought conditions in some areas.
Key quote:
It's "probably one of the driest years I've seen."
— Owner of Higson’s Farm in Wiley Ford, West Virginia
Why this matters:
Prolonged drought conditions threaten agriculture, water supply and increase the risk of wildfires in affected regions. Anticipated rainfall could provide relief, but significant precipitation is needed to mitigate ongoing drought impacts.
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Credit: Bernhard Jaeck/Pixabay
Government aid falls short for small farms after floods
When historic floods devastated California farms, small farmers like Maria Narez and Nancy Nuñez struggled to recover due to inadequate government aid programs tailored for larger operations.
In short:
- Small farms, which make up two-thirds of California's farms, are vital for food diversity and community resilience but lack sufficient government support in disasters.
- Existing federal aid programs are not designed for small farmers who need immediate support, often requiring extensive paperwork and time that many cannot afford.
- Language barriers, insufficient insurance options and systemic discrimination further complicate access to disaster relief for small farmers, especially for those who are immigrants or non-English speakers.
Key quote:
“They say once life starts hitting you, it hits you, and it hits you, and it hits you again. And once you say, ‘I’m gonna be able to recover, I’m getting up,’ you get hit once more.”
— Maria Narez, farmer
Why this matters:
Small farms play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, local economies and sustainable practices. However, the lack of adequate disaster relief threatens their survival, risking greater food insecurity and economic disparity in rural communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Credit: Josh Withers/Unsplash
Climate change exacerbates global hunger crisis
One in 11 people experienced hunger last year, with climate change playing a major role.
In short:
- A United Nations report reveals that climate change and conflict are major drivers of global hunger and food insecurity.
- In 2023, 733 million people went hungry, with significant increases in chronic undernourishment since 2019.
- Extreme weather events and migration due to climate change disrupt food production and supply chains, worsening food insecurity.
Key quote:
“The agrifood system is working under risk and uncertainties, and these risks and uncertainties are being accelerated because of climate [change] and the frequency of climate events.”
— Máximo Torero Cullen, chief economist of the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization
Why this matters:
Global hunger and food insecurity threaten human rights and economic stability, particularly in low-income nations. Without climate action, these issues will worsen, fueling more migration and conflict.
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Credit: KADM Creations/Unsplash
Vermont farmers adapt to more frequent floods
Young farmers in Vermont are exploring new methods to mitigate the impact of frequent flooding and extreme weather.
In short:
- Vermont farmers like Ashley Loehr and Antoine Guerlain are implementing innovative strategies to protect crops from flooding.
- The frequency of severe storms has increased, creating significant financial and operational challenges for local farmers.
- Newer, younger farmers are often more flexible and open to experimenting with new agricultural techniques.
Key quote:
“We’re doing things we’ve never done before, because things are happening that have never happened before.”
— Ashley Loehr, Vermont farmer
Why this matters:
Frequent flooding driven by climate change threatens the sustainability of farming in Vermont, impacting food security and the local economy. Adaptation and support for farmers are essential to cope with these increasing environmental challenges.
Read: Climate change will continue to widen gaps in food security, new study finds
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