Images of natural and agricultural disasters: losses amount to $3.8 trillion in 30 years
Natural disasters and agricultural crises continue to wreak havoc across the world. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), these events have caused losses estimated at $3.8 trillion over the past 30 years.
The dramatic consequences of these disasters result in a loss of 147 calories per day per person, the equivalent of the food needs of nearly 400 million men or 500 million women each year. These alarming figures attest to the scale of the disasters affecting crops and livestock production throughout the world.
It is undeniable that climate change is one of the main factors contributing to the increase in these disasters. Extreme temperatures, droughts, floods and storms cause the greatest damage. However, other factors such as pandemics, epidemics and armed conflicts also have their share of responsibility for these considerable losses.
Asia is the continent most affected by these disasters, accounting for 45% of total losses. However, while these losses are significant in absolute terms, they represent only 4% of the region’s agricultural GDP. On the other hand, in regions like the Horn of Africa, regularly affected by drought, these losses can reach up to 15% of crops and livestock.
The poorest countries are also the most vulnerable to these disasters, losing on average 7% of their agricultural GDP. Women are particularly affected, due to the constraints they face in accessing resources and information essential to their preparation and resilience in the face of these crises.
Faced with this alarming situation, FAO highlights the importance of taking measures to reduce risks and strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems. There is no silver bullet, but a combination of agronomic practices and preventative measures can help mitigate the effects of disasters.
It is essential to improve the collection of information on these events to better anticipate them. For example, the Horn of Africa’s experience with the locust invasion in 2020 and 2021 showed that early observation and rapid intervention prevented considerable losses.
Investing in warning and prevention systems, as well as sustainable agricultural practices, can help minimize losses and protect farmers’ livelihoods. International collaboration is also essential to address these global challenges.
It is time to take concrete measures to preserve our agriculture and our food security in the face of the disasters that continue to threaten our societies.