Climate change adaptations for food security in the Mekong. [Abstract only].

Mainuddin, M.; Kirby, M.; Hoanh, Chu Thai. 2011. Climate change adaptations for food security in the Mekong. [Abstract only]. In Habersack, H.; Schober, B.; Walling, D. (Eds.). Conference abstract book: International Conference on the Status and Future of the World's Large Rivers, Vienna, Austria, 11-14 April 2011. Vienna, Austria: University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences. pp.332.

There is growing concern about the potential effects of climate change on the natural resources of the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB). It is therefore no surprise that climate change adaptation has become one of the focal points of current development discussions in the region. Here we examine the impact of climate change on the rice cultivation of the LMB and its consequences for overall food security and possible adaptation options. Rice is the main staple food for the population and the demand for food is expected to grow due to increase in population. Variability in water cycle driven by climate change is considered likely to impact rice production in the near future. Thus, rice cultivation faces greatly increased demands for food on the one hand, and several threats to production due to climate change on the other. Against this background, it is important to examine the adaptation options to reduce the vulnerability of Mekong food security to impact of climate change and population growth. We have assessed the impact on the productivity of rice grown in the basin using a crop simulation model - AquaCrop. In general, the results suggest that productivity of main rainfed rice, predominant crop in the basin, may increase significantly in the upper part of the basin in Laos and Thailand and may decrease in the lower part of the basin in Cambodia and Vietnam. Irrigated rice may not be affected by climate change if increased irrigation requirements are met. We have tested widely used adaptation strategies such as shifting planting date, supplementary irrigation and reduction of fertility stress and found that negative impact on the yield can be offset and net increase in yield can be achieved. Hence food security of the basin is unlikely to be threatened by the increased population or climate change.