Economic impacts of climate change on agriculture and implications for food security in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study measured the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture in Zimbabwe based on a 
cross-section survey of over 700 farming households. We applied the Ricardian approach to analyse 
the response of net revenue from crop and livestock agriculture across smallholder farming systems in 
the country to changes in climate normals (that is, mean rainfall and temperature). The sensitivity of net 
farm revenues was used to make inferences on the food security implications of climate change in the 
country. Results show that net farm revenues are affected negatively by increases in temperature and 
positively by increases in precipitation. The results from sensitivity analysis suggest that agricultural 
production in Zimbabwe's smallholder farming system is significantly constrained by climatic factors 
(high temperature and low rainfall). Farms with irrigation are more resistant to changes in climate, 
indicating that irrigation is an important adaptation option to help reduce the impact of further changes 
in climate. Dryland farming predominantly typical in Zimbabwe is the most vulnerable to warming and 
lower rainfall, whereas the irrigated systems are the most tolerant. These results have important policy 
implications especially for the need to support dryland smallholder adaptation strategies for 
agricultural development in the country in light of expected climate changes. For example, irrigation 
offered better adaptation options for farmers against further warming and drying predicted under 
various future climate scenarios.