Climate change is significantly affecting agricultural production, including the cultivation of bananas, a crucial food for food security and an important source of income in Latin America.
As global temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, tropical regions face increasing challenges in maintaining the productivity of this crop.
## Alarming Projections for Banana Production
A study in Nature Food projects a 60% decrease in suitable areas for banana production for export in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2080.
Colombia and Costa Rica are among the most affected, while southern Brazil and Ecuador present better prospects due to more stable climates. Water availability, labor, and infrastructure complicate adaptation to climate change.
## Effects of Warming on Plantations
– **Impact on plants:** High temperatures reduce plant functionality, even with intensive irrigation, as observed by Ervino Kogler on his farm in Bahia, Brazil.
– **Threats of pests:** Increasing temperatures and humidity can intensify crop diseases, further reducing yields.
## Strategies to Mitigate Climate Risk
The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), a Brazilian federal public institution linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, has developed banana hybrids that require 25% less water and tolerate fungal diseases like sigatoka.
**New technologies:**
– Indian scientists are working on banana plants “trained” to withstand temperatures up to 42°C.
– Embrapa has created a “sunscreen” for plants that reduces heat damage and improves photosynthesis.
Regarding water management, increasing irrigation frequency and optimizing its distribution in plants is key to mitigating the effects of drought.
## Economic and Food Importance
Bananas are one of the most exported agricultural products, with a global market of US$11 billion annually.
Their trade is vital for economies like Colombia, where it represents 5% of the agricultural GDP and employs nearly 300,000 people.
However, the risks associated with climate change not only affect the economy but also the food security of many communities.
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