Oman: Climate change takes toll on Al Batinah farmers

A climate change vulnerability and adaptation study at Centre for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) found that the effects of climate change, such as increasing temperature and decrease in rain fall, have a negative impact on the farming and crop production in Al Suwayq Wilayat of Al Batinah region of Oman.

The researchers told Oman Daily observer that risk reduction would be a point of entry to mitigate the effects of climate change at the local and community level. Capacity building programmes would be necessary to provide information on climate change and education on how these changes in increased temperature and reduced precipitation require farmers to develop appropriate adaptation strategies.

“Mainstreaming adaptation into development activities will therefore be essential, but requires time and additional funding together with improved knowledge and farming technologies,” Senior Research Scientist Dr Choudri said.