Climate Change and Agriculture: A Review of Drivers, Impacts, Mitigation, and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Climate change poses a major global challenge with significant implications for agricultural systems, food security, and rural livelihoods. Agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions while remaining highly vulnerable to climatic variability. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme events adversely affect crop productivity, soil health, water resources, and livestock systems. A comprehensive synthesis of existing literature highlights the key drivers of climate change and evaluates their impacts on agriculture across multiple dimensions. The analysis further examines mitigation and adaptation strategies, including crop diversification, agroforestry, sustainable soil and water management, precision agriculture, and bio-based approaches, which enhance resilience while reducing environmental impacts. Despite these advances, challenges remain in integrating technological innovations, strengthening policy frameworks, and ensuring effective implementation at the local level. The study also identifies critical research gaps and emphasizes the need for context-specific and scalable solutions. Strengthening climate-resilient agricultural systems is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and meeting the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).