Natural Disasters: Agriculture's Role

We often hear about natural disasters and their impacts on communities, but we don't always hear about the impact on agriculture from these disasters. Linked below is a video (3 mins), from the FAO, that tells the story of natural disasters impacts on agriculture and the role agriculture can play in prevention of damage during these natural disasters. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points to spark conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the globe!

Disaster Risk Reduction in Agriculture

Discussion Points

• What has the trend with natural disasters been? (Consider timing, severity, reasons, etc.)
• How do natural disasters impact communities and countries? How do they impact agriculture?
• How can agriculture help reduce the negative impacts of natural disasters?
• Why is prevention the key?
• What agriculture practices do you feel would help prevent/decrease damage/loss during natural disasters?

Haitian Agriculture Suffering from Hurricane Matthew

The article linked below discusses the effects of Hurricane Matthew on the country of Haiti. For a country already suffering from food insecurity this concern has been magnified with the recent storm. Read the linked article and spark conversation with others around the globe utilizing the discussion points below.

Food Security of Haitians Threatened

Discussion Points

• How has Hurricane Matthew effected agriculture and food supplies in Haiti? Be specific.
• What do you feel are the immediate and long term steps needed to reach food security in the country of Haiti?
• It is evident the impact that Hurricane Matthew is having on Haiti. What other natural disasters have we seen around the world that have a negative impact on agriculture and to what extent?
• What can be done to better protect farmers and countries from natural disasters in the future?

Natural Disasters Impacting Agriculture

This week we feature a short video (2 minutes and 40 seconds) from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that explores the impact of natural disasters on agriculture around the world. This video presents many topics that encourage thought and analysis. We encourage you to watch this short video and then share dialogue around the globe utilizing the discussion points provided below.

The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security

Discussion Points

• What has the trend been over the past 20-30 years regarding natural disasters? What could be driving (causing) these trends?
• How have these disasters impacted agriculture? Give specific examples.
• Have you seen natural disasters affect agriculture in your local area? Explain.
• What challenges face us currently in regards to natural disasters and agriculture?
• What opportunities do we have in front of us to combat the effects of natural disasters on agriculture? (What can be done to help?)