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Addressing uncertainty in adaptation planning for agriculture.

ABSTRACT: We present a framework for prioritizing adaptation approaches at a range of timeframes. The framework is illustrated by four case studies from developing countries, each with associated characterization of uncertainty. Two cases on near-term adaptation planning in Sri Lanka and on stakeholder scenario exercises in East Africa show how the relative utility of capacity vs. impact approaches to adaptation planning differ with level of uncertainty and associated lead time. An additional two cases demonstrate that it is possible to identify uncertainties that are relevant to decision making in specific timeframes and circumstances. The case on coffee in Latin America identifies altitudinal thresholds at which incremental vs. transformative adaptation pathways are robust options. The final case uses three crop-climate simulation studies to demonstrate how uncertainty can be characterized at different time horizons to discriminate where robust adaptation options are possible. We find that impact approaches, which use predictive models, are increasingly useful over longer lead times and at higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions. We also find that extreme events are important in determining predictability across a broad range of timescales. The results demonstrate the potential for robust knowledge and actions in the face of uncertainty.

SUBMITTER: Vermeulen SJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3666685 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Addressing uncertainty in adaptation planning for agriculture.

Vermeulen Sonja J SJ Challinor Andrew J AJ Thornton Philip K PK Campbell Bruce M BM Eriyagama Nishadi N Vervoort Joost M JM Kinyangi James J Jarvis Andy A Läderach Peter P Ramirez-Villegas Julian J Nicklin Kathryn J KJ Hawkins Ed E Smith Daniel R DR

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20130514 21

We present a framework for prioritizing adaptation approaches at a range of timeframes. The framework is illustrated by four case studies from developing countries, each with associated characterization of uncertainty. Two cases on near-term adaptation planning in Sri Lanka and on stakeholder scenario exercises in East Africa show how the relative utility of capacity vs. impact approaches to adaptation planning differ with level of uncertainty and associated lead time. An additional two cases de ...[more]

PMID: 23674681

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Addressing uncertainty in adaptation planning for agriculture.

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Addressing uncertainty in adaptation planning for agriculture.

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