One of the major implications of climate change would be drought for which efforts are on to develop drought tolerant varieties. As reported by the agricultural biotechnology experts at the international biotech convention in San Diego,drought-tolerant crops, are to be released soon. The crops, produced through genetic modification and by traditional breeding, will boost food supplies in the most drought-stricken areas,especially in the developing countries of  Asia and Africa. So far this trait has been experimented on the cotton crop but scientists are trying to incorporate this trait in other food crops too as a major requirement of food security.

Revitalizing the soil degraded under the impact of climate change. --

Soil is a living entity containing an enormous number of organisms, and vast biodiversity. It is an essential component of ecosystem for supporting water and life forms. But since the past decade, due to climate change, soil chemistry is undergoing continuous changes. Scientists are therefore trying to study methods of  how to build up soil as a resource. Further research is going on to increase the availability of nutrients and soil fertility, thereby ensuring a stable base for farming systems.

The varied experiences of the farmers regarding soil-management strategies are discussed in the book,LEISA MAGAZINE,Volume 24:LIVING SOILS.  

Study of the climate change impact and adaptive measures for livestock is essential.

Compared to the crop analysis, there are very few analysis of  livestock . In Africa, where 80% of land is grazing land, livestock forms an integral part of food resource. Hence, a study based on a survey of  5000 farmers from ten countries across Africa  was conducted to assess the impact of climate change on animal husbandry. This analytical study while trying to study the estimate of sensitivity of African livestock to climate, has come up with important findings which might be useful for other developing countries as well. The findings as reported are:

	Climate effect on the livestock maybe direct or indirect.
	Climate sensitivity varies according to farm size.
	Large farms reduce the size of their herds dramatically with higher temperature but small farms enlarge their herds.
	Small farms switch from crops to livestock and switch from temperate animals to heat tolerant animals.
	Large farms tend to specialize in livestock and especially beef cattle, for which there is no comparable substitute although rainfall generally increases crop and grassland .

Collaboration, a much better way to adapt to the climate change, says climate scientist

Climate scientist feel that more than seeking for methods to reduce the impact of climate change, collaboration of the southern countries would possibly be a better way of adapting to climate change. For example , through this collaborative exercise, maybe developed countries can  adapt technologies for  transfer  to developing countries. Scientist feel that there is a strong  information base at a global level but much weaker information base at a local level,so there is an urgent need to plug  the  "information gap" between global and local levels. To improve on this, the research community needs to collaborate with  policymakers and non-governmental organisations. A lot of pilot studies focusing on  local needs should be taken up to engage policymakers at a country level and provide them with much needed evidence.