Rainfed agricultural systems found in steep and highland regions often involve a combination of crop and livestock practices. One example is the upland intensive mixed farming system, which is established in upland and hilly landscapes characterized by moderate altitude and slope. This system focuses on cultivating a diverse range of permanent crops based on geographic and climatic preferences. Additionally, there is the highland extensive mixed farming system found in mountainous areas with high and steep slopes. While this system is typically located above the upland intensive mixed system, it has fewer resources and encompasses extensive forest areas that provide grazing and support the cultivation of perennial crops. It serves as the primary livelihood for indigenous groups across many parts of Southeast Asia.
The effects of climate change on land degradation[1], particularly through soil erosion and nutrient loss caused by surface runoff. Due to increased frequency, intensity and/or amount of heavy precipitation; and increased heat stress. However, the impact varies depending on the location, but there are some common challenges observed. These include soil erosion which is one of major problems in upland rainfed farming that driven by the climate change.
In South and Southeast Asia region where the soil erosion has been studied extensively for decades, indicated that factors affecting soil erosion includes high rainfall intensities, cultivation in steep area, seasonal dry periods, deforestation, shifting cultivation or slash and burn practices, agriculture intensified land use, and population growth. Water erosion is the main type of land degradation in the region, it is represented 21% of total cultivation land area (46% of the total degraded area) which the main type of erosion in southeast Asia (Wijesinghe and Park, 2017)[2].
The impact of soil erosion on steep and highland agricultural systems is expected to persist and potentially worsen under the circumstances of climate change. Therefore, it is crucial to develop and implement innovative farming systems specifically designed to mitigate and reduce the detrimental effects of soil erosion in these areas. Such strategies should be an integral part of climate change adaptation initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability and resilience of rainfed farming systems in steep and highland areas. By implementing targeted measures to address soil erosion, farmers can safeguard their livelihoods and contribute to long-term environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.
[1] land degradation is defined as a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human-induced processes including anthropogenic climate change, expressed as long-term reduction or loss of at least one of the following: biological productivity, ecological integrity or value to humans (IPCC, 2019).
[2] Wijesinghe, D. and Park, D.M. (2017). Soil erosion in South and Southeast Asia: A Review. Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future, 2017 Annual Meeting, October 22-25, Tampa, FL. Weblink: https://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2017am/webprogram/Paper108842.html (accessed on December 21, 2022).