Tulip Digest 12 March 2025 : Coastal Agriculture - Adapting Farming to a Changing Seascape

Coastal agriculture is a unique and vital form of farming, encompassing all agricultural practices carried out in the areas close to shorelines. This includes coastal plains, regions near estuaries, and zones generally within 100 km of the coastline. These areas are characterized by a blend of opportunities, due to fertile soils and access to water resources, and constraints, such as saltwater intrusion, exposure to extreme weather events, and competition for land use.

In this edition we explore the complex tapestry of coastal agriculture worldwide, revealing its diverse landscape, its inherent vulnerabilities, and the remarkable adaptations emerging in the face of a changing climate.

Asia

Asia, the heartland of global rice production, stands as a crucial case study in coastal agricultural resilience. Approximately 90% of the world's rice is both produced and consumed in Asia, with coastal lowlands playing a pivotal role. Beyond rice, coastal Asia produces diverse crops including coconuts, bananas and various vegetables adapted to higher salinity levels. The continent's vast coastal agricultural lands are the foundation of food security for billions. Within Asia, the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna deltas are major production areas for rice, aquaculture, vegetables, and fruits like durian and rambutan; these regions are key to sustain dense populations.

India specifically showcases a balancing act of tradition and transformation. In India, coastal agriculture is a tapestry of diverse livestock and crop production, mirroring the country's varied coastal ecosystems.

North America

In North America, the coastal agricultural landscape is a story of innovation and adaptation. In the United States, the fertile coastal regions produce a diverse range of crops, from the citrus groves and strawberry fields of Florida to the almonds in California's coast. However, these productive zones face mounting challenges from climate change.

Along the East Coast, sea levels are projected to rise 10-14 inches over the next 30 years along with changing summer rainfall patterns that are poised to happen by 2100. Despite mounting challenges, researchers are developing promising alternatives such as salt-tolerant crops like sorghum and barley as well as native perennial grasses that can thrive in saline conditions while providing ecosystem benefits.

South America

South America, with its vast coastlines, showcases both the challenges and the innovative spirit of coastal agriculture. The region's coastal zones produce significant quantities of bananas, sugarcane and coffee. Brazil in particular, with its expansive 8,500 km coastline faces the dual pressures of economic development and environmental sustainability. Along Brazil's coast, farmers cultivate coconuts, cashews, and acai berries, alongside traditional fishing communities that practice aquaculture. In the framework of Brazil's Blue Initiative project, 21 marine and coastal protected areas have been identified, covering a total area of 13M hectares, which aim to integrate conservation efforts with economic development. The region's significant mangrove forests, the largest in the Americas, represent a crucial buffer against climate change, storing vast amounts of carbon.

Europe

In Europe, particularly within the Mediterranean basin, coastal agriculture faces a complex interplay of climate change impacts and intensifying land-use pressures. The Mediterranean region, renowned for its unique agricultural heritage of olives, grapes, citrus fruits, and almonds, is experiencing significant shifts. Countries like Italy and Turkey are witnessing the impacts of changing precipitation patterns and saltwater intrusion, posing direct threats to crop yields of traditional Mediterranean staples.

In France, 30% of the area of municipalities located by the sea was used for agriculture. Within this coastal strip, farming systems show greater diversity than in inland areas, with artichokes, cauliflower, and early potatoes being particularly important crops. However, coastal agriculture faces intense competition from urbanization, tourism development, and environmental protection initiatives, creating a complex landscape of competing land-use demands.

Africa

Africa's coastal agriculture is marked by a wide spectrum of experiences. In the north of the continent, in countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia vast costal land area grow date palms, figs or olives while being tolerant to salt intrusion.

In countries like Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria, coastal agriculture is integral to local economies and food security. West African coastal zones produce cassava, yams, coconuts, pineapples, and a variety of vegetables. Nigeria's extensive 853-kilometer coastline faces climate-related challenges, with a direct impact on agriculture.

Kenya, with a coastline of approximately 640 km faces competition from non-agricultural activities while 50% is used for ranching and another 25% for crop farming focusing on coconuts, cashews, mangoes, and bixa (a natural food coloring source), alongside subsistence crops like cassava and cowpeas.

Oceania

Australia's vast coastline presents unique challenges, especially to its iconic sugarcane industry. The industry, stretching across 2100 km, faces diverse climatic pressures. Beyond sugarcane, Australian coastal agriculture is known for macadamia nuts, bananas. The impact of climate change on sugarcane is a significant concern, with varying risks across different production zones.

New Zealand's coastal farms produce kiwifruit, avocados, and world-renowned sauvignon blanc grapes, while Pacific Islands specialize in taro, breadfruit, and coconuts, which are central to both diet and cultural identity.

Coastal agriculture stands at the forefront of climate change impacts, facing a confluence of challenges that threaten food security and livelihoods. From rising sea levels to increased storm intensity, the pressures are undeniable. However, amidst these challenges, a narrative of resilience and adaptation is emerging. Farmers, researchers, and policymakers are collaborating to develop innovative strategies. Coastal agriculture is a crucial component of global food systems. As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize the value and vulnerability of these coastal landscapes and to invest in their sustainable management to ensure that the coastal harvest remains a vital part of our global food security and cultural heritage for generations .