Drought Impact on Southern Brazil’s Crop Yields – Bioengineer.org

Report on the Effects of Drought on Agriculture in Southern Brazil in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction: Climate Aberrations and Sustainable Development

A study by Miyamoto and Hackmann (2025) analyzes the severe effects of drought on crop yields and agricultural revenue in Southern Brazil. The findings highlight significant challenges to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as climate change exacerbates weather-related disruptions, threatening regional food security, economic stability, and environmental health.

Impact on Food Security and Poverty (SDG 2 & SDG 1)

The research establishes a direct link between drought severity and the compromise of fundamental human securities, directly impacting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

• Threat to Zero Hunger (SDG 2): A strong correlation exists between increased drought severity and dramatic reductions in the yields of staple crops such as soybeans and corn. This decline directly threatens the stability of the food supply.
• Exacerbation of Poverty (SDG 1): The reduction in crop yields translates into lower agricultural revenue, undermining the economic foundation of farmers and their communities and pushing vulnerable populations further into poverty.
• Increased Inequality (SDG 10): Drought-induced crop failures can lead to higher food prices, which disproportionately affect low-income households and intensify food insecurity and economic instability among the most vulnerable.

Economic and Climate Resilience (SDG 8, SDG 13 & SDG 15)

The study underscores the economic consequences of climate change, calling for urgent measures to build resilience in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Economic Instability: Analytical models based on historical data predict dire consequences for the agricultural sector, threatening regional economic growth and stable livelihoods, which are central to SDG 8.
• Urgency for Climate Action (SDG 13): The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts are presented as clear manifestations of climate change, necessitating immediate and strategic adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Sustainable Land and Water Management: The report advocates for policies focused on sustainable land use and water management, aligning with the objectives of SDG 15 and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) to protect ecosystems and ensure resource availability.

Pathways to Adaptation and Innovation (SDG 9 & SDG 12)

The research identifies adaptive strategies and the need for systemic support to foster innovation and sustainable production, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Current farmer-led adaptation strategies include:

1. Innovations in irrigation technology.
2. The use of drought-resistant crop varieties.
3. The implementation of sustainable farming practices.

However, progress is hindered by systemic barriers. To advance these goals, the following is required:

• Systemic Support: Financial constraints and a lack of access to resources impede the widespread adoption of adaptive technologies, indicating a need for government and private sector support.
• Investment in Research and Innovation (SDG 9): The study calls for prioritized investment in agricultural research to develop more robust crops and resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate volatility.

Policy Recommendations and Collaborative Action (SDG 17)

The report concludes with a call for collaborative action and comprehensive policy-making, emphasizing the importance of partnerships as outlined in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Effective solutions require a collective effort from farmers, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to build a resilient agricultural framework.
• Strategic Policy Interventions: The authors recommend policies that provide incentives for environmentally friendly practices and support infrastructure improvements to enhance water availability during drought periods.
• Building a Resilient Future: By embracing research, investing in technology, and fostering sustainable practices, Southern Brazil can mitigate the impacts of drought and secure its role in global agriculture while advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the effects of drought in Southern Brazil connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the interconnected challenges of climate change, agriculture, economic stability, and human well-being. The following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses how drought-induced crop failure leads to higher food prices, which “disproportionately affects low-income households” and contributes to a “cyclical pattern of poverty exacerbation.”
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – This is a central theme, as the article directly addresses how drought threatens “food security,” causes “significant reductions in crop yields” for staple crops like soybeans and corn, and impacts the stability of the food supply.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The core issue discussed is drought, described as “extended periods of drought” and “prolonged dry conditions.” The article calls for better “water management” and “infrastructure improvements to enhance water availability,” which are central to water security.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The economic impact on the agricultural sector is a key focus. The article notes that reduced crop yields translate into “lower agricultural revenue,” affecting the “livelihoods that depend on farming” and the overall “economic stability in the region.”
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article points to the need for innovation to combat drought, mentioning “innovations in irrigation technology,” the importance of “research investment to foster greater agricultural resilience,” and the development of “more robust crops and agricultural systems.”
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article explicitly links the increasing frequency of drought to “climate change” and “climate aberrations.” It calls for “immediate adaptation strategies” and “comprehensive policies that focus on… climate adaptation” to build resilience against climate-related hazards.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – By advocating for “sustainable farming practices” and “sustainable land use,” the article touches upon the need to manage agricultural ecosystems in a way that preserves their long-term health and productivity in the face of environmental pressures like drought.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues and solutions discussed in the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
   • Explanation: The article highlights how drought, a climate-related extreme event, exacerbates poverty for “low-income households” and makes “vulnerable populations… more susceptible to food insecurity and economic instability.” The call for adaptation strategies directly supports building resilience for these groups.
2. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Explanation: The article’s focus on drought threatening “food security” and leading to “higher food prices” directly relates to the challenge of ensuring access to sufficient food, especially for the poor.
3. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • Explanation: The article’s core message is the need for a “resilient agricultural framework.” It discusses “drought-resistant crop varieties,” “sustainable farming practices,” and other “adaptive measures” as essential for maintaining production in the face of climate change and drought.
4. Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
   • Explanation: The article’s emphasis on drought and the need for “innovations in irrigation technology” and better “water management” directly addresses the goal of increasing water-use efficiency in agriculture to cope with water scarcity.
5. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
   • Explanation: The article makes a “compelling argument for governments and organizations to prioritize funding for agricultural research” and advocates for “investing in technological advancements” to develop more resilient crops and farming systems.
6. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Explanation: The entire article is a case study of the need for this target. It details the impact of a climate-related hazard (drought) and explicitly calls for “immediate adaptation strategies,” “farmer adaptability,” and “comprehensive policies that focus on… climate adaptation.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress, even if it does not cite specific official indicator codes. These are based on the data and outcomes discussed:

• Crop Yields: The article repeatedly mentions “significant reductions in crop yields” for staple crops like “soybeans and corn.” Tracking the yield of these key crops over time would serve as a direct indicator of agricultural resilience and the success of adaptation strategies (relevant to Target 2.4).
• Agricultural Revenue: The study quantifies the “economic impact of drought” by analyzing how yield reductions “translate into lower agricultural revenue.” Monitoring the income of farmers and the revenue of the agricultural sector in Southern Brazil is a clear indicator of economic stability and resilience (relevant to Targets 1.5 and 8.2).
• Food Prices: The article states that “loss of crop yields can lead to higher food prices.” Tracking a food price index, especially for staple goods, would be an indicator of food security and the economic pressure on low-income households (relevant to Target 2.1).
• Adoption of Adaptive Technologies/Practices: The text discusses “innovations in irrigation technology, drought-resistant crop varieties, and sustainable farming practices.” The rate of adoption of these measures by farmers would be a key indicator of progress in building adaptive capacity (relevant to Targets 2.4 and 13.1).
• Investment in Agricultural Research: The article calls for governments to “prioritize funding for agricultural research.” The amount of public and private investment directed towards developing drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming systems is a measurable indicator of commitment to innovation (relevant to Target 9.5).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bioengineer.org