Assessing flood effects on rice farming and the efficacy of climate-smart practices for agricultural resilience in region 5, Guyana

This study investigates the effects of the 2021 flood on rice farmers in Region 5, with a focus on losses incurred during the end of the first crop and the onset of the second crop of that year. The study also proposes climate-smart agricultural (CSA) strategies to enhance resilience in the region. Region 5, situated on Guyana’s low coastal plain approximately three meters below sea level, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding. In May and June 2021, Guyana experienced unprecedented rainfall, resulting in the most severe flood event in over two decades. This flood, classified as Level 3, led to widespread damage in Region 5, including the destruction of crops, livestock, homes, and infrastructure, largely due to overtopped and breached conservancy dams, high tides, and inadequate drainage systems. Field data were collected using the farmer register provided by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Losses were categorized into three primary types: (i) Harvesting Loss, (ii) Sowing Loss, and (iii) Land Preparation Loss. These were verified by a technical team from the Ministry of Agriculture, including GRDB Extension Officers. Results showed that June 2021 recorded over 500 mm of rainfall, leading to catastrophic flooding. The greatest losses occurred in the sowing category, with 6,932 acres affected across 187 farmers. This was followed by land preparation losses (3,516 acres; 53 farmers) and harvesting losses (2,137 acres; 53 farmers). The total estimated economic loss amounted to GYD $668,885,000. Given the increasing risks posed by climate change, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is critical. Recommended strategies include: eliminating the burning of paddy straw, cultivating flood-tolerant rice varieties, and adhering strictly to GRDB agronomic guidelines.