The Impact of Climate Change on Rainfed Chickpea Production in the Center of Badghis, Afghanistan

Abstract

Cultivation of drought tolerance crops like chickpea can secure food production in Badghis. Chickpea demonstrate resilience in the face of climate change, though to possess deep root systems and enhance ability to withstand water scarcity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of climate change on chickpea production during the last ten years (2010 to 2019) in the center of Badghis, Afghanistan. The research involved 50 participants who were randomly selected from among the farmers and extension management personnel of Agriculture Department. The data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and Excel programs. The findings indicated that chickpea production in Badghis province's center peaked at 410 tons in 2012, while the lowest production was zero tons in 2018. Furthermore, the highest recorded rainfall in the area was 464 mm in 2015, whereas the lowest rainfall was 185 mm in 2018. The highest amount of snow in the center of Badghis province in 2010 and 2017 is 118 mm and the lowest amount of snow in 2018 is 21 mm. The correlation analysis indicates that decreased rainfall and snowfall resulting from climate change have negatively impacted chickpea production in Badghis province.