Avocado in times of climate change: risks and possible solutions

Avocado production, considered a key crop because of its high nutritional value, faces critical challenges due to the impact of climate change and increasing water scarcity. According to a report by Ecologistas en Acción, a Spanish environmental organization that analyzes various issues related to the environmental, social and economic impact of human activities, growing a single avocado requires more than 350 liters of water, an unsustainable figure in regions with increasingly scarce rainfall and aquifers on the verge of salinization.

Climate stability is essential for avocado cultivation, which thrives in temperatures between -2°C and 38°C. However, heat waves, extreme winters and prolonged high temperatures are affecting its productivity. Studies reveal that even a few hours of exposure to extreme temperatures can damage trees, reducing their ability to protect fruit and significantly affecting yields.

In Spain, in growing regions such as Malaga and Granada, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. The water crisis, aggravated by the intensive use of water in areas such as Axarquia, is jeopardizing the sustainability of the crop.

In addition to water stress, the intensive cultivation model is generating social inequalities. In areas such as Malaga and Granada, small farmers have been displaced by large investment funds, and working conditions in these areas are precarious. According to Ecologistas en Acción, in towns such as Moclinejo, average incomes do not exceed €8,000 per year, while employment generated by avocado cultivation is minimal compared to other agricultural products.

Globally, the situation is no more encouraging. Mexico, a world leader in avocado production, also faces similar challenges due to water scarcity and the impact of climate change, which could compromise the global supply of this fruit in the future.

A sustainable future for avocado?

It is estimated that by 2050, cultivable areas could be reduced by 41% due to rising global temperatures. Although more extreme climate-resistant varieties are being researched, these alternatives are not yet sufficient to guarantee the continuity of the crop.

Ecologists in Action advocates a shift towards a more sustainable agroecological model, including crop diversification, the use of efficient techniques such as subway irrigation and the elimination of illegal irrigation. They also stress the importance of prioritizing small production and rainfed crops to reduce environmental impact.

The future of avocado in Spain and the world will depend on the ability of producers, governments and consumers to adapt to the challenges of climate change. Without a shift towards more responsible and sustainable practices, the continuity of this superfood could be at risk.

source: elconfidencial.com

photo: libera.pe