In a world where climate change is increasingly disrupting agricultural systems, a comprehensive review published in *Discover Environment* (translated as *Exploring Environment*) sheds light on the profound impacts on horticultural crops and the broader socio-economic implications. Led by Yebirzaf Yeshiwas from the Department of Horticulture at Debre Markos University, the study synthesizes findings from 140 research articles to highlight the vulnerabilities and adaptive pathways for horticultural systems under climate change.
Horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, are particularly sensitive to shifting climatic conditions. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are disrupting key physiological processes, reducing yields, and compromising the nutritional value and market quality of produce. “These crops have narrow climatic tolerances, making them highly vulnerable to even slight changes in temperature and humidity,” explains Yeshiwas. The study underscores that these disruptions extend beyond the field, accelerating postharvest deterioration and increasing losses during storage, transport, and marketing.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. As postharvest losses rise, the demand for energy-intensive cold chain technologies to preserve produce also increases. However, in developing countries, limited infrastructure and weak adaptive systems exacerbate these challenges. “The lack of cold chain capacity in many regions means that even with the best postharvest technologies, losses remain high,” notes Yeshiwas. This creates a pressing need for innovative, energy-efficient solutions that can mitigate losses while reducing energy consumption.
The review highlights several adaptive strategies that could shape future developments in the field. Climate-resilient crop varieties, improved agronomic practices, and efficient postharvest technologies are among the key solutions proposed. Additionally, supportive policy measures and enhanced institutional capacity are crucial for building resilience in horticultural systems. “Integrated, climate-smart approaches are essential to sustain productivity and reduce losses under a changing climate,” Yeshiwas emphasizes.
For the energy sector, this research underscores the need for investments in sustainable cold chain technologies and renewable energy solutions to support horticultural production and postharvest management. As climate change continues to intensify, the horticultural industry will increasingly rely on energy-efficient innovations to maintain food security and market stability.
Published in *Discover Environment*, this review serves as a call to action for stakeholders across the horticultural value chain to adopt adaptive measures and invest in resilient systems. By doing so, they can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of horticultural production. The findings not only highlight the urgent need for action but also offer a roadmap for building a more sustainable and resilient future for the sector.