Climate Change and Food Security in Rural Asia: A Systematic Review of Governance Systems and Livelihood Adaptations

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a major threat to food security, particularly in rural regions of Asia where communities rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. Variability in temperature, shifts in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupt agricultural productivity and food accessibility, intensifying vulnerabilities among rural populations. This study aims to systematically assess the direct and indirect effects of climate change on rural food security in Asia and to explore adaptation strategies implemented by rural communities. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, and searches were performed in ProQuest, Semantic Scholar, and PubMed. Eligibility criteria included qualitative or mixed-methods studies involving rural Asian populations and addressing food security outcomes. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found that climate change directly threatens crop yield stability, livestock productivity, and food availability, while indirect effects include economic shocks, migration pressures, and heightened gender disparities. Identified adaptation strategies included climate-resilient agricultural practices, community-based governance mechanisms, cooperative systems, and local livelihood diversification. Strengthening governance systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring inclusive adaptation, particularly for women and marginalized farmers are crucial for building rural resilience and securing sustainable food systems.