Smallholder Farming under External Shocks: New Perspectives and Solutions for Future Crises

The agricultural, agroforestry, and aquacultural sectors are facing challenges due to climate change, making it difficult for them to achieve economic sustainability and improve farmers' livelihoods. The increasing occurrence of extreme events has led to extensive research into epidemiology, management, and impact on livelihoods, particularly for households dependent on agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. However, there remains a need for comprehensive research into the effects of climate change on vulnerable (mountain) regions and their communities. Consequently, there is modest knowledge about the adaptation responses and strategies of different farmers, with the existing literature consisting of isolated cases that provide limited insights into common effects across different regions and over time. Similarly, the effects of COVID-19 and the Russo-Ukrainian military conflicts on smallholder farming are poorly understood. Although there are national and international policies and interventions promoting the transition of agri-food production systems towards circular bioeconomy, the specific direction of these strategies remains unclear. This reprint aims to bridge the existing gaps by offering insights into the impact of external shocks such as climate change, COVID-19, and the Ukraine-Russian military conflicts on farmers across different regions and time periods. It also presents evidence of the strategies adopted by farmers to address these challenges.