South Asia has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the
impact of climate change. Empirical studies carried out in recent years using the partial
equilibrium approach suggest that climate change-induced yield losses in agriculture are
becoming a serious concern. In this study, we use a global dynamic computable general
equilibrium model to examine the impact of changes in crop productivity due to climate
change on food prices and food security in South Asia, focusing on five large countries in
the region, namely, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Our results suggest
that there is likely to be a significant negative impact on food production and prices in all
South Asian countries due to climate change-induced agricultural productivity changes.
The results further suggest that countries in this region are likely to face problems of food
security given that nearly half of the world’s poor reside in this region and agriculture plays
an important role in the gross domestic product (GDP) and employment generation in the
region. The results support the need for policy analysts and policy makers in the region to
develop climate change adaptation measures that address the likely negative consequences
of climate change-induced agricultural productivity losses