Climate change mitigation policies in agriculture: An overview of sociopolitical barriers

Abstract

The realization of the economic and technical potential of climate mitigation policies in agriculture is influenced by how sociopolitical issues are considered in policy development and implementation. Based on a narrative review of the literature, this article provides an overview of common sociopolitical barriers facing supply-side and demand-side mitigation measures in agriculture. Understanding these sociopolitical issues can provide opportunities for the full realization of mitigation policy potentials. They are presented under four themes: local context, adoption capacity, and distributional impacts; food security, costs, and choices in food consumption; political considerations related to electoral weight and lobbying; and international aspects regarding emissions metrics, trade, and big agriculture. Designing complementary policies and second-best options, incorporating local knowledge in policy design, recognizing women's voice and role in sustainable agriculture, planning for job transitions, engaging stakeholders through multiscalar platforms, and appropriately framing and communicating policies in a digestible manner are some considerations to address these sociopolitical barriers. This article is categorized under: Climate Economics > Economics and Climate Change Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation.