ABSTRACT
This chapter takes a sectoral perspective by addressing the role of agriculture for low carbon development. ‘Low carbon’ in agriculture goes beyond carbon and includes mitigation of GHGs other than carbon dioxide, including nitrous oxide and methane. Changes in land use and different management practices in crop and livestock production are major contributors to the GHG emissions leading to climate change. Fossil fuel-induced emissions due to energy use and transport for food products are also sources of GHG emissions in agriculture. Mitigation in this sector can be achieved not only through various improved techniques but also through the introduction of new policies and programmes that support low carbon agricultural development. Emission reduction will depend on how solutions are appropriate to contextual needs, the creation of synergies with other low carbon development sectors and effective control of agricultural production.
