The impact of future climate change on sweet potato production

The study predicts that under the A1B medium emissions scenario for 2041-2070, sweet potato production in Jamaica will see significant increases in yield and biomass, alongside improved water productivity, suggesting the crop is a viable adaptation option for the region.

• Under the A1B medium emissions scenario for the period 2041-2070 relative to 1981-2010, sweet potato production is projected to increase significantly, with a mean yield increase of 32.5% and a mean biomass increase of 33.9%.
• The study indicates a projected decrease in reference evapotranspiration (ETo) of approximately 15% for the 2041-2070 period, which, combined with higher productivity, leads to an increase in water productivity.
• Preliminary climate analysis for the 2041-2070 period suggests a slight mean seasonal rainfall increase of 9.9 mm (+1.5%) and increases in minimum and maximum temperatures, vapour pressure, and relative humidity compared to 1981-2010.
• Sweet potato is identified as a potential climate change adaptation crop due to its moderate drought tolerance, ability to grow on marginal lands, low requirements for labour and inorganic fertilizers, and the fact that its tubers are protected from tropical cyclone winds.

APA

Rankine, D., Taylor, M., & Stephenson, T. (n.d.). The impact of future climate change on sweet potato production. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cariwig-case-study-report-Sweet-Potato-Final.pdf

Chicago

Rankine, Dale, Michael Taylor, and Tannecia Stephenson. The impact of future climate change on sweet potato production. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, n.d. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cariwig-case-study-report-Sweet-Potato-Final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Rankine |first1=Dale |last2=Taylor |first2=Michael |last3=Stephenson |first3=Tannecia |title=The impact of future climate change on sweet potato production |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |url=http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cariwig-case-study-report-Sweet-Potato-Final.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rankinendimpact, author = {Rankine, Dale and Taylor, Michael and Stephenson, Tannecia}, title = {{The impact of future climate change on sweet potato production}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cariwig-case-study-report-Sweet-Potato-Final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }