Enhanced risk management and decision-making capability across the sugar industry value chain based on seasonal climate forecasts

Abstract

Sugarcane industries worldwide are exposed to uncertainty associated with variable climate. This variability produces impacts across an integrated value chain comprising of the following industry sectors: cane growing, harvesting and transport, milling, and marketing. The purpose of this paper is to advocate a comprehensive systems approach for using seasonal climate forecast systems to improve risk management and decision-making capability across all sugarcane industry sectors. The application of this approach is outlined for decisions relating to yield forecasting, harvest management, and the use of irrigation. Key lessons learnt from this approach include the need for a participative R&D approach with stakeholders and the need to consider the whole industry value chain. Additionally, there is the need for climate forecast systems to target the varying needs of sugarcane industries.