Impacts of climate change on horticultural systems with focus on socio-economic implications, production and postharvest challenges, and adaptive pathways

Summary

This systematic review synthesises evidence from 140 peer-reviewed studies on the impacts of climate change on horticultural systems globally. The authors document how rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and increased frequency of droughts and floods disrupt physiological processes, reduce yield, compromise nutritional value and market quality, whilst accelerating postharvest deterioration and storage losses. The review emphasises that these biophysical challenges have severe socio-economic consequences—particularly in developing countries with limited cold chain infrastructure and weak adaptive systems—threatening food security, livelihoods and market stability.

Regional applicability

The review is global in scope; its findings on climate vulnerability of horticultural crops and postharvest losses apply broadly to United Kingdom horticulture, though the emphasis on constraints in developing countries (limited cold chain, weak institutions) may be less directly applicable to UK infrastructure. However, UK horticultural systems may face emerging challenges from increasingly variable and extreme weather that merit adaptation planning informed by this synthesis.

Key measures

Yield impacts, crop quality, nutritional value, shelf life reduction, postharvest losses, food security implications, livelihood impacts, and adaptive capacity in developing versus developed regions

Outcomes reported

Synthesis of 140 studies examining biophysical and socio-economic effects of climate change on horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamentals), including production impacts, postharvest deterioration, and adaptive strategies. The review assessed how rising temperatures, altered rainfall, droughts and floods affect crop performance, nutritional value, shelf life and food security, particularly in developing countries.

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