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FROM THE FIELD: Indian Ocean perfume islands threatened by climate change

A man with dogs on a tropical beach next to a thatched hut, with palm trees and the ocean in the background.
UNDP Comoros/James Stapley People living on the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean are needing to adapt to climate change.

FROM THE FIELD: Indian Ocean perfume islands threatened by climate change

Climate and Environment

Farmers living on the Indian Ocean Comoros archipelago are being supported through a UN Development Programme (UNDP) initiative, to adapt to climate change in an effort to ensure they can continue to prosper in one of Africa’s poorest nations.

A UNDP representative in a blue vest and white hat mentors farmers in a vegetable garden in Comoros.
UNDP Comoros/James Stapley

Some 200,000 Comorians rely solely on agriculture to make a living from crops such as ylang-ylang, vanilla and clove; fragrant plants which have led many to name the small island nation, the perfume islands.

But, changes to the climate are upending traditional agricultural practices and threatening the islanders’ livelihoods.

UNDP has partnered with the Government of Comoros to mentor farmers in a new agricultural approach.

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