Vulnerability Assessment of Potato Growth to Climate Change Based on GIS in Inner Mongolia, China

Since 2016, the potato has gradually become the fourth major staple food in China, and the potato planting area and total output in Inner Mongolia rank among the top in the country. Potato is a climate dominant crop in Inner Mongolia, and it is an urgent requirement to study the impact of the potato’s climate vulnerability and effectively avoid climate risks to ensure national food security. An index system for a vulnerability assessment of potato production in Inner Mongolia was established based on GIS and AHP. Based on the definition of vulnerability and the theory of disaster risk, a comprehensive evaluation model of potato growth vulnerability was established. The results showed that the potato production in central Inner Mongolia was highly vulnerable, while the potato production in eastern and western Inner Mongolia was relatively vulnerable. Central Ulanqab, southern Hohhot, southern Baotou and southwestern Xilin Gol League were most vulnerable. The eastern part of Hulunbuir, Xingan League, Tongliao City and the southern part of Ordos City are the least vulnerable areas, while Chifeng, Bayannur and most other parts of northern Ordos City are moderately vulnerable areas. According to the different influencing factors of climate change vulnerability in major potato producing areas, different countermeasures should be taken respectively. The results can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of potato production in autonomous regions. The research results were approved by the national Potato Meteorological Service Center.