The main message from this Topic Guide is that climate change is already affecting food security and agricultural growth under all types of agriculture, and is expected to continue to have an increasingly serious impact on smallholders and large scale agriculture. A well-considered approach that tackles both technical and structural issues in agriculture is essential, and can create a prosperous climate-resilient agricultural sector that enables inclusive growth.
The guide comprises 4 sections. Section 1 provides an overview of the challenge of climate change, food security and agriculture. Sections 2 and 3 focus on "hot topics" on climate smart agriculture (CSA) including: CSA practices, gender, the economics of climate change and agriculture, the debate around multiple benefits and financing CSA approaches. Section 4 looks at programming and draws out key messages for advisers and policy makers.
Two country case studies for Malawi and Nepal accompany the guide. Summaries are included in the text.
This Topic Guide has been produced by the Overseas Development Institute for the UK Department for International Development (DFID) Adaptation Knowledge and Tools programme and published through Evidence on Demand.
The Adaptation Knowledge and Tools programme is a DFID-funded programme intended to maximise the effectiveness of UK and international investment in climate change adaptation and resilience. The knowledge and tools generated through this programme are expected to promote greater understanding of what constitutes best practice in adaptation, as well as better international cohesion and coordination around adaptation. Through these entry points the programme expects to increase the quality of international and UK adaptation programming and reduce its risk.