Upscaling climate smart agriculture - Understanding trade-offs using scenario analysis

Abstract

Climate smart agriculture (CSA) links food security and global climate change. It has been adopted by international development organisations as the main pathway for sustainable agricultural development. When CSA is scaled up, can it be aligned with other landscape level policies? Who benefits? What are the trade-offs, synergies, barriers and policy responses when scaling up CSA under different climate and economic growth scenarios?

CSA will have limited effect on reducing inequalities and investment in literacy and skills development are critical to make sure that marginalised groups can benefit from CSA. CSA strategies must also suit small land holdings, encourage diversification and support market access. CSA strategies must be aligned with existing policies across sectors and Ministries.