Food and Agricultural Organiztion of the United Nations | Source | Download |
Need for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
By 2050, the global population is expected to rise by one-third, with a majority living in developing countries and cities. FAO predicts that agricultural production must increase by 60% to meet food and feed demands. However, climate change will exacerbate the challenge, impacting agriculture through extreme events and unpredictable weather, leading to reduced production, lower incomes, and higher global food prices. Smallholder farmers and pastoralists, already facing degraded resources, are particularly vulnerable.
To achieve food security and meet development goals, agriculture must become more productive, efficient, and resilient while preserving natural resources. This requires significant changes in land, water, and resource management, as well as improved governance, policies, and financial mechanisms.
Defining CSA
CSA integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions to address food security and climate challenges. It focuses on:
- Increasing agricultural productivity and incomes sustainably.
- Adapting to and building resilience against climate change.
- Reducing or removing greenhouse gas emissions where possible.
CSA is not a specific technology but an approach that combines practices, policies, and investments tailored to local conditions. It emphasizes integrated solutions across agricultural and related sectors, and requires context-specific assessments and coordinated efforts.
Implementation and Role of the Sourcebook
CSA implementation faces challenges due to a lack of tools and experience. The sourcebook aims to elaborate on CSA concepts and guide decision-makers on planning, policies, and practices. It includes:
- Section A: Rationale for CSA and the landscape approach.
- Section B: Technologies and approaches for sustainable farm management, including water, soil, energy, and genetic resources.
- Section C: Enabling frameworks, including institutional, policy, and financial options, disaster risk reduction, safety nets, capacity development, and monitoring.
