Concrete actions and interventions are needed that can support Africa in building resilient food systems. There is a large evidence base, and many country case examples, that highlight the key benefits that climate-smart agricultural (CSA) approaches and innovations can bring. Through enhanced planning, integration, ownership, implementation and scaling, climate-smart agricultural approaches can simultaneously increase Africa’s agricultural productivity, promote its climate adaptation, reduce carbon emissions and ultimately enhance the resilience of food systems throughout the continent.
This briefing paper calls African governments to support and strengthen actions that prioritise increased productivity, resilience and livelihoods opportunities of smallholder farmers. It provides practical guidance and key recommendations to member countries, and Africa at large, on implementing a comprehensive CSA approach. It discusses successful country cases and highlights the necessary enabling conditions for effective CSA scaling. It also suggests key areas of focus for countries hoping to adopt, scale and finance these innovative practices.