15 January 2015: The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) released a book highlighting climate-smart agricultural practices across Africa, based on eight case studies. The book intends to increase awareness of, and support for, agricultural approaches that improve livelihoods and enhance food security while contributing to climate change mitigation.

The case studies cover: farmer-managed natural tree regeneration; improved market access for dairy products; a transboundary tree restoration initiative; tree use for drought resistance; a regional project for the promotion of fruit trees; and tree planting and agricultural extension programmes to enhance agroforestry.

In addition to presenting case studies, the book identifies a number of criteria for success including: integrating climate-smart agriculture (CSA) into national policies; adopting a gender sensitive approach; partnering with universities and the private sector; and engaging communities to encourage innovation. The book also highlights the importance of addressing the challenges of food security, poverty alleviation, climate change and sustainability across multiple scales. It also calls for ensuring that national budgetary support is adequate; and for capacity building and actions to enhance political commitments to CSA.

The book, titled ‘Evidence of impact: Climate-smart agriculture in Africa,’ was produced as part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) CCAFS. ICRAF is part of the CGIAR Consortium. [ICRAF Press Release] [Publication: Evidence of Impact – Climate-smart agriculture in Africa]