Chapter 13 - Climate Change and Agricultural Systems

Abstract

In this chapter we outline the two-way links between climate change and agriculture, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The direct and indirect impacts of climate change on agriculture are explored. How agriculture and land use change contribute to greenhouse gas emissions/global warming is outlined, and then supply-side and demand-side options for mitigation in agricultural and food systems are provided. A range of approaches to farm-level adaptation to climate change are discussed, along with examples of adaptation and barriers to adaptation. Integrated concepts and approaches to addressing climate change in agricultural development, such as climate smart agriculture, are considered. Finally, we look at how agricultural innovation systems may be strengthened to respond to climate change under the headings of: Public policy and regulatory context; Knowledge management; Capacity strengthening; The private sector and the role of markets; Climate finance and agriculture; and Management under increasing risks, uncertainty and conflict. We conclude with suggestions for the ways forward in responding to climate change in agricultural systems.