Climate-smart Agriculture Adoption Research Articles

Climate-smart agriculture: adoption, impacts, and implications for sustainable development

AbstractThe 19 papers included in this special issue examined the factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers and estimated the impacts of CSA adoption on farm production, income, and well-being. Key findings from this special issue include: (1) the variables, including age, gender, education, risk perception and preferences, access to credit, farm size, production conditions, off-farm income, and labour allocation, have a mixed (either positive or negative) influence on the adoption of CSA practices; (2) the variables, including labour endowment, land tenure security, access to extension services, agricultural training, membership in farmers’ organizations, support from non-governmental organizations, climate conditions, and access to information consistently have a positive impact on CSA adoption; (3) diverse forms of capital (physical, social, human, financial, natural, and institutional), social responsibility awareness, and digital advisory services can effectively promote CSA adoption; (4) the establishment of climate-smart villages and civil-society organizations enhances CSA adoption by improving their access to credit; (5) CSA adoption contributes to improved farm resilience to climate change and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; (6) CSA adoption leads to higher crop yields, increased farm income, and greater economic diversification; (7) integrating CSA technologies into traditional agricultural practices not only boosts economic viability but also contributes to environmental sustainability and health benefits; and (8) there is a critical need for international collaboration in transferring technology for CSA. Overall, the findings of this special issue highlight that through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, CSA can play a pivotal role in achieving food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience in farming communities worldwide and contribute to the achievements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A systematic review identifying the drivers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture by smallholder farmers in Africa

Climate change impact, food security concerns, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressuring agricultural production systems in developing countries. There is a need for a shift toward sustainable food systems. One of the concepts introduced to drive this shift is climate-smart agriculture (CSA), endorsed by international organizations to address multifaceted challenges. Despite widespread attention and support, the adoption of CSA among African farmers remains low. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the factors influencing CSA adoption amongst African farmers. Within the articles identified as relevant, over 50 CSA practices and more than 40 factors influencing CSA adoption were distinguished. These influencing factors can be categorized as personal, farm-related, financial, environmental, and informational. The focus of this review is to identify and explain the overall impact (positive, negative, or mixed) of these factors on CSA adoption. Overall, many factors result in mixed effects, only some factors have an unambiguous positive or negative effect on CSA adoption. For instance, educational level emerges as a key personal factor, positively impacting CSA adoption, along with positive influences from farmers' experience and farm size among farm-related factors. Financial factors reveal distinct patterns, with income from farming and access to credit positively influencing adoption, while off-farm income exhibits a negative effect. Environmental factors, though less researched, indicate positive impacts related to changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and droughts. Lastly, informational factors consistently exhibit a positive effect on CSA adoption, with training, access to extension, group memberships, climate information, and CSA awareness playing crucial roles. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance CSA adoption in Africa, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play.

Financing Climate-Smart Agriculture: a case study from the Indo-Gangetic Plains

The Indo-Gangetic Plains represents one of South Asia’s most productive agricultural regions, yet it is highly vulnerable to climate change and requires the widespread adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture. Although farmers understand the benefits of such technologies, financial constraints often undermine adoption. Using a case study from Haryana, we assess the opportunities and challenges aligned with the different pathways available for farmers to adopt and finance two capital-intensive technologies: laser land levelers and happy seeders. Our analysis uses unique data from Karnal, where stakeholders have partnered in Climate-Smart-Villages, and combines a household survey from 120 farmers, interviews, and focus group discussions with banks and cooperatives. Our results indicate adoption rates of 77% for laser land levelers and 52% for happy seeders, with only 7% and 21% of farmers owning the technologies, respectively. Hiring is highly preferred over purchase, mainly due to the flourishing of Custom-Hiring Centers, which are vital in driving large-scale implementation. We find that farmers prefer funding from family, savings, and moneylenders (indirect pathways) rather than from commercial banks (direct pathways) to get immediate access to credit and avoid bureaucratic procedures. Our study offers broader insights into the state of agricultural finance in India and adaptation to climate change and reveals that institutional innovations can enhance the financing of CSA technologies for smallholder farmers. Our findings have important implications for decision-makers seeking to streamline credit access for CSA machinery rental. Future research should focus on the efficacy of different finance channels and their causal impact on pathways for technology adoption.

Climate Change Effects on Sustainable Vegetable Production in India: A Review

This review explores the complex relationship between sustainable vegetable production and climate change, aiming to identify strategies for harnessing climatic shifts to promote resilience and productivity in the agricultural sector. One of the abundant sources of vitamins and minerals in vegetables contributes significantly to food and nutritional security. Vegetables are extremely vulnerable to erratic climate shifts and highly perishable. This study emphasizes the need for adaptable approaches to address issues caused by altered temperature patterns, erratic precipitation and increased extreme weather occurrences. The review highlights the integration of climate-resilient vegetable crop varieties into implementing innovative technologies like precision farming and greenhouse farming and emphasises the need for a holistic approaches. The importance of institutional support, community involvement and policy frameworks is explored to address this complex climate change paradox. By combining existing knowledge, this review provides insights into the numerous strategies required for sustainable vegetable production regarding climate change (Use of climate resilient varieties, Adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, Crop diversification). Consequently, this review article aims to examine the climate change effects on growing vegetables in a sustainable manner as well as its management strategies.

Preface

The 3rd International Conference on Agriculture and food sustainability (The 3rd ICAFOSY 2023) The 3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUSTAINABILITY (The 3rd ICAFOSY 2023) marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of global efforts to address the challenges facing food systems and nutritional security in the wake of climate change, particularly in developing countries. With its overarching theme, “Enhancing the resilience of food systems for food and nutritional security under climate change,” The conference united academics, researchers, specialists, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.At the heart of this collective endeavor, the conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, cutting-edge research findings, and innovative solutions. Delegates explored various dimensions of the conference’s focus and scopes, ranging from adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies to climate-smart agriculture adoption and the intricate interplay between climate change and agriculture. Participants engaged in fruitful discussions on topics such as bioenergy for sustainable agriculture, climate change education for social transformation, and governance strategies for ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.A moment of reflection and gratitude is extended to all the colleagues and participants whose dedication and expertise contributed to the success of the 3rd ICAFOSY 2023. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding agriculture, food sustainability, and climate change. The collective wisdom and shared experiences of our colleagues have undoubtedly enriched the dialogue and propelled us closer to actionable solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future.The 3rd ICAFOSY held on October 30-31, 2023, the conference found its home in the Main Hall of the Department of Agricultural Socio-economic Building, 3rd Floor, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The hybrid format of the event allowed for both in-person and virtual participation, enabling a global audience to engage in the discussions and contribute to the conference’s goals. The unique blend of physical and virtual interactions fostered a sense of global collaboration, transcending geographical boundaries to address the challenges posed by climate change to agriculture and food sustainability.Finally, the resounding success of the 3rd ICAFOSY 2023 would not have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment of the Department of Agricultural Socio-economic, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya.List of Editor, Technical Programme Committee are available in this pdf.

Value chain extension services for climate-smart agriculture adoption: evidence from Burkina Faso's cotton farming

PurposeThis study assesses the extent to which integrated extension services contribute to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) innovations within the cotton value chain in Burkina Faso.Design/methodology/approachTo address the research question, a probit multivariate econometric model with sample selection is utilized. The model is applied to a random sample of farmers (n = 510), and the endogeneity is addressed through a control function approach.FindingsThe study highlights the central role of value chains, particularly in the cotton sector, in overcoming resource scarcity through integrated extension services. Findings show that smallholder farmers who benefit from sound extension services are more willing to adopt and diversify CSA technologies. These include improved seeds, conservation techniques, adapted planting dates and mechanization. This study confirms the synergistic nature of these technologies and emphasizes that effective climate risk mitigation depends on the combined adoption of CSA technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of cross-sectional data limits the analysis of long-term farmer behavior, and due to data limitations, the focus was primarily on the contributions of cotton companies and farmers to climate risk mitigation. Future research using panel data across the value chain could provide a more robust insights for policy decision-making.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the crucial role of integrated extension services within the cotton value chain in developing countries. This highlights the critical benefits for farmers and emphasizes the need to diversify modern technologies to effectively combat climate change and its variability in agriculture.

Adapting agriculture to climate change: institutional determinants of adoption of climate-smart agriculture among smallholder farmers in Kenya

Adapting agriculture to climate change: institutional determinants of adoption of climate-smart agriculture among smallholder farmers in Kenya

Behavioural factors matter for the adoption of climate-smart agriculture

Increasing agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability are two important targets in achieving the sustainable development goals under climatic shocks. In this regard, different climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices have been recommended and promoted to meet these goals and targets. However, the adoption of these practices remains low and variable. For the most part, low adoption has been attributed to external factors. Behavioural and psychological factors also matter but have received little empirical and policy attention. In this study, we examine the relationship between aspirations, aspiration gaps, and the adoption of CSA practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, fallowing, and organic soil amendments. Employing parametric and non-parametric estimation techniques on a pooled farm household survey from Cameroon and Kenya, we show that aspirations are associated with the use of crop rotation and organic soil amendments. We also investigate the theorized non-monotonic inverse U-shaped relationship between aspiration gaps and investments. We find evidence of this relationship for the adoption of these CSA practices, suggesting an aspiration failure for smallholder farmers. These results imply that aspirations that are ahead but not too far ahead of the current state serve as the best incentives for stimulating the adoption of CSA practices. Employing the multivariate probit model, we further highlight interdependencies in the use of these CSA practices. Specifically, we underscore significant complementarities, suggesting the bundled use of these practices. Overall, the analysis demonstrates that aspirations matter for farmer decision-making with many implications for agricultural, food, and environmental policies.

A participatory framework for prioritizing climate-smart agriculture innovations in rice-based systems: A case study of Mali

Alleviating the climate-related constraints faced by agri-food systems in sub-Saharan Africa requires an accelerated adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) innovations by farmers. However, little is known about the best-bet (most appropriate) CSA innovations, and the enabling conditions for their widespread adoption in a given biophysical and socioeconomic context. The objectives of this study were to identify the best-bet CSA innovations and the barriers, incentive mechanisms, and roles of institutions in widespread adoption in the four rice growing environments in Mali (irrigated lowlands, rainfed lowlands, rainfed uplands, and submergence systems). Data were collected from stakeholder's consultations to assess CSA innovations using four climate-smart performance indicators (productivity, income, adaptation, and mitigation) and four implementation feasibility indicators (technology cost, technical feasibility, gender inclusivity, and market demand). The best-bet CSA innovations included drought- and submergence-tolerant rice varieties, perennial rice, and rice-vegetable rotation in irrigated lowlands; drought-tolerant rice varieties, rice-tuber, rice-vegetable, and rice-legume rotations in rainfed lowlands; drought-tolerant rice varieties and mulching in rainfed uplands; and submergence-tolerant rice varieties, perennial rice, and integrated rice-fish in submergence systems. The average perceived adoption level of CSA innovations by farmers in the rice-growing environments was low, ranging from 7 to 19 % due to the lack of finance, technical knowledge, machinery, fertilizer, and quality seeds. Governments, farmers’ organizations, and research and academic institutions were identified as critical actors in the wide spread adoption of CSA innovations. The framework used in this study can be used to identify and invest into locally relevant best-bet CSA innovation packages.

Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and its impact on smallholder farming households in some rural areas of North-Western Nigeria

Abstract The study determined the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption on crop yield, income, and food security status of smallholder farmers in north-western Nigeria using a sample of 377 farming households. Descriptive statistics, farm budgeting, probit regression model, and treatment effect model were used for data analysis. The result revealed that 82 % of the respondents are adopters of the CSA practices. Significant differences exist in the socioeconomic attributes of the adopters and non-adopters of CSA practices. More so, adopters had significantly larger farm sizes of about 4.0ha compared to 3.4ha for non-adopters. The major CSA practices adopted include crop rotation, application of organic and inorganic fertilisers, and multiple cropping. The major determinants of CSA practices adoption are age, membership of an association, and awareness of climate change impact. The result further shows that CSA adoption will increase technical efficiency scores by 21.9 %, crop income by ₦19,389 ($17.62) per hectare, while the household per capita expenditure on food will also increase by ₦21,938 ($20.0) This implies that the adoption of climate-smart agriculture significantly improved crop yield, income and food security status of smallholder farmers. To sustain the benefits of CSA practices adoption, farmers should be supported so that they do not discontinue its adoption. Credit availability should also be facilitated by the government to enable farmers to obtain relevant agricultural inputs to complement the adoption of CSA practices.

Factors influencing the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices among smallholder farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Most of Kenya’s population’s livelihoods and agri-food systems rely on rain-fed agriculture making them vulnerable to climate change. The adverse effects of climate change on agricultural production have necessitated the promotion of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies help guide actions needed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to effectively support development and ensure food security by increasing farmers’ resilience to climate change. This study sought to ascertain the current state of CSA practices among Kakamega County's smallholder farmers to identify the main drivers of CSA adoption. Stratified sampling was used to select six sub-counties to represent the county's various agroecological zones and regions for the research sample. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used to select 428 smallholder CSA farmers of which 182 were adopters while 246 were dis-adopters. Primary data were collected using interview guides developed through the Kobo Collect Application. Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical packages were used to process and analyze the data. This study established that CSA technologies in Kakamega are mainly promoted by international development partners, non-governmental organizations and research organizations. In addition, the most adopted CSA technologies were agroforestry, composting, and soil and water conservation structures, while push-pull technology, conservation agriculture, and vermiculture were the least adopted. This study, further, established that smallholder farmers’ level of education, membership to a farmers’ group, interaction with extension officers and farming experience influenced adoption of CSA technologies. Other factors are those that increase household productive resources, such as land ownership, household income, and access to agricultural credit. The results of this study suggest that those who promote CSA technologies, policymakers, extension service providers, and other stakeholders should take smallholder farmers' socioeconomic and bio-physical factors into account when doing so. Key words: Climate-smart agriculture, CSA practices, CSA adoption, CSA dis-adoption, smallholder farmers

Impact of adoption of climate-smart agriculture on food security in the tropical moist montane ecosystem: The case of Geshy watershed, Southwest Ethiopia

The traditional rain-fed agriculture system of Ethiopia is suffering from climate change impacts and extremes. It must be improved to feed the growing population and create a resilient society. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is currently promoted as an approach intended to increase sustainable agricultural productivity, enhance household resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study was, therefore, undertaken to examine how food security can be improved by the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices of smallholder farmers in a moist tropical montane ecosystem of Southwest Ethiopia. Data was collected from 384 purposively selected households through cross-sectional study design using a semi-structured questionnaire. Eight Focus group discussions and fifteen key informant interviews were also conducted to check the reliability of the survey data collected. In the study area, a total of eighteen CSA practices, adopted by farmers, were identified. Using principal component analysis, these practices were further grouped into five packages and a multinomial endogenous switching regression model was used to link these packages to the food security status. The findings revealed a great variation in the proportion of households using CSA practices where 92.3 % were using crop management practices whereas 11.2 % were using soil and water conservation practices. The study found that the maximum effect of CSA adoption on food security was by farmers who adopted all the five category CSA technologies. Households that adopted this package were more food secure by 41.2 % in terms of per capita annual food expenditure, 39.8% in terms of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and 12.1% in terms of Household Food Consumption Score (HFCS) than the non-adopters. The adoption of this group of practices was further influenced positively by farm size, gender, and productive farm asset values. Using CSA practices in combinations and to a relatively larger extent can potentially solve food security problems. Motivating farmers by providing income-generating activities and discouraging land fragmentation through public education is essential. This in turn improves CSA adoption and initiates production assets investment that can absorb climate change risks.

Heterogeneous impacts of greenhouse farming technology as climate-smart agriculture on household welfare in Ghana

The contributions of climate-smart agriculture to the transformation of agri-food systems as well as reducing the vulnerability of smallholder agriculture production to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa have been acknowledged in the sustainable development literature. However, studies on the impacts of adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) have not thoroughly explored the impact of greenhouse technology (GHT) adoption as a CSA practice on household welfare. This study attempts to fill-in this knowledge gap by analysing the drivers of GHT adoption as well as the heterogeneous impacts of GHT adoption as CSA practice on household welfare using the marginal treatments effect (MTE) model and a unique data on greenhouse and conventional farmers from southern Ghana. The findings from the study indicate that GHT adoption as a CSA practice assisted smallholder vegetable farmers to improve their crop yields, net farm returns and per capita consumption expenditures by 21%, 15% and 13%, respectively. Further evidence from policy relevant treatment effects (PRTE) of the MTE model suggests that having access to market and climate information tend to boost GHT adoption, which consequently improve household welfare. Hence, development agencies and practitioners should make conscious efforts to accelerate the promotion of GHT as a sustainable agricultural technology that could minimize the negative effects of climate change.

Climate-smart agricultural practices: a case of dairy cooperative farmers in Agula and Maychew, Northern Ethiopia

This study examined the climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices of dairy farmers in Agula and Maychew, Northern Ethiopia. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires. The study explored farmers’, implementation of three CSA practices – improved fodder, manure management, and replacement of unproductive cows. The determinants of CSA adoption were analyzed using a binary logistics model at significance levels of 1%, 5%, and 10%. Results showed that improved fodder was adopted by 60.1% in Agula and 18.2% in Maychew. The adoption of manure management (p = .229) and replacement of unproductive cows (p = .935) did not vary significantly. The replacement of unproductive cows had the highest adoption rate (45.9%). Improved fodder adoption was significantly higher among male-headed farms (p = .017). Manure management adoption was positively associated with gender (p = .034), number of cows (p = .081), and access to climate information (p = .063). Replacement of unproductive cows was associated with number of cows (p < .001), farm income (p = .049), and access to extension services (p = .006). FGDs revealed that farmers were able to perceive climate change and its effects on their dairy business. This study underscores the need for CSA practices to adapt to climate change impact on animals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception of Climate Risks at Municipality Level in South Africa

High dependence on rain-fed agriculture impose smallholder farmers to a plethora of climate risks which are detrimental to agroecosystems and socio-economic status. Assessment of the impact of climate variability and change at farm level is key to developing suitable agro-advisories toward mitigating climate risks. Smallholder farmers in the semi-arid areas of South Africa are most vulnerable to heightened sensitivity to extreme weather events and inadequate exposure to adaptive capacity. The increasing pressures brought in by weather events, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, increasing population is threatening food security and sustainable livelihoods. The study conducted a reconnaissance review with smallholder farmers from selected local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces. The purpose for this analysis was to determine local climate related challenges, gaps, shocks and barriers. The survey further, identified agricultural practices, climate risks, access to climate related advisories, access to other scientific knowledge and factors hindering sustainability, stability, and profitability. We further discussed the importance of drought in situ monitoring since drought was identified as the measure limiting factor to agricultural productivity. The existing challenge on the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the accessibility of agrometeorological application knowledge to smallholder farmers. Thus overcoming the constraints limiting the adoption of climate smart agriculture, weather and climate use, and minimise climatic risks and improve smallholder agricultural production.

Constraints Perceived by the Farmers Regarding Opportunity and Challenges of Climate Smart Agriculture in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

This research article discussed about the constraints faced by farmers in the adoption of climate smart agriculture in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is basically a management strategy for agriculture in the face of climate change. Farmers face obstacles to adopting diverse Climate Smart Agriculture practices. Farmers face many barriers when it comes to adopting new or unfamiliar practices, such as Climate Smart Agriculture. These include lack of awareness, high cost of machines and input, and insufficient knowledge and guidance. Garrett's ranking technique is used to determine the most important factor influencing the response. The major constraints faced by the farmers in their knowledge and adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture were ‘lack of awareness', 'uncertain returns', 'limited extension activities’ common problems in the study area having the Garrett rank of first (Average Value 114.95), second (Average Value 113.26) and third (Average Value 101.22) respectively, and so forth the other constraints too. The study sought to identify the barriers to Climate Smart Agriculture adoption as well as potential solutions.

Climate‐smart agriculture as a possible solution to mitigate climate change impact on food security in Sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractClimate change is a constant threat to global food security. In Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), extended dry spells, heavy rainfall, flooding, and tropical storms have driven a large percentage of the population to a severe food crisis. Climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) is a potential comprehensive solution whose adoption can mitigate climate change and its ramifications on the state of food security in the region. CSA combines innovation, the use of technology, extensive research, stakeholder involvement, and data to increase food production, optimize resource allocation and utilization, and enhance the region's ability to feed its population. The adoption of CSA has succeeded in increasing agricultural productivity in several parts of SSA and will help towards the building of resilience food systems across the region amid constant and unpredictable climate change and its far‐reaching impacts in the region. For the sustained and universal adoption of CSA within the region, there is a need for more stakeholder involvement in its development and adaptation to the needs of specific communities. Furthermore, it is necessary to leverage the positive impact of the approach by expanding its scope beyond climate change mitigation to prevention and control, and ultimately help in achieving the United Nations SDG 2 and 13.

A scalable approach to improve CSA targeting practices among smallholder farmers

With climate change, population growth, and land degradation exerting mounting pressures on agricultural systems in developing countries, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) strategies have been prioritized as a means to strengthen smallholder farmers' resilience. However, precise targeting methodologies remain a challenge. This study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating Socio-economic, and Biophysical (SEBP), and the Five Capitals Model analyses encompassing human, social, physical, natural, and financial capital. The study employs factor analysis for mixed data (FAMD), cluster analysis using partitioning around the medoids (PAM) and univariate and bivariate techniques to identify and classify distinct typologies of smallholder farming systems in Senegal's Tambacounda and Sedhiou regions in 2020. A probit regression model gauges CSA adoption probability, to better focus CSA efforts. Results underscore the pivotal role of SEBP factors in shaping distinct farmer typologies, enabling precise CSA targeting. Geographical distribution patterns of these typologies reveal non-random clustering, particularly in specific regions. Four farmer typologies emerge: Cluster 1 (Sedhiou, low-income, high climate challenges), Cluster 2 (Sedhiou and Tambacounda, low-to middle-income, moderate climatic challenges), Cluster 3 (Tambacounda, high income, favorable climate), and Cluster 4 (Tambacounda, low income, severe climate challenges). Technology mismatches emerge between farmers' SEBP profiles and capital assets, prompting the identification of relevant technologies for soil fertility restoration and increased output. These findings highlight the importance of implementing CSAs in accordance with specific requirements, such as enhancing soil fertility, yield, and nutritional quality. A contextual understanding of local agricultural dynamics is likewise necessary for optimizing intervention strategies, according to the study.

Level of adoption of climate smart agriculture among smallholder rice farmers in Osun State: does financing matter?

Application of climate smart agriculture (CSA) technologies being context-specific is premised on integrating agroclimatic and socioeconomic conditions, institutional structures, and most importantly, financing mechanisms vis-à-vis the adoption capacities of the farmers. This study examined financing adoption intensity of CSA technologies among sampled smallholder rice farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. The results of this study point to the fact that gender of household head, marital status, access to climate information, access to off-farm income, access to cooperative and access to credit were the determinants of level of adoption of CSA technology amongst the smallholder rice farmers in the study area. In view of the nexus between CSA adoption level and access to credit as revealed in this study, increasing awareness about how the credit market works and information on the provision of climate change can help farmers to better adapt to climate change. This significant impact of the credit accessibility on level of CSA adoption confirms the critical role that credit availability has in climate financing. Thus, agricultural policies to improve institutional support, such as involvement in farm-based cooperative, credit facility, and off-farm income activities, are crucial to upscale CSA adoption in the study area. The income from non-farm activities can be reinvested into farm operations to improve farmers’ adaptive capacity and subsequently increase productivity. It could also be recommended that policies enhancing and strengthening institutional support may also be valuable in augmenting the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers.

Role of climate-smart agriculture in fighting against climate change in competitive supply chains

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a United Nations-recommended approach to help farmer collectives (FCs) build crop resilience against climate-related yield uncertainty. In this study, we develop game-theoretical models to analyse the impact of CSA on the competitive agricultural marketplace. FCs can choose either a direct-to-consumer mode (i.e., selling to consumers directly without using CSA) or a CSA-enabled mode (i.e., selling to consumers through the e-platform with the use of CSA). We find that CSA adoption is preferable for FCs when the climate-related yield uncertainty is sufficiently high but unprofitable for FCs when the climate-related yield uncertainty is sufficiently low. Moreover, we identify how climate-related yield uncertainty and segmented agri-market selection (e.g., staple or side crop) affect yield competition. When FCs plant a crop with a low substitution rate (e.g., a staple crop), yield competition will be intensified if at least one FC does not adopt the CSA-enabled mode, whereas when FCs plant a crop with a high substitution rate (e.g., a side crop), yield competition will be intensified if all FCs adopt the CSA-enabled mode. We also find that the industrywide welfare improvement, total yield improvement, and FCs’ profit can benefit from inconsistent CSA modes, rather than consistent ones in supply chains. Our results provide guidelines to both FCs and policymakers on CSA adoption for alleviating the crop supply shortage and fighting against climate change.