Climate-smart Technologies Research Articles

Dissemination Approaches that Enhance Adoption of Climate Resilient TIMPS for Pigeon Pea, Sorghum and Green Grams Value Chains in Machakos County, Kenya

Dissemination approaches play a key role in facilitating the adoption of climate smart technologies, innovations and management practices among farmers. Various approaches used in Kenya include the top down approaches and bottom up approaches. This study was conducted to determine and validate dissemination approaches that enhance sustainable adoption of climate resilient TIMPs for Sorghum, Green grams and pigeon peas value chains among farmers in Machakos county. The objectives included: to Identify dissemination approaches for TIMPS in sorghum, green grams and pigeon peas in Machakos county, to assess the frequency of use of dissemination approaches for TIMPS by stakeholders and to determine the stakeholders’ perception on the effectiveness of the dissemination approaches for TIMPS. The study used a survey research design where 27 key informants comprising champion farmers and extension service providers were purposively selected for data collection. The descriptive analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 16. A weighted index was computed to aid comparison for various values chains and categories. The results showed that farmer-to-farmer (96%) and T&V (88.9%) dissemination approaches were the frequently used dissemination approaches whereas education institution (14.81%) was the least used dissemination approach in the three value chains in the county. Farmer to farmer effectiveness was ranked highest in Sorghum and Green grams while the T&V was highest for Pigeon peas Enhanced utilization of farmer-to-farmer, T&V and demand driven dissemination approaches for enhance adoption of green grams, pigeon peas and sorghum for improved productivity and household income.

Impact of climate-smart agriculture practices on multidimensional poverty among coastal farmers in Bangladesh

Climate-smart agriculture technology helps safeguard crop income from climate change-induced crop loss. Here we identify the factors determining the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and the impact of its adoption on multidimensional poverty among coastal climate-vulnerable farm households. We employ full information maximum likelihood estimation under the endogenous switching regression approach to account for counterfactual scenarios. Results indicate that the decision to adopt climate-smart agriculture is influenced by crop vulnerability, crop income, access to extension service, and training on input management. The current adopters of climate-smart agriculture experience a 41-percentage point reduction in multidimensional poverty compared to if they had not adopted this technique. Likewise, if the current non-adopters adopted climate-smart technology they could reduce poverty by 15 percentage points. Findings also claim that some specific climate-smart technologies are particularly effective in reducing poverty, providing valuable information to coastal farmers in making informed decisions about which technologies may be effective.

Enhancing climate resilience in northern Ghana: A stochastic dominance analysis of risk-efficient climate-smart technologies for smallholder farmers

Northern Ghana is a semi-arid region characterised by a unimodal rainfall pattern, and hot and dry weather conditions. Heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and the lack of resources for irrigation, makes smallholder farmers in the region increasingly vulnerable to climate-related crop failures. In recent years, climate-smart technologies (CSTs) such as changing planting dates (PD), compartmental bunding (CB), mulching (M), and transplanting (TP) have been recommended to minimise yield losses. However, there is limited information on the most risk-efficient CSTs for crops cultivated in the region. This study used a stochastic dominance approach to identify the most risk-efficient CSTs for maize, rice, and sorghum. The stochastic modelling process employed the Aqua-crop model to simulate climate-related yield variability using Ghana climate data, and gross margin variability with crop budgets from literature sources. From the study's findings, changing planting date from April to May was the most risk-efficient choice for maize and sorghum under farmers' and recommended practices. In contrast, transplanting was the most risk-efficient technology for rice farming in the study area. The study also highlights the importance of considering the risk-averse nature of smallholder farmers when selecting CSTs. By identifying the most risk-efficient CSTs, the study can help improve the resilience of smallholder farmers. These findings have important implications for the development and adoption of CSTs in northern Ghana.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES ON SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF TRIBAL FARMERS

The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project was launched by ICAR in 2011. The Technology Demonstration Component of the project which is aimed at enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of the farmers to cope with the increasing climatic variability in different agro- ecosystems is implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra's spread across the country. Since the project has completed ten years, the investigation was undertaken with the objective to analyze the impact of climate resilient technologies on socio economic development of the tribal farmers. Khuntli and Amdha villages of Kaparada block of Gujarat state was selected purposively. From the list of the beneficiaries of both villages, forty farmers from each village were selected by simple random sampling technique. Thus, the sample comprised of 80 beneficiary farmers. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Statistical tools viz. mean, SD, and Z test were used to analyze the data. The data related to changes occurred after implementation of NICRA project revealed that as a result of adoption of climate smart technologies, significant improvements in the livelihood of the beneficiary farmers were observed due to increase in the overall income of the farmers per annum.

Effect of Climate Change on Crop Yield in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of climate change on crop yield in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Climate change in Nigeria has caused declining crop yields due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. This trend adversely affects staple crops like maize and rice, despite adaptation efforts through resilient crop varieties and better agricultural practices. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental determinism, vulnerability theory & resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on effect of climate change on crop yield in Nigeria. Encourage the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated crop-livestock systems, that enhance resilience to climate change while improving productivity and sustainability. Develop policies that support the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, incentivize the use of climate-smart technologies, and facilitate access to climate information and advisory services for farmers.

Climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Senegal’s semi-arid zone: role of socio-economic factors and institutional supports

In dryland agricultural systems, developing appropriate climate-smart technology (CST) options is important to adapt agriculture to climate change and transition toward sustainability, as well as increasing productivity and incomes. This study examines the impact of socio-economic and institutional support on community responses to climate change and the impact of changes in three selected regions of Senegal (Meouane, Thiel, and Daga Birame), which fall within different rainfall gradients. It captures community perceptions of climate change, compares them to long-term meteorological data, and identifies site-specific response strategies. Communities are randomly selected from a list of communities within the target sites. We used a two-stage stratified sampling method to select sample households. First, purposive sampling was conducted to select at least six (6) villages as a cluster within each rainfall gradient. Likewise, the selection of households in each cluster was based on the main value chains of crops grown in the study area, namely groundnut, millet, black pea, and livestock. A total of 145 households participated in this study. Data from surveys conducted during the 2022 post-harvest season were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit models. The analysis found that smallholders have a comprehensive understanding of climate indicators, including annual rainfall, shortened crop seasons, and rising temperatures, compared to historical data trends. Additionally, the results highlight how farmers view the negative impacts of seasonal rainfall deficiencies (72%), delayed start of the growing season (88%), frequent dry spells (68%), and longer dry spells (76%), which ultimately lead to decreased grain and fodder yields. The logit model also highlights the importance of socio-economic and institutional factors such as access to credit, extension services, agricultural experience, frequency of interaction with extension workers, and access to government subsidies. These factors play a crucial role in farmers’ decision to adopt CST. Given the specificity of community contexts, these insights have important implications for guiding policymakers and making it easier to reduce climate risk among smallholder farmers.

Three faces of climate change: Using Q-methodology to understand farmers’ perspectives of climate change and adaptive capacity in Bangladesh’s wetland areas

Even though the weather-dependent agricultural sector is severely impacted by climate change and requires more adaptive measures, climate change adaptation in the global south is slow. The perception of farmers, who are the final decision-makers, strongly influences the adoption of climate-smart technologies and the (un)willingness to follow recommended measures. Although perception studies have attracted the international community’s interest, these studies have disregarded the heterogeneity within the farming community. Our study uses Q-methodology to address this gap by examining small-scale farmers’ perspectives on climate change and their perceived adaptation capacity in wetland areas of north-eastern Bangladesh. Following post-sort interviews, 36 farmers were invited to participate in the Q-sorting using 34 pre-selected statements. The study revealed three distinct types of perspectives on climate change and adaptive capacity: theists who believe in the act of God and take a “do nothing” approach, realists who believe in climate change but are unaware of climate change trade-offs, and pragmatists who recognize climate change and actively pursue adaptations. The awareness of different climate change perspectives can support policymakers and extension service providers. By replacing their one-size-fits-all approach, they can better assist wetland farmers in developing and implementing tailored adaptation strategies.

Influence of climate-smart technologies on the success of livestock donation programs for smallholder farmers in Rwanda

Climate change threatens the livelihoods of Sub-Saharan African farmers through increased droughts. Livestock donation programs offer a potential solution, but their effectiveness under climate stress remains unclear. This study assesses the economic viability of integrating climate-smart technologies (cowsheds and biogas plants) into these programs in Rwanda. Using a stochastic benefit–cost analysis from the beneficiary perspective, we evaluate the net gains for households receiving heifers compared to the current program. Our findings reveal that integrating climate-smart technologies significantly enhances economic viability. Households with cows and climate-smart technologies can possibly realise net benefits 3.5 times higher than the current program, with benefit–cost ratios reaching 5:1. Beyond economic benefits, adopting biogas reduces deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and respiratory illness risks. This study demonstrates that integrating climate-smart technologies into livestock donation programs can generate positive economic, environmental, and health benefits, leading to more resilient and sustainable smallholder systems. However, overcoming implementation challenges requires tailored policy packages addressing local barriers.

Contribution of climate change to sector-source energy demand

This research analyzes the effects of climate change on the energy demand for five energy sources (coal, natural gas, petroleum, electricity, and renewables) by four sectors (commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation). The four moments (mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis) of temperature and precipitation as measures of climate change are incorporated. Empirical application to forty-eight contiguous U.S. states from 1970 to 2021 finds that climate change has significant impacts on the energy demand for various sources by sectors, and these impacts vary depending on the moment of climate change. The results provide policy implications for developing climate smart technologies for different energy sources by sectors.

Production efficiency of rice wheat cropping system and path coefficient analysis of wheat under climate smart technologies

Production efficiency of rice wheat cropping system and path coefficient analysis of wheat under climate smart technologies

Intercropping system: A climate-smart approach for sustaining food security

The present-day agriculture is facing a tremendous problem in achieving the global food security in the context of the climate change scenario with ever-increasing human population. To combat with the situation, there is an urgent need to adopt proven improved technologies that can ensure food and nutritional security as well as agricultural sustainability. In this regard, adoption of appropriate cropping system can play a vital role. The age-old practice of intercropping system has multifaceted benefits for the enhancement of gross productivity and farm income under a given time. Most of the earlier studies focused to assess the benefits of an intercropping system in the light of yield enhancement and monetary advantages spatially and temporally. Moreover, recent studies highlighted other advantages such as greater ecosystem services, efficient utilization of solar radiation and CO2, enhancement of water, and nutrient use efficiency in the mixed stand, However, in the current consequence of climate change, it is the need of the hour to re-investigate the intercropping system as a mitigation and adaptation option to encounter the ill effects of climate change in agriculture. In this regard, an attempt has been made in the review article to evaluate the potential of the intercropping system as a water, energy, nutrient, carbon, and climate-smart technology that can facilitate in achieving some of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land).

The reduction of abiotic stress in food crops through climate-smart mycorrhiza-enriched biofertilizer.

Climate change enhances stress in food crops. Recently, abiotic stress such as metalloid toxicity, salinity, and drought have increased in food crops. Mycorrhizal fungi can accumulate several nutrients within their hyphae through a symbiotic relationship and release them to cells in the root of the food crops under stress conditions. We have studied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-enriched biofertilizers as a climate-smart technology option to increase safe and healthy food production under abiotic stress. AMF such as Glomus sp., Rhizophagus sp., Acaulospora morrowiae, Paraglomus occultum, Funneliformis mosseae, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum enhance growth and yield in food crops grown in soils under abiotic stress. AMF also works as a bioremediation material in food crops grown in soil. More precisely, the arsenic concentrations in grains decrease by 57% with AMF application. In addition, AMF increases mineral contents, and antioxidant activities under drought and salinity stress in food crops. Catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased by 45% and 70% in AMF-treated plants under drought stress. AMF-enriched biofertilizers are used in crop fields like precision agriculture to reduce the demand for chemical fertilizers. Subsequently, AMF-enriched climate-smart biofertilizers increase nutritional quality by reducing abiotic stress in food crops grown in soils. Consequently, a climate resilience environment might be developed using AMF-enriched biofertilizers for sustainable livelihood.

What determines the acceptance of Climate Smart Technologies? The influence of farmers' behavioral drivers in connection with the policy environment

CONTEXTClimate-smart agriculture (CSA) aims to address climate change, climate variability, and food security while sustaining productivity. The literature on acceptance and adoption of CSA technologies recognizes the importance of the policy environment in shaping farmers' decisions, particularly the policy mix, including economic, regulatory, and information instruments to stimulate CSA acceptance. Behavioral models have been used to better explain CSA acceptance, however, only a few studies integrate farmers' behavioral drivers and their policy mix appraisal, which in combination, are important determinants for the successful acceptance of CSA. OBJECTIVEThis paper proposes a model that integrates behavioral drivers and policy mix appraisal influencing the acceptance of CSA technologies. We aim to examine how farmers' behavioral drivers and their appraisal of the policy environment influence the acceptance of CSA technologies and practices. METHODSWe studied the Costa Rican coffee sector and conducted 523 surveys with coffee farmers and two focus groups with experts, extension agents, and cooperatives. An ordered probit model was used to identify factors explaining CSA acceptance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate that besides the influence of behavioral drivers, policy consistency and comprehensiveness and the type of instrument targeting farmers' behaviors play an important role in explaining CSA acceptance. Our results suggest that a positive appraisal of policy consistency and comprehensiveness are important for increasing farmers' acceptance of CSA and sustainable practices. This deepens earlier thinking on “policy packages” effectiveness by showing that the farmers' appraisal of the overall policy mix influences their decisions to engage with CSA. SIGNIFICANCEOur study shows the importance of considering system context effects (policy environment) on farmers' decision-making. Since the integration of behavioral drivers and the appraisal of the policy mix characteristics is relatively underexplored for CSA, our empirical results may help to unravel farmers' decision-making processes. Thus, it can be used for rethinking and adjusting policy interventions toward more balanced and comprehensive policy mixes, as it enables feedback from policy implementation and can further induce policy learning.

Yield advantage and profitability of selected climate-smart technologies: Findings from demonstration plots in Northern Uganda

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is viewed as a potentially effective intervention to address low agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), while strengthening farmers’ capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change. We therefore conducted a study to examine maize yield response to three CSA practices – ripping, permanent planting basins and alley cropping. The profitability of their use with and without fertiliser application was also evaluated. It was deduced from the study that ripping, planting basins and alley cropping with Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) gave the greatest yield advantageof 457.1 kg/acre, 456.7 kg/acre and 437.2 kg/acre respectively. Fertiliser application significantly increased the yield advantage, but this increment did not necessarily translate into cost-effectiveness due to the associated costs. In fact, minimum tillage interventions were more profitable without fertiliser application, and at some locations responded poorly to fertiliser application. These variable responses indicate the need for developing site-specific CSA interventions for improved maize productivity and profitability.

Climate smart agriculture technologies adoption among small-scale farmers: a case study from Gujarat, India

In India, 78% of farmers are small and marginal, cultivating only 33% of the arable land but producing 50% of the food grain; their vulnerability to climate change poses a significant threat to the country’s food security. To enhance agricultural resilience, it is crucial to understand how these farmers perceive and integrate climate-smart technologies into their farming practices. A random sample of 240 farmers was selected for this study. An ex-post facto research design was employed to investigate farmers’ awareness of and adoption of CSAT and identify the significant variables influencing their decisions. The results indicate that approximately 74 per cent of farmers had low to medium awareness of CSAT, while around 83 per cent had low to medium adoption rates. Several factors were found to be significantly correlated with farmers’ awareness and adoption of CSAT, including education level, annual income, exposure to agricultural mass media, participation in extension programs, innovativeness, achievement motivation, risk orientation, and scientific orientation. Additionally, farmers faced various challenges in adopting CSAT, such as the high cost of inputs, limited knowledge about CSAT, and youth migration from rural areas. Based on the study’s findings, farmers emphasized the importance of involving them in decision-making processes related to the development of climate-smart technologies. They also highlighted the need for a timely supply of inputs and field visits to successful farms as effective means to promote awareness and adoption of CSAT. The comprehensive analysis of associated factors and empirical findings presented in this study will benefit private sector organizations, government extension agents, academics, and policymakers. By gaining insights into the determinants of CSAT adoption, these stakeholders can focus their efforts more effectively on promoting widespread adoption. Additionally, this study can inform policy decisions regarding the allocation of government resources to combat climate change.

Constraints Encountered by Farmers in Adapting Climate Resilient Practices in Madhya Pradesh

The paper focuses on the constraints experienced and suggestions proffered by farmers while adapting to climate-resilient practices and technology in Bundelkhand and other Agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh, India. There is a need to adopt new strategies for the farming system that help reduce the uncertainty in agriculture due to climate change. A sample of 235 respondents was interviewed to list the major constraints faced by farmers while adapting climate-smart technology and strategies. The findings revealed that personal constraints like the destruction of crops by erratic climatic events result in financial and mental instability for the farmers. Lack of availability of inputs at the village level and lack of belief in or credibility of weather information by weather forecasting system were the major institutional and technological constraints that is faced by the farmers. In order to overcome these constraints and enhance the capabilities of farmers, they made several suggestions. Such as weather forecasting and delivering of information should be more accurate and timely ,followed by more and frequent visits of extension agents should be there to help and assist farmers on climate resilient technology and there should be proper assessment of crop damage and compensation should be timely deliver to the farmers, were the major suggestions given by the farmers.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Production in Kenya: A Review of its Economic Importance, Ecological Requirement and Production Constraints

Cabbage is an important vegetable containing considerable amount of water, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, assorted minerals, phenols and glucosinolates. In Kenya, cabbage production is done mainly by smallholder farmers for food and sale. The crop is mainly grown between 800m and 2900m above sea level. It plays an important role towards achieving improved human nutrition and health conditions, reducing poverty through food security, and enhancing ecosystem resilience as a source of income, human food, and livestock feed. Statistics show that though the average area under production has been growing since 2017, average production has been fluctuating and consumption increasing steadily. Profitable production of the crop within the country is mainly constrained by myriad of factors such as climate change effects, pest and disease prevalence, poor agronomic practices, land degradation, soil health deterioration, lack of structured marketing systems and poor research-extension- farmer linkages. Possession of limiting climate-smart agriculture knowledge and skills, challenging access to credit facilities and agro-processing technologies, as well as narrow post-harvest loss management knowledge and skills, was identified as other key cabbage production constraints within the country. It was however noted that the country has the potential to achieve profitable cabbage farming if the adoption of climate smart technologies, farmer-extension linkage, government policies, credit facilities as well a structured market system were streamlined. The current work reviews the cabbage crop, with emphasis on its biology, economic importance, ecological requirements, current production status in Kenya and production constraints.

Climate change scenario projections and their implications on food systems in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

This study explored how Taita Taveta County could use the power of climate scenarios in planning agricultural activities on food systems to enhance sustainable food. The study involved the use of climate scenarios to model the past, present and future climate with the view of predicting probable changes in climate and how these changes may impact on food production, transformation and utilization and the ultimate handling of ensuing food wastes to mitigate the looming climate change scenarios. The research was conducted in Taita Taveta County that is characterized into three agro-ecological zones based on altitude and an ensemble of the top two models (ICHEC-EC-EARTH and MPI-M-MPI-ESM-LR) was used to analyse climate projections following RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 pathways. Rainfall and temperature from the Kenya Meteorological Department and supplemented with datasets from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) respectively for the period 1981–2021 were used. The results exhibited occurrences of climate variability and change, and the seasons when the rainfall amounts were highest and lowest. Projected temperatures up to 2065 revealed likelihood of significant future warming and predicted future rainfall variations indicated insignificant increase. The study concluded by predicting a significant rise in temperatures and insignificant increase in rainfall leading to probable decrease in food production. The study recommended adoption climate smart technologies and early warning systems by the communities and policy makers to mainstream climate information in food systems, particularly production, transformation and utilization to enhance efficiency and avoid unnecessary wastage. State and non-state actors and other stakeholders could leverage these results to devise suitable adaptation and mitigation measures in the county.

Gender norms and differences in access and use of climate-smart agricultural technology in Burundi

The adoption and use of climate-smart agricultural practices are critical for improving the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farming systems. However, the gendered dimensions of access to and use of climate-smart agriculture in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production remain unexplored among smallholder farmers in Burundi. A mixed methods research design was employed to investigate gender dynamics in common bean production among smallholder common bean farmers in the communes of Kirundo, Bwambarangwe, and Muyinga in Burundi. In addition, how the adoption and use of climate-smart agricultural practices differed by gender in Burundi. A multivariate probit model was employed to evaluate how improved bean seed, pesticide use, irrigation, conservation agriculture and other factors contribute to reducing gender gaps and influencing access to and uptake of climate-smart agriculture. The results revealed existing gender gaps and differences in access to and use of climate-smart agriculture practices, with women being the most vulnerable. Disproportionate experiences of production challenges emerged as critical obstacles to gender equality in bean production. Drought affected women and young farmers more severely than men. Joint decision-making, access to information, and collective action in groups reduced gender gaps in bean production and gender differences in access to and use of climate-smart technologies.

Status of climate smart agriculture among village alive development initiative farmers In North-Central Nigeria

This paper assessed the status of climate smart agriculture (CSA) among VADI farmers in North-central Nigeria using qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection. Two hundred and forty-seven farmers were randomly selected from the study area. Also, focus group discussions were conducted. Data collected were subjected to qualitative analysis and logit regression. The study identified five broad and important practices relevant to CSA in North-central Nigeria, which include: mobility and social networks, adjusting agricultural production systems, diversification on and beyond the farm, farm financial management, and knowledge management and regulations. The determinants of CSA in north-central Nigeria include: farming experience, education, extension, livestock ownership, income, land ownership, household size, credit, land area cultivated, distance to the market and water resources, leadership position, risk orientation, gender, and mass media exposure. Government policies need to support research and development that develops and diffuses the climate-smart technologies to help farmers respond to changes in climatic conditions.