I came to the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) to learn. To learn from the technical experts, and from those who know how things look on the ground. I am confident that the landscapes forum is the right place to be.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been mentioned a number of times at the GLF, and is being implemented by many of the organisations who are here. I must say that I have become inspired by CSA, which is potentially a great opportunity to provide multiple benefits within the agricultural sector.
CSA aims to contribute to three key areas: adaptation, mitigation and food security. The potential to have a win-win-win solution is encouraging when we are heading, as Bruce Campbell (CCAFS programme director) reminded us, towards a 4 degree warmer world by 2090.
I was keen to find out what was known about CSA and to understand what and where could this be carried out to produce the maximum benefits. But finding the answer was tricky. It seems there are many case studies illustrating successes, including agroforestry, intercropping with legumes and low / no tillage techniques.
However, not all interventions are suitable for all areas – biophysical conditions, for example, vary widely across the landscape. In addition, there are a number of barriers to adoption by farmers. These include lack of land tenure, capital and labour, obstacles that prevent these options being implemented even in biophysically suitable areas.
Lack of knowledge by farmers about the potential yield benefits is another factor that may deter adoption. Farmers — and especially young farmers just starting out — are driven by the need to maximise their revenues. Incorporating information such as potential yield improvements into extension and educational activities may help to inspire farmers.
For donor agencies, knowledge on the benefits of adaptation and mitigation such as emissions reductions is key. One finding of scientists in this area is that these benefits vary from region to region, depending on the local conditions.
It seems that CSA is complex, and the low hanging fruits are not obvious or even known for some areas, where little research has been done.
At the 2013 GLF session “Youth: The Future of Sustainable Landscapes,” we heard about many young farmers who are ready to implement innovative farming approaches, such as CSA. Clear guidance that can assist farmers to make choices which will benefit the climate as well as support their own livelihoods is therefore crucial. I think that more research is needed, as well as the development of targeted extension information where this is not already available. This will mean that it is more likely that the farmers and rural communities will be the ones to benefit from the outcomes of the Global Landscapes Forum – something which I personally hope to see.
Blog by Sarah Carter, PhD student at Wageningen University and a social reporter for GLF 2013
Photo: CIFOR
