CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change report examining integrated national policies on climate-smart agricultural in Brazil, Ethiopia, and New Zealand.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been promoted in recent years by multi-laterals as an inherently multi-sectoral approach that synergistically achieves climate change adaptation, mitigation, and food security. Produced by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, this report examines integrated national policy approaches to climate-smart agriculture (CSA), using insights from Brazil, Ethiopia, and New Zealand, and their attempts to address the linked challenges of climate change, unsustainable agriculture, and food security. Following an introduction, each of the countries are reviewed. The report examines such aspects as the likely climate change impacts, the major climate and agriculture policies that are in place, and capacity building and policy innovation. The report praises Brazil as being a world leader in research and development, and notes the numerous achievements and policies already in place. With the Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy, Ethiopia has signalled its intention to effectively marshal national and international funds, while in New Zealand the national policy mix demonstrates a commitment to minimizing agricultural subsidies and maladaptive signals to agricultural producers.
The report closes with four broad recommendations for national policy makers:
Context-specific assessments that identify drivers, interventions, and barriers: while the three countries invested in synergies, many policy processes became mired in trade-offs. Domestic resources and international partnerships should be marshalled to produce comprehensive assessments for stakeholders to gauge the potential for CSA, together with robust estimates of costs and benefits.
Coordination and financing of strong institutions and governance systems: integrated CSA policy requires broad participation; it is important therefore to build transparent, structured frameworks so all can provide input. National governments can take the lead in harmonising research and development, and establishing mechanisms for private sector participation.
Coordination frameworks that encompass plans, targets, and enforcement: emphasis should be placed on changing policies that disincentivise CSA adoption. Demonstrating genuine commitment will increase international financial and technical support, and staged implementation can help align efforts between multiple stakeholders.
Multi-scale information systems: local advisory bodies should accommodate multiple sources of knowledge, and information systems that estimate the full range of costs and benefits are required to inform policy debates.
Finally, the report suggests that international institutions can best reinforce adoption of CSA in national policies in a coordinated way rather than primarily through bi-lateral interactions. A clear, consistent signal from multilateral agencies, donors and conventions will aid the integration of national policies.