This thematic brief is part of a four-part series by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) which highlights lessons learned from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) special report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation (known as SREX). It summarises key findings relevant to the agricultural sector, and although not an official publication of the IPCC, it has been written under the supervision of co-authors of SREX. The summary argues that transformational approaches are required in the management of natural resources, including new climate smart agriculture policies, practices and tools; better use of climate science information in assessing risks and vulnerability; and increased financing for food security. Planners and policymakers have a key role to play in creating a favourable policy environment and securing financing for such transformation.