In 2014 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), as part of its mandate to consider issues related to agriculture, invited submissions from parties and observers, covering four topics, in 2015 and 2016. Of the two topics for consideration in 2016, one relates to “Identification of adaptation measures, taking into account the diversity of the agricultural systems, indigenous knowledge systems and the differences in scale as well as possible co-benefits and sharing experiences in research and development and on the ground activities, including socioeconomic, environmental and gender aspects”.
This info note provides a brief overview of key adaptation measures in agriculture. A twinned info note considers agricultural practices and technologies, which are one sub-set of adaptation measures.
Key messages:
- international governance arrangements and national policy frameworks already provide a robust foundation for adaptation in agricultural systems
- national planning using prioritization tools can result in efficient, effective and equitable allocation of limited resources to benefit the most vulnerable farmers and systems
- local planning involves devolution of decisionmaking and participatory approaches to match local contexts, capacities and preferences
- access to adaptation finance remains critical to achieving local and global goals for adaptation. Both economic incentives and value chain initiatives can ensure that financial investments achieve adaptation at scale
- effective research and knowledge systems connect farmers, policy-makers, businesses andresearchers to accelerate sharing of emerging knowledge, and help adapt to dynamic current climates and to future scenarios for climate and development
- modernising extension services, capacity building and technology transfer approaches are important to capture the attention and participation of a wider group of rural people, including youth
- indigenous knowledge strengthens adaptation measures by working closely with knowledgeholders at both local and national levels
- gender equality and social inclusion can be strengthened if adaptation measures are well designed
- adaptation measures in agricultural systems also offer opportunity to achieve multiple cobenefits, for environmental health and mitigation