Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach that helps guide the actions needed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to effectively support development and food security in a changing climate. The main objectives of CSA are: to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and profitability; to adapt and build resilience to climate change; and to reduce and/or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions where possible.
COSH aims to determine which production systems, support institutions and policies are best suited to respond to the challenges of climate change in specific locations. At the same time, it aims to improve productivity and/or income. COSH is one of 11 corporate priority areas for resource mobilization under FAO’s Strategic Objectives. It is consistent with FAO’s vision of sustainable nutrition and agriculture and supports FAO’s goal of making agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable.
In order to realize CSA in practice, comprehensive measures are needed, including the development of sustainable agro-technologies, integration of climate monitoring data into agricultural production planning, support for research and innovation, and farmers’ access to training and financing. In addition, the participation of local communities in developing solutions adapted to specific environmental and socio-economic conditions is an important element.
The application of CSA can significantly contribute to building resilient agrifood systems, reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate risks and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating hunger, protecting natural resources and sustainable land and water management.
