FAO Launches Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook
6 June 2013: As part of its efforts to address knowledge gaps and support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has launched a sourcebook on climate-smart agriculture approaches.
The 'Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook' describes the tools available to reach the goals of sustainable agricultural production in a way that contributes to climate change adaptation and reduces emissions from the agriculture sector.
The sourcebook is divided into three sections that present: the case for climate-smart agriculture; improved technologies for sustainable farm management; and enabling frameworks. It is applicable to a variety of decision makers, from political administrators to natural resource managers. It provides options for planning, policies and investment, as well as identifies common barriers to success.
The sourcebook highlights that climate-smart agriculture approaches are: shaped by local country contexts; engage a variety of sectors and stakeholders; strive to achieve multiple objectives and prioritize strengthening livelihoods.
The sourcebook was developed through a collaboration of a number of organizations, including FAO, the Global Mechanism, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank, the World Food Programme (WFP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). It was launched at a side event held during the June 2013 Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany. [Global Mechanism Press Release] [Publication: Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook] [IISD RS Coverage of the Bonn Climate Change Conference]