The SmartAG Partner: CCAFS East Africa Quarterly Newsletter, October – December 2015

Abstract

We are pleased to share with you the first issue (in 2016) of the SmartAG Partner - a quarterly newsletter of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) East Africa (EA). We share the key highlights from CCAFS EA research and policy engagement initiatives from the last quarter of 2015.

Innovative climate change partnerships involving multiple sectors have the potential of ensuring millions of farming households have access to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices. Read about key lessons emerging from such partnerships as discussed with stakeholders working on climate change during the United Nations Climate Talks (COP21) in Paris, France. In addition, read how such partnerships have supported East African countries in creating an enabling environment for CSA adoption through preparation of framework programs.

Access to climate information services is vital in helping farmers adapt to climate change. Find out why key institutions working on climate services in Africa have embarked on a collective process towards strengthening and scaling up these services for the agriculture sector. We also explore how information and communication innovations can bridge gaps in accessing climate information services.

Researchers and development practitioners have developed a range of tools and options for effective climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. We introduce some of these tools applicable in Africa. From the field, a young farmer from Kenya shares his success story, following adoption of CSA, amidst the common tales of failing crops, erratic planting seasons and extreme weather events. Finally, find out what criteria farmers in Tanzania use to prioritize CSA.