New papers detail latest knowledge on agriculture for upcoming climate change negotiations

Vanessa Meadu(CCAFS Coordinating Unit)

Countries and observers to UNFCCC can make use of latest CGIAR knowledge on adaptation measures and agricultural practices in upcoming SBSTA meetings

Agriculture has been historically slow to progress under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), but several recent decisions have opened the door for meaningful debate on agricultural issues.

In 2014 the UNFCCC's Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), as part of its mandate to consider issues related to agriculture, decided to invite submissions from parties and observers, covering four topics, in 2015 and 2016. Submissions by parties and observers on this year's topics are due 9 March 2016.

CCAFS, on behalf of CGIAR and with contributions from all fifteen CGIAR centers and numerous partners, has prepared two detailed syntheses on the two topics for consideration in 2016, complemented by illustrated Info Notes summarising the key messages.

The first paper addresses the topic Identification and assessment of agricultural practices and technologies to enhance productivity in a sustainable manner, food security and resilience, considering the differences in agro-ecological zones and farming systems, such as different grassland and cropland practices and systems. The paper summarises the most promising practices and technologies across the rural landscape, covering soils, crops, livestock, water, forests, fisheries, energy and services, illustrated by case studies from around the world.


Working paper: Agricultural practices and technologies to enhance food security, resilience and productivity in a sustainable manner: Messages to the SBSTA 44 agriculture workshops	Info note: Climate change adaptation in agriculture: practices and technologies. Messages to the SBSTA 44 agriculture workshops

The second paper addresses the topic 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. The papers explore actions and institutions that can improve climate resilience in smallholder farming, drawing upon examples and results from CGIAR’s diverse portfolio.


Working paper: Adaptation measures in agricultural systems: Messages to the SBSTA 44 Agriculture Workshops	Info note: Measures for climate change adaptation in agriculture. Messages to the SBSTA 44 agriculture workshops