Climate Smart Agriculture

Assesses climate risks specific to the region. Estimates the vulnerability of crops and livestock to climate change. Appraises and weighs the impact of climate change on different aspects of agriculture (e.g. water availability, soil health). Participates in farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge exchange. 

Develops soil and water management practices for climate change adaptation e.g. conservation agriculture, rainwater harvesting. Describes the importance of organic matter on soil health, fertility and soil carbon sequestration. Applies practices to improve soil moisture retention (e.g., composting, mulching, cover cropping). 

Guides on selection of drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties depending on weather forecasts. Implements and demonstrates different irrigation systems and their water use efficiency (e.g., drip irrigation, micro-irrigation). Schedules irrigation requirements based on crop needs and weather conditions. Manages irrigation systems for optimal performance. 

Describe breeding needs and practices for heat and drought tolerance in livestock. Applies improved grazing management for better pasture utilization. Demonstrates strategies to reduce methane emissions from livestock.  

Identifies and directs the integration of beneficial insects and natural enemies of pests. Demonstrates use of non-chemical pest control methods (e.g. biopesticides, traps, crop rotation and companion planting to disrupt pest life cycles). Demonstrates use of precision agriculture technologies (e.g., soil sensors, drone imagery) for informed decision-making. Illustrates practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (e.g., reducing tillage, composting manure). 

Synthesizes weather forecasts and climate data to inform decision-making. Interprets basic weather maps and agrometeorological information. Keeps farm records to track weather patterns, yields, and resource use.  Operates precision agriculture tools (e.g., soil moisture sensors, drones). Utilizes digital platforms for weather forecasts, market information, and agricultural advice. Maintains and troubleshoots basic climate-smart technologies. 

Synthesizes and communicates challenges and opportunities of climate-smart agriculture. Engages with policymakers to influence climate-friendly agricultural policies. Builds capacity within technical advisors and farming communities on climate-smart practices. 

Identifies and tests new climate-smart practices and technologies. Advocates for climate-smart policies and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Builds businesses around climate-smart products and services. Accesses funding for climate-smart agricultural innovations.