Climate Smart Agriculture

 Analyses and interprets field and secondary data to understand the risks and impact of climate change on crop performance, livestock, pests and diseases, soil management and others. Understands the vulnerabilities of crops and livestock to emerging climate change risks to determine appropriate adaptation and risk mitigation measures/strategies. Facilitates farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge exchanges. Applies basic methodologies for quantifying farm or system level emissions to support low emission and resilient development.

Implements appropriate soil and water management practices for climate change adaptation, including conservation agriculture, soil and water management practices (including irrigation needs and systems), and crop protection measures. Describes the importance of applying climate smart agricultural practices for better crop and soil health management as key strategies for improving productivity and income. Applies and manages irrigation systems to optimise water-use efficiency, monitors performance, and adjusts schedules based on crop requirements and environmental conditions. Advises on the selection of drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties depending on weather forecasts and market demand to guide planting decisions. Mentors’ farmers and other field-level stakeholders on the application of different climate smart practices for efficient farm management.

Researches and applies advanced knowledge on climate smart agricultural practices that integrate crops, livestock and biodiversity management. This includes development and application of knowledge on breeding needs and practices for heat and drought tolerance in livestock for better grazing management, pasture utilization and overall reduction of methane emissions from the livestock sector. For crop management, this includes advanced understanding of agro-biodiversity conservation through application of integrated pest management (e.g. integration of beneficial insects and natural enemies of pests and use of non-chemical pest control methods (e.g. biopesticides, traps, crop rotation and companion planting to disrupt pest lifecycles)). Demonstrates knowledge of the use of precision agriculture technologies (e.g., soil sensors, drone imagery) for informed decision-making. Works collaboratively with researchers, farmers, and extension agents to contribute to testing, adapting, and scaling of climate-smart innovations. Synthesizes emerging challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities associated with climate-smart agriculture, supporting continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and informed policy and practice development.

Provides strategic guidance and vision for the implementation of sustainable and climate smart agricultural practices. Evaluates and interprets syntheses of field data and reports, weather forecasts and climate data to advise farmers, institutions, and project teams on risk management and long-term planning. Leads the design and management of field activities, applying advanced project management skills to coordinate teams, monitor progress, and ensure quality implementation. Supports resource mobilization by developing project proposals, accessing climate and agricultural financing mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with donor and government requirements.

Supports strategic leadership to drive climate-smart agricultural transformation at national and local scales. Articulates and communicates the systemic challenges, opportunities, and trade-offs of climate smart agriculture to a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners, private-sector actors, and farmer organizations. Actively engages in policy dialogue and influences the formulation and adoption of climate-resilient agricultural policies, standards, and investment priorities. Leads capacity strengthening and growth of technical advisors, extension networks, and farming communities by developing advanced training, knowledge products, and learning systems.

Sets the organizational strategic direction for climate smart agricultural transformation relevant to regional, national and local settings. Identifies emerging trends and champions the testing and piloting of cutting-edge climate smart technologies and business models, in alignment with national climate and development policy frameworks. Visions, inspires and mobilizes public and private investment by shaping long-term development pathways and policy development. Participates in and influences high-level national and international agendas, cultivating enabling environments for sustainable agricultural transitions under climate change conditions.