Rationale of the Agro-Adaptation Database
The mainstreaming of adaptation into agricultural sector planning and management and the development of specific regional and local adaptation programmes are often inhibited by a lack of reliable data on which to base decisions.
The Agro-Adaptation Database aims at providing an information system for efficient exchange of scientific knowledge on climate change and its interaction with agriculture. It addresses scientists and policy makers to facilitate a successful integration of adaptation and mitigation measures into agricultural policies, planning and management.
The Agro-Adaptation Database is being developed in response to the call for “ software, tools, methods and models for V&A assessment to be made readily available ” (see e.g. UNFCCC workshop on the preparation of National Communications, April 2004) .
The specific objectives of the Agro-Adaptation Database service are the following:
• Facilitating broad access to research results on agriculture and sustainable land management conducted by CGIAR centres and partners.
• Provision of an information system that highlights the linkages between sustainable land management and adaptation-mitigation efforts.
• Provision of synthesized material and specific recommendations to reduce decision uncertainties for policymakers in relevant sectors.
• Promotion of agroforestry practices or technologies that can maintain resilience of agricultural production systems, improve soil fertility, sequester carbon and maintain crop production.
• Promoting non-agroforestry management options, which have shown good potential for adaptation to climate change and climate variability.
• Facilitating the sharing of data and a vivid exchange of relevant knowledge about vulnerability and adaptation.
• Creation of an effective link and exchange between conservation agriculture research and adaptation research.
• Identification of knowledge gaps, research needs and barriers for adaptation science in Africa.
• Creation of a strong link between scientists and policy makers to generate fruitful exchange about research results and needs, to harmonize approaches on environmental risks and to formulate viable adaptation policies at regional and national levels.
[1] IISD (2004): Summary of UNFCCC Workshop on the preparation of National Communications from Non-Annex I Parties: 26-30 April 2004, Earth Negotiations Bulletin Vol. 12, No