Until recently, agriculture has largely been on the sidelines in discussions about human-induced climate change, but a new booklet provides sound evidence of how climate-smart agriculture can contribute to mitigation and adaptation, and make a difference to the lives of millions of people.

“There is now, however, a growing recognition of both the contribution agriculture has made, and continues to make, to climate change and the role it can play in mitigating the impact of human activities on climate change,” writes Bruce Campbell, Director, CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) on the Huffington Post Blog.

The new booklet, titled: Climate-smart agriculture -- Success stories from farming communities around the world, provides 16 examples from both developed and developing countries which “show the potential of agriculture to adapt to a changing climate, to be more resilient and protect farmers against future changes in weather patterns, pests and diseases, and to slow the rate of climate change”.

One of the examples is of farmer managed natural regeneration which has restored more than 5 million hectares of degraded land the Sahel region of West Africa. The practice, which involves farmers allowing trees to regrow, has successfully increased crop yields, reduced erosion and provided a source of firewood. The trees help mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration and the environmental benefits include making agriculture in the region more resilient to climate change.

Climate smart agriculture includes proven practical techniques such as agroforestry, intercropping, conservation agriculture, crop rotation, integrated crop-livestock management and improved water management.

As the UN climate change talks get underway in Warsaw Poland, Campbell says the challenge is to promote widespread adoption of climate-smart agricultural interventions around the world

Read the full story: How Climate-smart Agriculture Is Improving the Lives of Millions Around the World

Download the booklet: Climate-smart agriculture - Success stories from farming communities around the world