Climate-Smart Agriculture for a Hunger-Free Future

What is Climate-Smart Agriculture?

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a forward-thinking approach to agriculture that addresses food insecurity and climate change simultaneously. It adapts farming practices, weather forecasting technology, and entire food systems to adapt to climate change and promote efficient resource use. The Food and Agriculture Organization identifies three main objectives of climate-smart agriculture:

• Sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes
• Adapt and build resilience to climate change
• Reduce and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions

Embedding these three objectives into Food Security and Livelihoods programs helps communities adapt and thrive despite changing seasonal patterns. Resilience-building is especially crucial in poor, rural areas, where agriculture is the most important form of income and communities are the most vulnerable to hunger. From drought-resistant crop selection in Zambia to AI tidal surge tracking systems in Bangladesh, Action Against Hunger’s climate-smart agriculture solutions utilize every possible resource to uplift farmers around the globe.

The climate crisis is upon us. The question is, how are we going to adapt? The power of science is key.

-Dr. Charles Owubah, Action Against Hunger’s CEO

The Power of Agriculture to End Hunger

One of the greatest threats to global food security is climate change. Extreme weather events are worsening, and global temperatures are rising.  As the climate crisis deepens, traditional farming methods are becoming less reliable because unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity are making it harder for farmers to grow crops and feed their families. According to the World Bank, the people most at risk from crop failures and hunger from climate change are in regions where farming families are already facing poverty. Farmers, particularly those in already food insecure regions, must be equipped to adapt to changing environments and natural disasters.

Climate-smart agriculture is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against hunger. When climate-smart agriculture is promoted in food insecure countries, people gain better access to food, more diverse and nutritious diets, and higher incomes. In fact, the World Bank shows that investing in agriculture is  2-3 times more effective at reducing poverty than investing any other sector. That is why Action Against Hunger is working in the most vulnerable communities around the world to strengthen local food system resilience against an increasingly unpredictable environment.

What is Agroecology?

Agroecology is a framework for combining modern climate-smart methods with natural processes and local knowledge. It looks at food, livelihoods, health, and the management of natural resources holistically rather than separately, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. That way, food systems are built to promote social equity and environmental protection for long-term resilience.

Often, agroecological solutions in Action Against Hunger’s programs are simple farming practices that have been used for hundreds of years but used in new places or new ways. For example, some regions have growing water scarcity and drought seasons due to climate change, and farmers are scrambling to adapt to new growing conditions. In those cases, farmers need to learn water retention practices that were never before needed. Action Against Hunger facilitates the spread of environmentally friendly solutions like mulching and rainwater harvest to regions, so farmers can protect their livelihoods and diets all while improving soil fertility and bolstering regional food security.

Action Against Hunger’s programs are designed to be community centered. We work alongside local farmers, governments, and organizations to ensure that our climate-smart solutions are not only technically effective but also culturally relevant, affordable, and owned by the community. This tailored approach enables more holistic solutions to be identified, contributing to lasting food security in the face of climate change.

Example of Action Against Hunger’s Climate-Smart Techniques

Climate-Resilient Crops Selection

Action Against Hunger carefully selects climate-resilient crops to promote in agriculture programs. The first step is to assess local climate data and projected changes to that climate. Soil and water conditions must be examined. Then, consultations with local farmers are held to gain a better understanding of current techniques and knowledge, which can be combined with new farming techniques. Guided by this information, Action Against Hunger experts evaluate potential crops and consider drought tolerance, nutritional value, soil benefits, and market access.

When introducing a new crop to a region, small-scale field trials are conducted. This step is essential for building trust with local farmers. For many, crops are the sole source of food and income, so taking risks on new seed varieties can be life-threatening if it goes wrong. Action Against Hunger does demonstrations to show that the crops can be grown successfully and profitably. Then, farmers are supported in the first rounds of planting to help ease the transition.

Smart Water Usage

As global temperatures rise, so does water scarcity. The 2024 UN World Water Development Report found that about half of the world’s population experienced severe water scarcity. Droughts, floods, cyclones, and other severe weather events have all increased in frequency and severity, putting farmer’s livelihoods in danger. Water efficiency is an essential skill for farmers adapting to a changing climate. Action Against Hunger helps farmers maximize every drop.

Action Against Hunger offers training on a variety of water-smart techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, mulching, sunken beds, and vertical planting structures. These simple innovations conserve water, increase yields, and are especially critical in regions facing prolonged drought or high water salinity. In Iraq, our climate-smart agriculture program includes the innovative GrowStream tube, which enables a plant to self-regulate its own water delivery, resulting in water savings compared to other forms of irrigation.

In some cases, water conservation is not enough to overcome drought conditions, because there is no water source available. In Isiolo County, Kenya, Action Against Hunger introduced a solar-powered “Smart Tap” system to address water scarcity during worsening droughts. The system harnesses solar energy to pump and store chlorine-treated water in a large tank, which residents can access using electronic tokens at designated spouts. This reduces the time, effort, and risk traditionally faced—especially by women—when collecting water, while also lowering breakdowns and maintenance costs. By combining renewable energy with efficient water access, Smart Tap demonstrates how climate-smart solutions can strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities.

Each program’s water-smart training is tailored to the specific soil and water conditions of the community in which it is offered. Importantly, Action Against Hunger prioritizes community ownership of knowledge and resources. Where possible, training covers the building of irrigation systems or planting structures using locally available and affordable materials.

Integrated Pest Management

Chemical pesticides are often too expensive or simply unavailable for people living in food- insecure communities. Additionally, incorrect use or long-term use of chemicals can strip the soil of essential nutrients. Natural pesticides can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. In Somalia, for example, farmers are taught to make pesticide from the Neem tree, which has natural insecticidal properties. By teaching farmers how to prepare and apply these plant-based solutions, communities can avoid reliance on external chemical pesticides for a more accessible and environmentally friendly approach.

Pests often are attracted to a specific crop. For example, rootworms are a major pest for corn fields. Switching to another type of crop for a season can disrupt the rootworms’ lifecycle and reduce pressure on the crops. This practice is called crop rotation, and it is   one of the simplest and most effective ways to practice climate-smart pest management.

Similarly, intercropping, mixed cropping, and crop diversification all entail planting a variety of crops at the same time. When farmers do this, they create a safety net; if a pest comes and wipes out one type of crop, others will remain intact. Action Against Hunger teaches farmers methods for mixing crops – for example, planting onions or marigolds alongside vegetables like cabbage, since their strong scents help to naturally repel common pests.

Both intercropping and crop rotation enrich soil and improve soil structure, leading to healthier plant growth. Biodiversity is also effective for attracting natural pest predators. A more balanced ecosystem attracts beneficial insects like such as ladybugs and swallowtail butterflies, which all help control pest populations naturally,

Action Against Hunger’s agriculture programs promote pest management practices that are safe, sustainable, and accessible for all farmers. By using a combination of proven ecological methods that work with nature such as natural pesticides, crop rotation, crop diversification, and increased biodiversity, farmers can effectively manage pests while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. These climate-smart solutions not only protect crops but also improve soil health and support long-term agricultural resilience.

Early Action Planning

When natural disasters happen, farmers can lose everything. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says the most common natural disaster impacts on agriculture include contamination of water bodies, loss of harvest or livestock, increased susceptibility to disease, and destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure, all of which can have devastating and long-term impacts on farmers. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common due to climate change, as reported by NASA, early warning systems are now a cornerstone of climate‑smart agriculture. Early warning systems give farmers time to prepare and minimize losses.

Action Against Hunger has a range of climate-smart monitoring systems that can predict weather threats to agriculture. Our SURF‑It project in Bangladesh uses AI-equipped monitors along coastal areas to detect tidal surges and sends alerts via text messages, giving farmers two to three days to harvest crops early or relocate livestock before flooding strikes. Similarly, in Central America, PREDISAN combines satellite imagery and machine learning to nowcast food insecurity levels across vulnerable zones, enabling targeted interventions. These early warning systems integrate hazard monitoring, forecasting, and communication—core components of climate‑smart agriculture—allowing timely, pre‑emptive actions that safeguard crop yields, livestock, and livelihoods in the face of evolving climate risks. By turning forecasts into actionable information, these systems help farmers make informed decisions that reduce the long-term impacts of climate shocks.

Action Against Hunger works with local disaster management committees, community-based organizations, the authorities and communities to improve disaster forecasting and create effective early action responses. Through the STEP project in Bangladesh, we set up early action plans with community groups and local disaster response management governance that help minimize agricultural losses. Together, forecasting tools and early action plans form a critical foundation of climate-smart agriculture by helping communities adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate-related hazards.

Farmers at the Center of Change

We partner with communities to provide tools and training that increase productivity and resilience. Our approach supports long-term food security by promoting sustainable land use, efficient resource management, and access to climate-resilient technologies and knowledge.

The OLUM Model

Developed by agricultural experts in collaboration with local communities, the Optimized Land Use Model (OLUM) is a practical, climate-smart strategy that helps farmers produce more food using fewer resources. Designed for small plots of land, OLUM focuses on maximizing productivity through efficient layout, smart crop choices, and sustainable techniques. Farmers receive training, seeds, tools, and guidance to help them get the most out of their land. Alongside OLUM, they learn complementary climate-smart practices such as intercropping, composting, and rainwater harvesting, which enhance both yields and environmental resilience. Particularly effective in climate-affected or resource-limited areas, OLUM empowers communities to improve food security and reduce dependence on external aid by creating a self-sustaining source of nutrition and income.

Women at the Forefront of Climate-Smart Change

In every region in the world, women are more food insecure than men, and that gap during the outbreak of Covid-19 according to the United Nations Economic Commision for Europe. Women and men are represented relatively equally in the agricultural workforce globally according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and yet the land productivity gap is 24% because women face barriers to land, training, and resources. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools to implement climate-smart agricultural practices, communities can boost food production and reduce environmental impact. FAO estimates that gender equity in agriculture would reduce the number of food-insecure people by 45 million people and improve climate adaptation and resilience.

Action Against Hunger supports women farmers with:

• Training in sustainable farming techniques
• Access to markets and income generation
• Nutrition education to improve household health

Action Against Hunger’s climate-smart agriculture programs prioritize women’s involvement, simultaneously improving gender equity and strengthening food systems.  Women who have improved access to resources invest in their families, diversify household diets, and adopt innovative agricultural practices. In the face of severe social, economic, and environmental challenges, women in agriculture are taking on leading roles as drivers of community resilience and climate adaptation.

In Somalia, for example, Action Against Hunger is an implementing partner for a BRiCS III project, Building Resilient Communities in Somalia, to empower female farmers with agroecological practices and improve food and nutrition security. This project augments household consumption by promoting small-scale production of easily grown, nutritious food through kitchen gardens. It simultaneously addresses specific climate hazards and promotes healthier dietary consumption practices — with equity at the forefront.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Builds Nutrition and Resilience

Hunger isn’t just a matter of too little food—it’s often a matter of the wrong kind of food. Micronutrient deficiencies affect over 2 billion people globally, leading to stunting, poor maternal health, and preventable diseases. This is especially the case for children under five and pregnant and lactating women, who have specific nutritional needs. According to UNICEF, the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to age two—are critical for physical and cognitive development. Access to proper nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is essential for both their health and the healthy growth and development of their babies.

Climate-smart agriculture and nutrition-sensitive agriculture go hand in hand. Crop diversification is good for a variety of environmental and agricultural purposes, but it is also excellent for improving diet diversity, especially among food insecure communities. Additionally, climate-smart farming makes communities more resilient to climate shocks and food price volatility, so they are better equipped to meet nutritional needs.

Action Against Hunger’s agriculture training takes an integrated approach that connects farming, nutrition, and health so communities can thrive by:

• Encouraging the cultivation of diverse, nutrient-rich crops
• Integrating gardens into maternal health programs
• Promoting dietary diversity in early childhood
• Providing nutrition-based education

Climate-Smart Change for a Hunger-Free World

Climate-smart agriculture programs are as unique and diverse as the issues they aim to solve. Whether the best solution for a community is a centuries-old technique from the other side of the world or a cutting-edge AI monitor, Action Against Hunger will do whatever it takes to ensure every life is well nourished. And when local farmers—especially women—are equipped with climate-smart knowledge, they not only adapt to changing weather, but they revolutionize food systems to create a more equitable and sustainable world.