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The Agriculture, Vulnerability and Adaptation (AVA) project in Colombia's Upper Cauca River Basin is developing a comprehensive vulnerability assessment model to help the agricultural sector adapt to climate change. Moving beyond traditional biophysical models, the AVA approach integrates four dimensions: biophysical, political-institutional, economic-productive, and sociocultural. This interdisciplinary and participatory method involves stakeholders—including farmers, researchers, and government authorities—to identify key indicators and collect data, ensuring the results are relevant to local needs and less sensitive to the uncertainties of climate modeling. The project aims to create a universally accessible tool for adaptation planning that can be scaled to regional or national levels.

The document analyzes the mismatch between the stated environmental goals of biofuel policies and their actual political objectives, such as supporting agricultural constituencies. It argues that subsidies often create market distortions and unintended consequences, such as increasing food prices and harming the environment. The authors recommend phasing out support for food-based biofuels, adopting carbon pricing and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies as 'first-best' alternatives, and adhering to good governance principles and the Precautionary Principle to manage uncertainty regarding indirect land use change and food security.

The report critiques 'sustainable intensification' as a productivist ideology that prioritizes high-tech solutions—specifically genetically modified (GM) crops and chemical inputs—over agro-ecological practices. It argues that this approach is driven by international donors and agribusinesses, often ignoring the expertise of small farmers and failing to deliver promised yield increases. The document contrasts this model with 'food sovereignty' and the recommendations of the IAASTD report, advocating for a shift toward agro-ecology, land rights, and the reduction of food waste and livestock consumption in the West.

The report critiques the concept of 'sustainable intensification,' asserting that it serves as a cover for conventional intensive agriculture and the expansion of genetically modified (GM) crops. It highlights how funding from entities like the Gates Foundation and the UK government prioritizes biotechnology over agro-ecological methods. The document argues that GM crops have not delivered promised yield increases or affordable climate adaptation, and instead increase seed costs and chemical dependency. It contrasts this approach with agro-ecology and 'food sovereignty,' which emphasize small-scale farmers' knowledge and traditional practices as more sustainable and productive alternatives.

The proceedings detail a national seminar in Malawi focused on shifting from traditional biomass (firewood and charcoal) to modern bioenergy (bioethanol and biodiesel). Key discussions include the potential of Jatropha as a boundary crop to avoid food-fuel competition, the efficiency of improved cookstoves like the rocket stove, and the socio-economic benefits of sugarcane outgrower schemes. The document emphasizes the need for a coherent national policy to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and mitigate deforestation.

The document argues that traditional, linear agricultural extension systems in sub-Saharan Africa are failing due to a decline in extension workers and an inability to address climate change threats. It proposes a shift toward mobile ICT-based systems that allow for two-way communication between research institutions and farmers, integrating both scientific and traditional knowledge. A case study of the Lifelong Learning for Farmers (L3F) programme in Kabale, Uganda, demonstrates how SMS and voice-based services (using Freedom Fone software) can improve crop yields and market access. The briefing highlights that for these services to be sustainable and scalable, they must address literacy through voice services, build trust via local dialects, and establish viable business models or public-private partnerships to manage costs.

The report analyzes Bangladesh's approach to integrating climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture to protect food security. It evaluates the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), highlighting that while adaptation is prioritized, mitigation remains under-addressed. The document identifies specific climate threats to crops, livestock, and fisheries, and recommends integrating climate risks into agricultural policy, increasing R&D for resilient cultivars, and improving international funding access.

The document evaluates Honduras' National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS), highlighting its focus on reducing climatic vulnerability through a participatory framework involving over 60 institutions. While the NCCS identifies agriculture, soil, and food security as a priority sector, stakeholders report that implementation is in its early stages due to institutional, knowledge, and financial barriers. The report emphasizes the need for a territorial approach via Regional Development Councils to better integrate climate-compatible agricultural practices and access international finance.

The document uses a global-to-local modelling approach to project land use changes in Vietnam up to 2030. It finds that economic growth and urbanisation will lead to a significant loss of paddy rice land and protected forests, while climate-induced flooding poses a severe threat to the Red River and Mekong River Deltas. The study highlights critical policy trade-offs between reducing greenhouse gas emissions through reforestation and maintaining national food security targets.

The briefing examines food insecurity in Africa, highlighting that sub-Saharan countries are the most food insecure globally. It discusses the role of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), the G-8's New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, and the challenges posed by trade barriers and the Doha Round impasse. The authors argue that while trade is essential, it must be part of a comprehensive policy package including agricultural investment and financial innovation to ensure long-term food security.

The document argues that while a 'Green Revolution' focused solely on increasing crop yields and land cultivation could make Africa a net food exporter and boost GDP, it would not significantly reduce undernutrition because most production would be exported. To improve human development, the authors propose a 'Green Revolution for Development' that couples production increases with policies to stimulate domestic food demand and access, alongside improvements in water and sanitation.

The document argues that agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa is hindered by gender gaps, as women provide the bulk of agricultural labour but lack decision-making power and access to resources. It introduces a conceptual framework for empowerment based on agency, structure, and relations, and discusses the necessity of addressing land ownership and value chain participation to improve food security and nutrition. The brief highlights that closing the gender gap in agricultural inputs could lift 100–150 million people out of hunger.

The report examines China's agricultural investment strategy, noting a transition from market dependence to foreign direct investment. While China remains largely self-sufficient in staple grains, it requires imports of soybeans, cotton, and palm oil for its industrial and energy sectors. The document details various investment models, including aid-driven demonstration farms, joint ventures, and direct land acquisitions. It confirms 54 Chinese projects covering 4.8 million hectares across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while cautioning against the social and environmental risks associated with large-scale land acquisitions.

Rab Processors Ltd, a leading agricultural processor in Malawi, faces significant systemic barriers including severe foreign exchange shortages due to a managed fixed exchange rate, bureaucratic delays in obtaining export permits, and inconsistent customs procedures. The company reports a 50% decrease in imported inputs in early 2012 and losses in the maize market following a government export ban. Additionally, the company struggles with a 'brain drain' of skilled labor to NGOs and a lack of technical capacity within the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS). To mitigate these, Rab Processors utilizes capacity building programs with TEVETA and lobbies the government, though the latter has yielded little change.

The report analyzes FDI in Laos' agriculture sector, focusing on land concessions and contract farming. While FDI has driven macroeconomic growth, the authors argue it often fails to align with local economic development and food security goals due to poor transparency, land tenure insecurity, and a lack of rigorous social impact assessments.

The report examines foreign investment in agriculture across MERCOSUR, identifying three primary models: state-level cooperation agreements, direct private land purchases, and foreign direct investment in production via contract farming. It highlights a general lack of reliable data, though estimates suggest foreign ownership varies significantly, from 1.7% of arable land in Brazil to 19.4% of national territory in Paraguay. While Brazil and Argentina have implemented laws to restrict foreign land ownership, Uruguay is debating similar measures, and Paraguay has seen little public discussion on restrictions despite high foreign ownership. The document recommends the establishment of national land registries and clear definitions of 'foreign stakeholders' to better manage and monitor these investments.

The report analyzes foreign investment in the agricultural sectors of MERCOSUR countries, identifying three primary models: state-to-state cooperation agreements, direct private land purchases, and foreign direct investment in production via contract farming. It highlights a general lack of robust data across the region, though it notes that foreigners own approximately 1.7% of Brazil's arable land and an estimated 3.4% of Argentina's. Paraguay shows the highest level of foreign ownership at 19.4% of its national territory, largely held by Brazilians. The document details the legislative shift toward restricting foreign land ownership in Argentina and Brazil, while noting that Uruguay is debating similar measures and Paraguay lacks significant public debate or effective restrictions. It concludes that while foreign investment can bring technology, it often risks displacing local producers and threatening food security if not properly regulated through clear definitions of foreign ownership and national land registries.

The study focuses on evaluating and costing climate change adaptation measures for coffee and banana farming systems in Rwanda. It aligns with the Rwandan Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) 2008-2012, which prioritizes addressing climate change impacts through secure settlements in hazard-exposed areas and the implementation of early warning systems for drought and food security. The research analyzes climate-related shocks from the perspectives of both farmers and policymakers and discusses strategies for implementation.

The document highlights the complexity and unpredictability of the Earth System, noting that human pressures are pushing critical thresholds that could lead to abrupt changes affecting food security, health, and social cohesion. It argues that traditional top-down problem-solving is insufficient and advocates for an integrated approach combining basic research, long-term monitoring, and regular evaluation to address underlying drivers of environmental pressure.

This synthesis paper, prepared for the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), examines the intersection of agriculture, food security, and climate-compatible development (CCD) through case studies in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Honduras. It identifies systemic barriers to integrating climate adaptation and mitigation within agricultural sectors and provides global recommendations for policymakers and the international community to support small-scale farmers in developing countries.