trategies, technologies and practices suitable to their local and regional conditions. CSA is implemented at two contrasting, but complementary entry points : at the policy level (macro) and in the field where smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural enterprises are active (micro). CSA interventions are tested “in the field” where farmers and agricultural enterprises can evaluate CSA options and build on their existing knowledge. To be truly effective, national and local institutions should support evidence-based CSA approaches through related policies, financing and investment. Using a CSA approach can take many forms. It can contribute to the introduction of new farming systems that balance short-term needs for food security with long-term resilience such as in the case of conservation agriculture. It can be a tool to assess and manage climate risks through the collection of data and evidence to understand key vulnerabilities in the agriculture sector and inform the formulation of policies to overcome them. Finally, a CSA approach can build on farmer knowledge and priorities to implement suitable climate-smart options.
Both mitigation (the reduction of GHG emissions) and adaptation (reduction of vulnerability) to climate impacts are considered through CSA. On the mitigation side, for example, livestock
is a source of an estimated 14% of all global emissions, mostly associated with the land use change change leading to higher emissions. CSA practices can help reduce methane emissions from livestock through land management and the application of fertilizer that improves carbon sequestration. In terms of adaptation, CSA strategies can include practices and technologies that increase the efficiency of water and fertilizer use, increase crop diversity, and improve access to data on weather that helps farmers optimize their decision-making. CowaterSogema has over 32 years of experience in agriculture and rural development, with a strong expertise in the water sector. We work with communities, governments and businesses to build resilience: from mitigating emissions through renewable energy projects, to implementing adaptation solutions to manage water and other natural resources. We help governments and businesses manage climate finance and implement effective policies to reduce risks. Our emphasis is on supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy through projects that help protect natural resources, while also supporting employment and responsible growth.
We have developed our portfolio in North and West Africa, where the agriculture sector faces risks of reduced yields, shortened growing season and increased demand for irrigation. Two project examples highlight this experience.
CowaterSogema’s Irrigation for Fruit Tree Production in Morocco project (Projet d’arboriculture fruitière en zones irriguées) was designed to generate climate-smart growth in the agricultural sector through increased productivity, and improved processing and value addition in selected fruit tree value chains (olives, almonds, figs and dates). Through improved soil and water management practices in irrigated perimeters, the fruit tree products became more competitive on national and international markets and more resilient to climate change.
By developing both technical solutions and capacity of local producers and government, the project was able to benefit directly over 136,000 households in rural areas of the North, Centre and South regions of Morocco. For CSA to work effectively, coordination and integration among various sectors working on climate change, agricultural development and food security at national, regional and local levels was key to creating an enabling policy environment. The right incentives are required, such as payments for environmental services, or investments that encourage farmers to use climate-smart practices, to overcome initial investment barriers. It was this coordinated approach which ensured the success and sustainability of our CSA project in Morocco.
Water-use efficiency is another CSA approach that c