The Role of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

As climate change continues to disrupt agriculture and food production worldwide, the need for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies has never been more pressing. Agricultural extension and advisory services (EAS) provided by public, private, and civil society organizations are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, helping millions of smallholder farmers adapt their practices to a rapidly changing environment.

An evidence review produced by the USAID Enabling Farmers for Agricultural Transformation (EFAT) project delves into the role of EAS in supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation. The evidence review is a comprehensive study of over 500 documents, mainly peer-reviewed journal articles and gray literature, highlighting the diverse roles that EAS play in promoting climate resilience in low-income countries to empower smallholder farmers. These include delivering vital climate advisory services, promoting stress-tolerant crop varieties, and supporting climate-resilient value chains. Moreover, EAS are instrumental in raising awareness, demonstrating new technologies, and organizing training events to equip farmers with the tools they need to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.

However, despite their potential, the effectiveness of EAS is often constrained by limited capacity, inadequate funding, and poor coordination. To overcome these barriers, the review recommends integrating climate objectives into EAS, enhancing technical capacities, securing sustainable funding, and recognizing EAS contributions in national climate strategies. Recognizing the crucial role EAS play in national climate strategies is also essential for ensuring they receive political, financial, and infrastructural support.

As the climate crisis intensifies, the role of EAS in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and building climate resilience becomes increasingly vital. By addressing the challenges they face and enhancing their capacity, EAS can significantly contribute to safeguarding global food systems against the impacts of climate change.

For more information, read EFAT’s evidence review: Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Support of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: An Evidence Review and the related policy brief: Policy Brief: Climate Change and Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services.