Summary
This study examines the adoption patterns and food security impacts of five climate-smart agricultural practices (minimum tillage, sowing date adjustment, climate-smart varieties, crop diversification, and tree planting) among smallholder farmers across Mali's agroecological zones. Using econometric modelling, the authors find that minimum tillage substantially reduces food insecurity in cereal-producing households, whilst all five practices improve dietary diversity—though adoption varies significantly by zone and crop type. The research identifies extension access and household size as key determinants of CSA uptake, with implications for targeting support in resource-limited settings.
Regional applicability
The findings relate to sub-Saharan African smallholder farming systems rather than United Kingdom agriculture, which operates in a distinct temperate climate with different institutional and market structures. However, the methodological approach to measuring CSA adoption and food security impacts may inform evaluation frameworks for climate adaptation programmes in other lower-income agricultural regions.
Key measures
CSA practice adoption rates by agroecological zone and crop type; household food insecurity scores; dietary diversity scores
Outcomes reported
The study measured adoption rates of five CSA practices across agroecological zones and their impacts on household food insecurity and dietary diversity. Minimum tillage reduced cereal-producing household food insecurity by 94%, whilst all five practices improved dietary diversity scores.
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