Climate Smart Agriculture and Its Contributions to Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract

Climate change and food systems are closely interrelated: the first poses a risk to production and nutrition whereas the latter is one of the primary sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is placed as a combined approach that aims to enhance productivity, resilience to climate variability, and elimination of emissions where possible. This review summarizes empirical research (2014-2024 focus, but with special focus on 2018-2024) to assess the potential of CSA to change food systems, by synthesizing agronomy, ecology, climate science, economics, and policy analysis research. Our framing systems connect field-level interventions (conservation agriculture, agricultural forestry, integrated crop-livestock systems, precision nutrient management, regenerative strategies) with landscape-level results (carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water cycles) and supply-chain modifications (cold chains, reduction of food loss, dietary changes). We are critical in trade-offs (yield gaps, carbon saturation, equity risks) and governance barriers (finance, MRV, institutional fragmentation). It is concluded in the review that CSA can only play a significant role in sustainable food systems when integrated into consistent policy packages that also cover inclusive finance, gender-sensitive programs, demand-side interventions, and effective measurement systems.