Terdoo, Fanen and Adekola, Olalekan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9747-0583 (2014) Assessing the role of climate-smart agriculture in combating climate change, desertification and improving rural livelihood in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 9 (15). pp. 1180-1191.

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Abstract

Worldwide emphasis has been placed on designing approaches with regard to the needs of sustainable
development. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is one key agricultural development approach aimed at
sustainably increasing productivity and resilience, while also reducing/removing emissions of
greenhouse gases. Although many countries will be expected to adopt this approach, its applicability in
an African context is not very clear, well studied nor has its sustainability been assessed. We used the
Sustainability Assessment of Energy Technologies Framework to assess the applicability of CSA in
combating climate change, desertification and improving rural livelihood in an African context. We also
assessed the opportunities and constraints to the adoption of this approach in Northern Nigeria. Data
was collected using key informant interviews and field observation to assess the current status of
agriculture in Northern Nigeria. The results showed that CSA is strong in aspects such as participation
and sustainable use of resources but weak in aspects of compensation and equal distribution of benefits
and costs. Many small-holder farmers have inadvertently practiced CSA as part of the traditional farming
system. While the existence of CSA in current practice is a major element in its favour, the lack of a
coherent climate mitigation approach and poor institutional structures are both detrimental. Sustainable
agriculture will require a wider societal change towards appreciating the balance between agriculture
and environmental change. We suggest four main areas in need of urgent change: political commitment,
human and financial investment, incentives and information.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.5897/AJAR2013.7665
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
School/Department:	School of Humanities
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/4109

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