Extreme weather is causing significant problems for smallholder farmers and others who depend on agricultural value chains in developing countries. Although value-chain analysis can help untangle the complex relationships within agricultural systems, it often has failed to take into account the effects of climate change. Warming temperatures, increasing droughts and erratic weather patterns have rendered farmers helpless. Food security poses a growing challenge for much of the continent. Through Climate Smart Agriculture, these obstacles can be surpassed to give way for a fairer, and more sustainable model of agriculture. This program aims to harness the organic and natural nature of agriculture practised in the selected regions, support the communities in developing a structured value chain and access the right markets to get fair prices.

Climate-Smart Agriculture supports increased vegetable cultivation alongside other major crops and encourages conservation tillage and cover crops to reduce soil erosion and runoff. It also promotes improved cropping practices and organic systems which lead to an array of benefits. Through a systematic approach, this project addresses the risks of transitioning to climate-smart agriculture while emphasizing and maximizing the ecological, economic and social benefits for the communities involved. The formation of Sustainable agriculture chains is a key part of the project.

Leveraging the inherent high value of the product and the women-centric nature of agriculture practiced in the region, the program mobilizes the mountain and farmer communities to work together to create a steady supply of the harvest. Sustainable market linkages are established to ensure that the communities receive a fair price for their produce.

Promotion of traditional natural farming practices in mountain communities and encouraging them to eliminate the use of chemical pesticides/fertilizers, to preserve the ecosystem. Additionally, ensuring a guaranteed buyback to enhance their livelihood opportunities to help them adapt to the varying nature of climate change is crucial for vulnerable communities.