Abstract:
Funders and governments are promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as key to agricultural adaptation under climate change in Africa. However, with its progressions still at the
policy level and framework description, there is a need to understand the current developments and
activities conducted within the CSA research field. We conducted a scientific mapping and analyses
of CSA research studies in Africa to understand the (i) thematic trends, (ii) developments, (iii) nature
of collaboration networks, and (iv) general narratives supporting the adoption and application of
CSA in Africa. Results show that several African countries had endorsed CSA as an approach to
addressing agricultural productivity challenges, supporting adaptation strategies, and building
resilience to climate change. However, a majority do not have national Climate-Smart Agriculture
Investment Plans (CSAIPs). Additionally, CSA research in Africa is still developing, with only a few
countries dominating the research outputs. For a successful implementation of CSA, a framework
provided by the CSAIPs must be established to guide the processes. This will provide a framework
to guide the integration of government programs, policies, and strategic plans by combining other
inputs from stakeholders to support decision making and implementation of CSA.
