Rethinking resilient agriculture: From Climate-Smart Agriculture to Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azadi, Hossein; Movahhed Moghaddam, Saghi; Burkart, Stefan; Mahmoudi, Hossein; Van Passel, Steven; Kurban, Alishir; Lopez-Carr, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 319(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Vulnerability -- Sustainable livelihood -- Food security -- Climate change -- Small-scale farming; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is seeking to overcome the food security problem and develop rural livelihoods while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. However, when such synergies exist, the situation of small-scale farmers is often overlooked, and they are unable to implement new practices and technologies. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to improve CSA by adding the neglected but very important element "small-scale farmer", and introduce Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture (VSA) as a complete version of CSA. VSA indicates, based on the results of this study, that none of the decisions made by policymakers can be realistic and functional as long as the voice of the farmers influenced by their decisions is not heard. Therefore, to identify different levels for possible interventions and develop VSA monitoring indicators, a new conceptual framework needs to be developed. This study proposed such a framework consisting of five elements: prediction of critical incidents by farmers, measuring the consequences of incidents, identifying farmers' coping strategies, assessing farmers' livelihood capital when facing an incident, and adapting to climate incidents. The primary focus of this study is on farmers' learning and operational preparation to deal with tension and disasters at farm level. Understanding the implications of threats from climate change and the recognizing of coping mechanisms will contribute to an increase in understanding sustainable management. Highlights: This study aimed to adjust Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) goals towards a Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture (VSA). It suggested a new conceptual framework consisting of five elements. VSA starts with small-scale farmers and attempts to understand the barriers they face. VSA boosts CSA concept by adding the neglected but very important element "small-scale farmers". The results of this study can help improve future methods for resilience evaluation at farm level.