This research paper examines the types of policies and measures that are considered, designed and implemented in selected OECD countries (the UK, Finland, Germany and three US states) to support adaptation in the agricultural sector . The study highlights efforts aimed at increasing adaptive capacity and the definition process leading to specific adaptation measures for the agricultural sector. The types of processes and mechanisms used to develop these policies and measures are also investigated. This analysis provides interesting elements to formulate adaptation policies and better imagine processes and mechanisms leading to the development of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

This publication summarizes the thematic studies FAO prepared on the interactions between climate change and plant, animal, forest, aquatic, invertebrate and micro-organism genetic resources, following the request of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The publication is part of the supplementary materials to the NAP technical guidelines produced by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

This policy brief: 1) Describes how climate variability and change may influence the fisheries sector and its future contribution to poverty reduction, 2) Reports on a recent global assessment identifying regions where future climate change could have the most significant impact on the contributions of the fisheries sector to national economies, 3) Reviews adaptive livelihood and institutional responses to climate variability in fisheries, 4) Proposes policy actions and initiatives to help governments and fishing communities maintain and build adaptive capacity to climate change. It provides key strategical information when preparing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in the fisheries sector. 

This training is based on the OECD Policy Guidance “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Co-operation”. The modules introduce the key steps for climate change adaptation. Working with the case of the fictitious state of Zanadu, participants simulate the process of addressing climate adaptation in their decision making.

The purpose of this brief is to share insights on agriculture and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) with national-level decision makers in developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), multilateral agencies, UNFCCC negotiators and donors. This brief explores how countries are overcoming the biggest challenges in developing NAPs, outlines examples of successful cross-sector adaptation planning, explores influence and leverage necessary for successful NAP processes, and offers specific recommendations.

FAO is undertaking a pilot project within Tadla-Azilal region that addresses concerns of climate change in combination with improving resilience and livelihood of small scale and marginal farmers. The Tadla-Azilal project region combines high agricultural potential with medium to high level of sensitivity to climate change (and water shortage). Expected outcomes of the project include:  the development of an integrated multi-disciplinary methodology for climate-smart adaptation strategy including technical, scientific, economic and socio-institutional dimensions; testing an approach to generate and implement sustainable development projects for small scale producers in line with best climate-smart practices; and the development of  tools and training materials for climate change adaptation appraisal and program and investment planning at national and local levels. This case study provides good practices to formulate projects responding to national needs and local potential and expectations and to adopt multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of climate change impacts, important elements when planning adaptation to climate change.

This e-learning tool offers interactive learning sessions and practical resources for training on climate change adaptation in rural communities. It is designed for development practitioners, specifically national agricultural extension workers, community based organisations and field level professionnals, interested in improving their understanding of climate change adaptation in agriculture. It includes practical suggestions and sample materials to support users when intitiating local adaptation processes as part of their own work. Four thematic modules introduce basic concepts, participatory tools, analytical steps and working approaches using field examples from various regions of the world, as well as practical exercises. Important material to plan, formulate and implement national adaptation plans (NAPs).

This guidebook provides a set of tools and methods to assess existing structures and capacities of national, district and local institutions with responsibilities for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in order to improve their effectiveness and the integration of DRM concerns into development planning, with particular reference to disaster-prone areas, vulnerable sectors and population groups. The strategic use of the Guide is expected to enhance understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing existing DRM institutional structures and their implications for on-going institutional change processes. It also highlights the complex institutional linkages among various actors and sectors at different levels. Finally, helps in identifying gaps within the existing DRM institutions and/or systems including sectoral line agencies that are often responsible for implementing the technical aspects of DRM (e.g. agriculture, water and health sectors). A strategic approach for climate change adaptation planning begins by taking stock of what is already in place at the country level and identifying the key gaps that need to be addressed to better manage risks in the context of climate change in the agriculture sector.

The sourcebook indicates some of the necessary ingredients required to achieve a climate-smart approach within the agricultural sectors. It aims to help decision makers to understand the different options that are available for planning, policies and investments and the approaches and practices that can be adopted in a context-specific manner for making different agricultural sectors, landscapes and food systems more climate-smart. This sourcebook is a reference tool for planners, practitioners and policy makers working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at national and subnational levels, including for national climate plans and strategies.

This report reflects the outputs of a technical workshop organized in Ethiopia in 2010 by FAO and the Climate Change Forum (CCF-E), a national non governmental organization (NGO). The wokshop aimed at improving the knowledge–base and at raising national and local preparedness to address the impacts of climate change and its associated variability on agricultural-based livelihood system (i.e. smallholders with rainfed agriculture, herders and agropastoralists, forest-dependent people) as well as on best practices and options to increase awareness and preparedness for adaptation to climate change. The information sharing, prioritization of adaptation strategies and practices, capacity-building and ownership facilitated by this worshop are important laying the ground elements for the preparatory phase when developping a National Adaptation Plan (NAP).