AgroAdapt was developed to help policymakers and stakeholders envision and navigate the multiple possible futures for agrifood systems under climate change. Traditional approaches to designing climate-related projects and policies often rely on a linear process, where a limited number of modelling studies inform a small group of decision-makers. However, agrifood systems are highly complex, and climate impacts are uncertain meaning there are many potential future scenarios, each with unique challenges for stakeholders.

Objective of AgroAdapt

The objective of AgroAdapt is to provide a dynamic, collaborative platform where participants can explore these multiple futures. The simulation game fosters understanding, experiential learning, and better decision-making through an engaging, user-friendly experience. By simulating different climate scenarios, the game helps players develop strategies that reflect the realities of a changing world and the diverse needs of different agrifood system stakeholders.

How AgroAdapt Works

• Hybrid Gameplay: The game blends tabletop gameplay in small teams with computer-assisted simulations. A game master controls the simulations, powered by global data on crop production, land suitability (sourced from the FAO’s Global Agro-Ecological Zones), and climate variables. Chance elements, like extreme climate events, are introduced to simulate real-world challenges.
• Stakeholder Roles: Each team assumes the role of a specific stakeholder, such as a policymaker, farmer, or community leader. Each role has its own powers and limitations, forcing players to manage trade-offs and prioritize their actions. Teams must also collaborate to address collective climate risks.
• Collaboration and Strategy: AgroAdapt emphasizes the importance of collaboration at multiple levels. The interaction between teams enhances the game's relevance to real-life climate resilience efforts, making it both engaging and educational.

Inspired by Real-World Experience

AgroAdapt was inspired by the team’s work with policymakers designing projects to address climate risks in agriculture. The game offers participants the opportunity to experiment with different scenarios and strategies, helping them gain insights into building more resilient agrifood systems.

Get Involved

If you're interested in playing AgroAdapt or learning how you can help develop the game further, please contact us at [email protected]. The online version of the game is available at agroadapt.fao.org. For information on how to obtain the physical game box and further details, write to us today!