Investing in climate-resilient agriculture remains constrained by real and perceived risks — but targeted de-risking strategies can change that. Drawing on experience from the SCALA programme, this blog presents three practical approaches to reducing barriers, building investor confidence, and unlocking private finance for farmers and agrifood systems facing the impacts of climate change. Read more...

Climate adaptation is moving from plans to action — but financing needs to keep pace. At NAP Expo 2026 in Kigali, countries, donors and technical partners, including FAO, came together to bridge that gap. From matchmaking sessions connecting country proposals with finance partners, to expanding support for agrifood systems through initiatives like the SCALA programme, one message was clear: ambition is there — now it's time to scale up. Read more...

Climate commitments are only as strong as the action behind them. The SCALA Highlights Report 2025 shows how partner countries moved beyond planning in 2025 — strengthening policies, updating NDCs and NAPs, building capacities, and unlocking over USD 62 million in climate finance for agrifood systems. From Mongolia's first National Adaptation Plan to gender-responsive action in Costa Rica and beyond, discover how climate ambition is taking root across the globe. Read more...

From climate goals to real budgets. In Mongolia, the SCALA Programme is helping national and local governments turn climate, biodiversity, and gender commitments into smart, well-financed public investments. 40 experts, 5 ministries, one shared goal: resilience that works for people and planet. Read more...

Across twelve countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, SCALA is documenting the gender gaps that hold back climate action — and working with governments to close them. On the occasion of International Women's Day 2026, SCALA celebrates the efforts being made across the world to close the gender gap in agricultural climate action. Read more...

Deep in Colombia’s páramos and drylands, German officials saw how Indigenous knowledge and smart policy are transforming climate pledges into farmer profits and restored ecosystems. The SCALA programme’s blend of ancestral wisdom, private investment, and hard data is now a model the world can follow. Read more...

Climate change brings unpredictable rains and rising heat to Cambodia’s farmers, threatening crops and livelihoods. Now, through the SCALA programme, national climate plans are translating into action—backed by millions in new investments—to build real resilience in agrifood systems. Read more…

Agrifood systems face a staggering investment gap, receiving just one-twelfth of the climate finance they need despite bearing the brunt of climate impacts. The SCALA programme is helping bridge this gap by working hand-in-hand with countries to build evidence, create bankable projects, and support the leveraging of both public and private capital—proving that strategic support can unlock transformative investment at scale. Read more...

SCALA's latest analysis presented at COP 30, highlights both progress and challenges in national adaptation planning for agrifood systems. While all developing countries prioritize the sector, the report reveals significant gaps between planning ambitions and implementation realities.  Read more...

At COP30, a new FAO and UNDP report issues a stark warning: despite being a top adaptation priority in national plans, agrifood systems are critically underfunded, receiving only 20% of the needed finance. The analysis, "Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans," reveals this critical gap is undermining countries' climate ambitions and leaving food security vulnerable.

Facing prolonged droughts and intense floods, Thai farmers are safeguarding their crops with new knowledge and tools. Through the SCALA programme, they are adopting climate-smart practices—from detailed field record-keeping to nature-based solutions—that strengthen local resilience. Their story i...

Climate change is reshaping how we grow, trade and share food — putting millions of livelihoods at risk. Through the SCALA programme, UNDP and FAO are working hand in hand with countries to strengthen agriculture and land use systems, turning national climate goals into action on the ground. Discover five evidence-based strategies to transform agriculture and food systems for a sustainable, climate-resilient future. Read more...

As heat and water stress challenge Egypt’s livestock farmers, the SCALA programme is turning evidence into action—helping communities and businesses adopt climate-smart solutions that protect livelihoods, empower women, and secure a resilient livestock sector.

The SCALA programme took center stage at recent UN Climate Week events, showcasing how it advances ecosystem-based adaptation and implementation in the agriculture and land use sectors. The team highlighted success stories from countries like Colombia and Ethiopia, proving how multi-stakeholder collaboration can turn national climate plans into transformative local action.

The German donor of the SCALA programme recently visited Mongolia to review its success in building a climate-resilient agriculture sector. The mission highlighted SCALA’s work in strengthening policies and delivering practical solutions for local herders and farmers. Read more...

FAO’s new climate finance exhibit highlights initiatives like the SCALA programme, which provides critical funding for agrifood solutions that build resilience and reduce emissions. This display informs delegates on how investment in agriculture can achieve gains in climate, biodiversity, and food security. Read more...

FAO is helping countries strengthen their national climate action plans with a special focus on food and farming. A new article reveals how this work, led by projects including the SCALA programme and CBIT-AFOLU+, is helping Colombia build a system to track progress toward its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more...

A meeting with provincial officials recently strengthened cooperation for sustainable agricultural practices in Argentina. The event highlighted the SCALA programme's role in helping provinces advance climate adaptation by supporting programs for good agricultural practices.

Cashew farming in Cambodia’s Stung Treng province faces growing climate and deforestation risks. Through SCALA’s participatory value chain assessment, stakeholders are charting a path toward sustainable, deforestation-free cashew production. Read more...

The FAO-UNDP SCALA programme, funded by IKI, is helping countries draft and update national adaptation plans, strengthen the adaptation component of nationally determined contributions, and achieve greater alignment with national biodiversity strategies and action plans. Read more...