Measuring CSA outcomes on adaptive capacity and food security: looking beyond production to access and utilization, and raising the profile of food security research.
This writeshop session will tackle the problem of formulating / consolidating evidence that “climate smart agriculture” improves a) adaptive capacity of the producers engaging in it (and their production systems) and b) improves food security (not only of producers but also consumers). These are actually two different questions but both are important and high profile expected outcomes of CSA, and there are interactions between them; e.g. food security contributes to adaptive capacity, and some of the indicators used for both are similar. First we need to understand the causal frameworks (impact pathway) through which CSA would have impacts on either outcome, and at what level. This will entail understanding how CSA interacts newinterventions improve adaptive capacity and / or food security. A background paper will be shared. We begin with the assumption (partially documented) that most such evidence focuses on how CSA interventions improve food availability. This leaves a wide gap for the other key components of both adaptive capacity and food security. We will assess the challenges that this (presumed) lack of evidence poses for CSA and programs such as CCAFS that need to demonstrate impact on these two outcomes. Third we will identify how research could fill the major/ key gaps in evidence, and develop next steps/ research ideas for CCAFS in particular.
Room: Lettermore Conservatory B (Lower ground Floor)