Ongoing collaboration between policy makers and researchers is crucial for effective and dynamic climate smart solutions

Key messages

• Climate action is urgently needed: Successive droughts and unusual weather events in Zimbabwe have already taken their toll on the country’s economy. Climate projections indicate drier conditions

• Rainfed agriculture will be the most affected: poverty among the population who depend on rainfed agriculture and already live in difficult conditions will worsen

• Growing awareness of the importance of climate research: Policymakers are aware that research-based adaptation to climate change should be at the heart of transforming agricultural systems

• Proactive public-private response: Government, development agencies and the private sector have started to diligently mainstream climate change adaptation, but there are gaps in linking local climate change adaptation requirements to policy decisions on a national level.

• Need to fill gaps through scientific and policy collaborations: Ongoing dialogue and collaborations are essential for effective and dynamic solutions adapted to the climate.

Linking Science to Decision Making: Research-Based Solutions to Fill the Gaps

• Data and evidence for effective context-specific responses, climate change impacts and appropriate adaptation options can inform the design of agricultural programs and align resources with activities.

• Foresight research that helps understand climate projections, vulnerabilities specific to farming systems, and impacts of adaptation can improve policy coordination and mainstream climate change adaptation into agriculture.

• Evidence-based assessments can then more effectively support the rationale for climate finance and action

• Capacity building is essential for the review of agricultural policies and for the adoption of research processes and products.
  It is important to strengthen human and institutional capacities in the fields of research, extension, climate services and in particular decision-makers to plan and direct research and use the results of research to inform decisions.