Science-policy interfaces for sustainable climate-smart agriculture uptake: lessons learnt from national science-policy dialogue platforms in West Africa

Zougmore, R B and Partey, S T and Totin, E and Ouedraogo, M and Thornton, P and Karbo, N and Sogoba, B and Dieye, B and Campbell, B M (2019) Science-policy interfaces for sustainable climate-smart agriculture uptake: lessons learnt from national science-policy dialogue platforms in West Africa. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability(TSI), 17 (5). pp. 367-382. ISSN 1473-5903

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Abstract

Connecting science with policy has always been challenging for both scientists and policymakers. In Ghana, Mali and Senegal, multi-stakeholder national science-policy dialogue platforms on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) were setup to use scientific evidence to create awareness of climate change impacts on agriculture and advocate for the mainstreaming of climate change and CSA into agricultural development plans. Based on the platforms’ operations and achievements, we used semi-structured questionnaire interviews and reviewed technical reports produced by the platforms to analyse how their modes of operation and achievements improve understanding of the science-policy interfaces between agricultural and climate change decision making. Results showed that these platforms constitute an innovative approach to effectively engaging decision-makers and sustainably mainstreaming climate change into development plans. Effective science-policy interaction requires: (a) institutionalizing dialogue platforms by embedding them within national institutions, which improves their credibility, relevance and legitimacy among policymakers; (b) two-way communication, which contributes substantially to the co-development of solutions that address climate change vulnerabilities and impacts; and (c) relevant communication products and packaging of evidence that aligns with country priorities, which facilitates its uptake in policy-making processes. We conclude with a framework of sustainable operation for such platforms based on lessons learnt in the three countries.

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Research Program : West & Central Africa
CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Climate change, Policy, Institution, Partnership, Knowledge, Capacity Building, Climate-smart agriculture, West Africa
Subjects: Others > Climate Adaptation
Others > Agriculture Policy
Others > Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)
Others > Livelihoods
Others > Sustainable Agriculture
Others > Capacity Building
Others > CGIAR Research
Others > Climate Resilient Technologies
Others > Climate Change
Others > Sustainable Development
Others > West Africa
Depositing User: Mr Arun S
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2019 10:23
Last Modified: 18 Oct 2019 10:34
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/11324
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2019.1670934
Projects: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
Funders: CGIAR Fund Council,, Australia (ACIAR), European Union, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), USAID
Acknowledgement: The authors are very grateful to all platform members in the three countries for their endless commitment. This work was implemented as part of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), a strategic partnership of CGIAR and Future Earth, led by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). We acknowledge the CGIAR Fund Council, Australia (ACIAR), European Union, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ireland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Switzerland, USAID, UK and Thailand, for funding to CCAFS.
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