Sustainability
Seven practical ways to protect crops as weather grows more extreme
Climate extremes were linked to 12% of global crop losses in 2025. Climate-smart agriculture helps farms build resilience while sustaining productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate-smart agriculture aims to raise sustainable productivity and incomes, strengthen adaptation to climate impacts, and reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions.
Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant crops can maintain productivity under water stress and high temperatures. The WEMA project reported 20–30% higher maize yields in drought-prone areas.
Conservation tillage keeps soil disturbance low and maintains cover from residues or cover crops. It can reduce soil loss by up to 50%, retain moisture and lower fuel use.
Agroforestry combines trees, crops and livestock to stabilize microclimates, support biodiversity and diversify farm income. Trees can reduce crop heat stress and conserve soil moisture.
Drip systems, soil moisture sensors and mulching deliver measured water near plant roots. Precision irrigation can save 30–50% of water, especially valuable where supplies are limited.
Cover crops and crop rotation improve soil fertility and help disrupt pest and disease cycles. Legumes fix nitrogen, and farmers report 25% lower use of synthetic inputs.
Integrated Pest Management combines biological controls and regular monitoring, using chemicals only when needed. It can cut pesticide use by 40% and raise farm net margins by 15%.
Assess climate vulnerabilities, then prioritize two or three practices that fit your needs and resources. Seek financing or cooperative support, monitor results and adjust over time.
Climate-smart agriculture can make food production more stable amid climate shocks. Start with practices suited to your farm and help build a more resilient food system.
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