Agile agronomy for climate action

This strategy paper underscores the urgent necessity for climate change adaptation in agriculture, emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding the livelihoods of both present and future generations. It outlines how agronomy, which offers varied tools to modify how crops experience their environment, can reduce many climate-related risks. Crucially, the paper emphasizes the need for innovative models that can amplify the impact of agronomic climate action, steering transformative change at a large scale rapidly. The Excellence in Agronomy Initiative (EiA), spearheaded by CGIAR, aims to be at the forefront of that transition. Drawing inspiration from agile methodologies prevalent in the technology sector, EiA is pioneering a user-centric, demand-driven approach to developing and implementing agronomic research programs on adaptation with mitigation co-benefits. The primary goal is to equip 55 million smallholder farmers with the tools necessary to adapt to climate change by 2030, with particular attention to women and youth EiA operationalizes its strategy through applied Use Cases and innovative research for development. Use Cases are executed in over 20 countries, addressing a broad spectrum of agronomic issues tailored to specific public and private sector partner requests. These projects not only offer locally relevant solutions but also generate insights applicable on a global scale, promoting efficiency and scalability. Some of the EiA’s work explores innovative research questions and driving reform in agronomic research practices. EiA’s climate-related strategic research program embodies this approach, spanning theoretical inquiries to practical implementation. It addresses critical knowledge gaps while promoting a paradigm shift in agronomic research, guided by approaches leveraging big data and the principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. EiA’s processes undergo regular evaluations to ensure continued relevance and impact, mirroring the adaptive spirit it advocates. By leveraging agile, user-centric strategies, Use Cases, and strategic research, EiA research, outreach, and capacity building is poised to help agronomy to be more adaptive, accessible, and effective in service to the farming community and food system.