The papers in this proceedings provide a cross section of science research in international agricultural research centres (IARCs), where the objectives and research foci within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have changed substantially in the 1990s. The book is divided in five sections. The first explores priority setting and research evaluation of commodity programmes. The second looks at institutional issues. The third explores issues related to commodity policies and food security.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa is a facultative hemi-parasitic plant of the Orobanchaceae family, adapted to wet soils. Apart from tropical Australia, it is only found in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is considered a minor weed in cereal crops such as rice. Due to this status, the species has received only sporadic attention. Recent field observations and encounters with rice farmers in several African countries showed that R. fistulosa is, however, a more serious and increasing production constraint than previously thought.

Commune agro-ecosystems analysis (CAEA) is a participatory approach designed to help communities improve decision making at the commune (subdistrict) level. To better integrate fisheries considerations into the CAEA process, the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) initiated the project that significantly improved the way fisheries issues are addressed. The use of CAEA has been officially adopted as a national policy for agricultural development.

The agricultural development project ACCESO

reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and

led to net carbon sequestration due to perennial

crop expansion.

? Increased fertilizer use was a moderate source

of emissions that was more than offset by

reduced emissions from other ACCESOsupported

practices, including improvements in

soil, water, and fertilizer management, and in

feed and grassland use by dairy cows.

? Compared to conventional practices, ACCESOsupported

activities reduced emission intensity

The thesis explores the extent to which payment for the ecosystem service of carbon sequestration

provided in a value chain context, through an innovative climate change mitigation and adaptation

strategy known as 'carbon insetting', could generate 'win-win' outcomes for all actors.

Drawing on examples of where the concept of carbon insetting has been adopted in coffee and cocoa value chains in Mexico and Honduras respectively, the thesis investigated the feasibility of

This Report was developed in the context of the “Global Dialogue on Climate Change and

Agriculture,” a project facilitated by the Meridian Institute that began in August 2010. The

Meridian Institute is an internationally recognized, nonprofit organization that facilitates

neutral and independent policy dialogues and assessments. The Global Dialogue is a program

intended to provide relevant information and opportunities for productive engagement and

discussion among government negotiators, experts, stakeholders, and others involved and

Agriculture needs to feed 9 billion people by 2050. This will require a 70 100% increase in food production (Godfray et al. 2010). Given climate change, a new kind of agriculture is therefore essential, one that must meet the triple challenge not only of ensuring food security, but also of adapting to future climate change and contributing to climate change mitigation. Meeting these challenges will require coordination with the mechanism known as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and other efforts to conserve forests.

This paper presents the initial data analyses of the CCAFS gender survey implemented in four sites in Africa. Using descriptive statistics we show gender differences in terms of perceptions of climate change, awareness and adoption of climate smart agricultural (CSA) practices, and types and sources of agro-climatic information in the four sites.We find that both men and women are experiencing changes in long-run weather patterns and that they are changing their behaviours in response; albeit relatively minor shifts in existing agricultural practices.

Do improvements in agricultural technology protect or endanger tropical forests? This book examines this controversial issue. It includes both theoretical frameworks for analysing the issue as well as case studies covering a wide range of geographical regions, technologies, market conditions and types of agricultural procedures. The authors identify technologies, contexts and policies that are likely to be beneficial to both farmers and forests.

Climate change is a major development challenge to Ethiopia. Climate change is expected to

adversely affect all economic sectors, eco-regions, and social groups. Agriculture is one of the

most vulnerable sectors as it is highly dependent on rainfall. This report synthesises four case

studies focusing on the impacts, vulnerabilities and local adaptation practices in Ethiopia‘s

agricultural sector, including policy and institutional responses. The case studies were carried