REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE INVESTMENT PLANNING An Implementation Roadmap for Eastern and Southern Africa Dorcas Jalango, Yodit Yaregal, Lidya Tesfaye, Elizabeth Ogutu, Brook Makonnen December 2024 Workshop Report ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 2 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) To cite this report Jalango, D., Yaregal, Y., Tesfaye, L., Ogutu, L., Brook, M. 2024. AICCRA Report Implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans: A Roadmap for Eastern and Southern Africa. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA). Acknowledgements Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. The authors would like to thank the Kenya’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Multi- Stakeholder Platform (CSA-MSP), Ethiopia’s National Climate-Smart Agriculture Forum (NCSA), and Zambia’s Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (ZACSA) for their critical insights in advancing CSA. At the regional level, we acknowledge the significant roles played by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the African Union Commission (AUC), the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in providing a collaborative platform and strategic direction. We are especially grateful to the Ministries of Agriculture in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia for fostering an environment of collaboration, information sharing and knowledge exchange that has been instrumental in shaping this report. About AICCRA Reports Titles in this series aim to disseminate interim research on scaling climate services and climate-smart agriculture in Africa and stimulate feedback from the scientific community. Photos Cover photo: © Disclaimer This working paper has not been peer reviewed. Any opinions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of AICCRA, donors, or partners. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non-commercial 4.0 International License. ©2024 Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 3An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● ABSTRACT This report, Implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans: A Roadmap for Eastern and Southern Africa, provides a strategic framework to operationalize Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs) in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia. The report identifies key implementation barriers, including financial constraints, fragmented coordination, and inadequate capacity, while offering phased solutions to address these challenges. The roadmap emphasizes resource mobilization through blended finance, private sector engagement, capacity building, and policy alignment to foster sustainable CSA adoption. It highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder platforms and regional collaboration to harmonize strategies and scale efforts across the continent. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dorcas Jalango is a Research Specialist at Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT Yodit Yaregal is a Research Consultant at Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT Lidya Tesfaye is a Research Officer at Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT Elizabeth Ogutu is a Policy Manager and Lead, Eastern and Southern Africa Region for Climate Action Brook Makonnen is a Communications and Knowledge Management Lead at AICCRA East and Southern Africa at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 4 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) CONTENTS Abstract...................................................................................................3 About the Authors.....................................................................................3 Contents..................................................................................................4 Acronyms.................................................................................................5 1. Introduction..........................................................................................6 2. Approaches and Methods......................................................................6 3. Overview of CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa.7 Agriculture and Climate Change: The Need for CSA Investment Planning......7 Priority CSA Investment Areas................................................................8 Implementation Barriers to the CSAIPs.....................................................10 4. CSAIP Implementation Modalities and Approaches...............................11 Implementation Approaches by Country..................................................12 Leveraging In-Country Programs to Support CSAIP Implementation...........15 Case Study: Kenya...............................................................................16 Case Study: Ethiopia............................................................................17 Case Study: Zambia.............................................................................18 5. Recommendations for Enhancing CSAIP Implementation...................19 6. Appendices.........................................................................................21 Appendix 1. List of participants..............................................................21 7. Reference Materials.............................................................................22 5An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ACRONYMS AUC African Union Commission ASNET Agricultural Society of Kenya AICCRA Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa ATI Agricultural Transformation Institute ASARECA Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa CCARDESA Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture CIGs Common Interest Groups CSA Climate-Smart Agriculture CSAIPs Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FARA Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa IGAD Intergovernmental Authority on Development KAM Kenya Association of Manufacturers KNCCI Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry MOA Ministry of Agriculture MoALD Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development MOU Memoranda of Understanding MSPs Multistakeholder Platforms NCSAF National CSA Forum SADC Southern African Development Community SCALA Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience TWG Thematic Working Group FLLoCA Financing Locally-Led Climate Action ZIFL-P Integrated Forest Landscape Program ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 6 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 1 INTRODUCTION This report was developed under the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project as part of its focus on enhancing investment planning for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in Africa. In its initial phase, AICCRA supported the development of CSAIPs in Ethiopia and Kenya between 2022 and 2023. Building on this foundation, the project’s second phase emphasizes the operationalization of these plans, underscoring the need for a practical implementation roadmap to address persistent challenges and ensure their effective integration into national and regional agricultural systems. The report presents an Implementation Roadmap for Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs), designed to address critical barriers to the adoption and scaling of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Eastern and Southern Africa. It provides strategic recommendations for mobilizing financial resources and enhancing private sector engagement, mainstreaming CSA into national and regional policies, building technical capacity for implementing the CSAIPs, and strengthening coordination through multi-stakeholder platforms. These recommendations were drawn from the CSAIPs developed across Africa, and are informed by country- specific insights from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia. The insights were gathered during a consultative workshop held in Zambia in August 2024, which brought together representatives from government ministries, private sector organizations, and research institutions from these three countries, alongside delegates from regional and continental organizations including; African Union Commission (AUC), Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The goal of the consultative forum was to share knowledge, co-create actionable recommendations, and foster collaboration to steer investment decisions and drive the implementation of CSA practices. This report serves as a framework for implementing CSA investment plans across the African continent, offering guidance for countries, regional forums, and development stakeholders. It provides actionable proposals to inform CSA policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks to govern, manage, and finance the transition to CSA. The implementation approach outlined in the roadmap is phased into short-, medium-, and long-term actions, acknowledging that the pace and scope of implementation will depend on the efforts and resources available to each country. By providing a strategic pathway for addressing challenges and scaling CSA, the roadmap seeks to enable a continental transition to resilient agricultural systems in the face of intensifying climate challenges. 2 APPROACHES AND METHODS The insights presented in this report were derived from a three-day regional workshop held in Lusaka, Zambia, in August 2024. Organized by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, the workshop brought together key national and regional actors in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia. The event aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, share experiences, and co-create actionable strategies for implementing and scaling CSA investments, leveraging existing frameworks and drawing on country-specific experiences. The workshop convened a diverse group of participants, including representatives from government ministries, private sector organizations, research institutions, and 7An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Delegates from regional and continental organizations such as AUC, ASARECA, CCARDESA, FARA, SADC, and IGAD also contributed. Participants were identified through a joint mapping process led by the Alliance of Bioversity CIAT, with input from the Ministries of Agriculture in each country, ensuring broad representation from stakeholders advancing CSA within their respective platforms. The workshop was structured under the theme “Leveraging CSA Multi-Stakeholder Platforms/Forums for Sustainable Investment and Action.” Over three days, participants engaged in thematic discussions, case studies, and breakout sessions focused on CSA investment planning, financial mechanisms, multi-stakeholder collaboration, governance frameworks, and policy advocacy. Specific activities included showcasing successful CSA investment models from the three countries, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, addressing policy gaps, and identifying actionable strategies for capacity building and outreach. By the end of the workshop, experts from each country developed tailored national CSA implementation roadmaps with phased short, medium, and long-term action plans to address gaps and scale CSA interventions effectively. 3 OVERVIEW OF CSA INVESTMENT PLANNING IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA Agriculture and Climate Change: The Need for CSA Investment Planning The agriculture sector in Africa faces significant challenges from climate change, including increased temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events such as floods and cyclones. These impacts threaten food security, livelihoods, and economic stability in a region where agriculture remains the backbone of rural economies. Countries in the region, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia, depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making them particularly ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 8 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) vulnerable to climate variability. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods have led to declining agricultural productivity, increased pest and disease outbreaks, and deteriorating soil and water resources. In Kenya, smallholder farmers are facing declining rainfall, increasing droughts, shifting pest and disease patterns, and other challenges that significantly reduce crop productivity, particularly for staple crops like maize. Similarly, Ethiopia has experienced rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events, disrupting agricultural systems and rural livelihoods. Zambia’s agricultural sector is burdened by recurring droughts, floods, and extreme temperature fluctuations, resulting in significant losses and economic setbacks. The vulnerability of the agricultural sector highlights the urgency of transitioning to CSA as a key strategy for addressing climate change impacts and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. CSA integrates three core objectives: improving productivity and income, building resilience through adaptation, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to note that CSA investment planning plays a critical role in facilitating this transition. The CSA investment plans across Eastern and Southern Africa demonstrate the region’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture. These plans lay a solid foundation for resource mobilization and scaling up of CSA practices. The efforts underline the critical role of evidence-based planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovative financing in achieving regional and national climate goals. For instance, CSAIPs for Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia offer robust frameworks to address agricultural challenges posed by climate change through the identification of context specific intervention areas. These countries serve as models for leveraging investment planning to transform agriculture into a climate-resilient and sustainable sector. Priority CSA Investment Areas Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia, have developed CSAIPs that identify priority investment areas (Table 1) to support smallholder farmers, strengthen climate re- silience, and attract private and public sector funding for transformative agricul- tural solutions. Each country’s CSAIP highlights tailored investment priorities to address its specific climate challenges and opportunities for sustainable agricul- tural growth. In Kenya, the CSAIP highlights eight key investments, including climate-smart aquaculture, digital advisory services, and integrated agro-industrial parks. Sustainable water harvesting systems and dryland value chain development are critical for enhancing productivity and resilience in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Soil fertility management and mangrove restoration further demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to ecosystem-based adaptation while promoting economic opportunities. Ethiopia prioritizes seven key investments mainly focusing on addressing climate variability and food security through innovative solutions such as small-scale irrigation, climate-resilient wheat varieties, and improved livestock breeding systems and market value chains. Integrated soil fertility management and digital advisory platforms are also emphasized to enhance farmer productivity and reduce climate vulnerability. The country has identified over USD 26.4 million in CSA investment potential, with interventions targeting key agro-ecological zones to maximize impact. In Zambia, the CSAIP points out the need to focus on investment areas that include; weather index insurance to mitigate climate risks, carbon finance mechanisms to promote sustainable farming practices, and out grower schemes to commercialize horticulture production. Additionally, participatory extension services and farmer field schools are key to driving CSA adoption and fostering community- based learning. These investments are designed to reduce the sector’s reliance on rain-fed systems, diversify incomes, and improve food security while addressing climate impacts. WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 9An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● Table 1: Comparison of CSA Investment Areas in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia. INVESTMENT AREA KENYA ETHIOPIA ZAMBIA Climate-Smart Livestock Systems Climate-smart dairy systems with improved feed, grazing, and value chain enhancements. Enhance animal breeding and health systems for dairy and poultry and improve the production and use of better forage to boost cattle and poultry production and productivity. No direct focus on livestock but emphasizes rangeland management under landscape approaches. Aquaculture and Fisheries Climate-smart aquaculture integrating fish, rice, and vegetable production systems. Digital Knowledge Platforms Bundled digital services offering early warnings, advisory, market information, and finance. Bundled digital platforms providing climate advisories, market information, insurance and credit. Limited emphasis but linked indirectly through extension services and farmer field schools. Soil Fertility Management Integrated soil fertility management practices for restoring degraded soils and increasing yields. Integrated soil fertility management to improve soil fertility and enhance crop production. Emphasis on sustainable land management within participatory landscape approaches. Water Management Sustainable water harvesting, storage, and utilization systems. Small-scale irrigation with water-saving technologies like solar-powered pumps. Integrated into participatory landscape management and horticulture production systems. Value Chain Development Dryland cereal and pulse value chains focusing on production and commercialization. Dairy and poultry value chains to reduce food loss and waste. Out-grower schemes for horticulture and market linkages. Carbon Finance and Mitigation Indirectly addressed through mangrove and coral restoration projects. Carbon finance models incentivizing CSA adoption and generating emission reduction credits. Agro- Industrial Development Integrated agro-industrial parks linking production to markets in rural economic zones. Landscape Management Limited focus on ecosystems but includes mangrove and coral restoration. Indirectly under the soil and water conservation practices under the integration of soil fertility management, and conservation agriculture practices. Participatory landscape management approaches integrating CSA and forestry practices. Risk Mitigation and Insurance Indirectly under digital solution for instance digitally enabled agri-index insurance that can mitigate postharvest losses Indirectly under the digital solutions including weather forecasts and agro-climate advisories, while integrating weather index insurance against climate-related risks. Weather index insurance paired with CSA practices to enhance resilience. Gender- Sensitive Approaches Gender considerations and inclusivity a cross-cutting theme across all investment options Focused on gender- responsive agriculture in CSA technology adoption. Gender-sensitive supply chains for equitable access to markets and resources. Source: Synthesis from the CSAIPs ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 10 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Implementation Barriers to the CSAIPs Despite the robustness of the national CSAIPs in Eastern and Southern Africa, their implementation is hindered by financial, institutional, and policy-related challenges that constrain progress across the region: ■ Financial Constraints: Countries face insufficient funding to implement CSAIPs, compounded by the complexity of climate finance mechanisms. Additionally, inconsistent government support, inadequate market linkages, and weak engagement from the private sector significantly hinder resource mobilization and scalability of CSA initiatives. ■ Knowledge and Capacity Gaps: Scaling of CSA practices and technologies among farmers, local institutions, and potential investors remains low, restricting adoption and effective implementation. Inadequate extension services limit the dissemination of innovative practices, while insufficient access to reliable data on CSA initiatives impedes effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning. The lack of skilled personnel to design and manage CSA projects further undermines implementation efforts. ■ Inadequate Coordination Mechanisms: The fragmented priorities and commitments of stakeholders create obstacles to effective coordination and collaboration. Misalignment between national and subnational levels, alongside limited integration of multi-stakeholder platforms, prevents coherent implementation. Differences in understanding and commitment to CSAIPs by key actors delay decision-making and action. ■ Policy and Regulatory Barriers: Poor policy implementation and a lack of enabling regulatory framework hinders the integration of CSA into existing agricultural and climate policies. Limited institutional support for CSA, coupled with delays in policy harmonization between national and regional levels, further restricts progress. ■ Private Sector Engagement: Private sector participation is critical for CSA scale-up but remains weak due to insufficient incentives, lack of awareness, and challenges in creating viable business cases. Many private entities perceive CSA investments as high-risk, discouraging engagement and investment. These challenges and barriers underscore the importance of targeted implementation approaches to overcome structural and financial barriers while fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. Continuous learning from the nascent stages of CSAIP implementation, particularly in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, provides valuable insights for addressing these obstacles. As more countries embark on developing and implementing CSAIPs, implementation roadmaps offer an opportunity to scale successful practices, promote stakeholder alignment, and enhance the effectiveness of CSA investments. 11An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 4 CSAIP IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES AND APPROACHES The implementation of CSAIPs across Eastern and Southern Africa adopts a phased approach – which provides a structured pathway for achieving the goals - recognizing the need for gradual scaling, contextual adaptation, and resource alignment. The implementation is structured into three phases—short-term, medium-term, and long-term—supported by continuous activities to ensure scalability, sustainability, and integration across national and regional levels. Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of CSAIPs across the region. In the short-term phase (less than 1 year), the focus is on establishing foundational elements for CSAIP implementation. This includes mainstreaming CSAIP prioritized areas into policies and strategies across sectoral ministries to ensure alignment and cross-sectoral support. Ongoing projects can be piloted, and CSA interventions refined in various agro-ecological zones, providing a basis for scaling successful practices. Coordination mechanisms are established within key ministries in alignment with ongoing climate-related initiatives with CSA priorities. Institutional capacity is strengthened at national and subnational levels to enhance their ability to manage CSA programs effectively. Additionally, existing partnership guidelines are reviewed, and a comprehensive framework for stakeholder engagement is developed, involving government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, CSOs and donors. To promote awareness and guide implementation, the CSA investment plan is disseminated to stakeholders, and detailed implementation plans are developed. The medium-term phase (2–3 years) builds on the progress achieved in the short term, with an emphasis on scaling interventions, strengthening financing mechanisms, and fostering partnerships. Credit facilities and loan mechanisms are designed or improved to enhance farmers’ access to finance through local financial institutions. Capacity-building initiatives focus on equipping CSA actors with skills to develop bankable proposals for accessing climate funds. Proven CSA interventions are scaled to wider regions, while infrastructure supporting CSA activities, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, is enhanced. A national knowledge hub should be established to centralize data on CSA activities and facilitate effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Efforts to engage the private sector are intensified by developing compelling business cases to attract investment and participation in CSA initiatives. Investment in research and development is prioritized to innovate and refine CSA technologies tailored to local conditions and needs. In the long-term phase (3–5 years), the emphasis shifts to institutionalizing CSAIPs, integrating them into national development agendas, and ensuring financial sustainability. Policy frameworks are strengthened to embed CSAIP objectives into broader national agricultural and climate strategies. The plans are aligned with development agendas to secure long-term commitment from governments and stakeholders. Sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, and diversified funding streams, are established to ensure continuous support for CSA implementation. Throughout all phases, continuous activities are implemented to maintain momentum and adapt to emerging needs. Tailored CSA training programs are conducted to build capacity among stakeholders and ensure gender-responsive approaches. South-to- South learning initiatives facilitate cross-country knowledge exchange to adopt best practices. Institutional mapping is performed regularly to strengthen collaboration and identify gaps, while advocacy efforts focus on increasing government budget allocations with a deliberate emphasis on CSA priorities. ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 12 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Implementation Approaches by Country Kenya’s approach to implementing its CSAIP focuses on resource mobilization, institutional strengthening, and private sector engagement. The country emphasizes the development of frameworks to engage potential partners and coordinate climate- related projects through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD). Specific efforts include establishing a standing agenda on resource mobilization and leveraging partnerships with private sector actors such as the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASNET), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to enhance investment in CSA. Capacity building is a critical focus, with initiatives targeting county-level CSA - MSPs and agricultural officers to enhance technical expertise and implementation efficiency. Kenya also aims to strengthen its institutional framework by developing policy briefs on critical areas such as favorable land tenure systems to create an enabling environment for CSA adoption. Dissemination of CSAIP to stakeholders and the development of implementation plans are ongoing efforts to ensure alignment and integration across sectors. Collectively, these approaches aim to build a robust foundation for scaling CSA initiatives, aligning with national goals and climate resilience strategies. Ethiopia’s implementation of its CSAIP emphasizes mobilizing financial resources from public, private and other financial sources, leveraging digital innovations, and building institutional capacity. The country prioritizes embedding CSA objectives into sectoral development plans and devolving the National CSA Forum (NCSAF) to local governance levels to ensure alignment and inclusivity. A key focus is promoting gender-responsive digital CSA technologies tailored to specific agro-ecological zones, facilitating targeted interventions for improved productivity and resilience. Capacity- building efforts include tailored CSA training programs for various stakeholders, fostering South-South learning and experience sharing, and creating a national knowledge hub to centralize data on CSA activities for effective monitoring and decision-making. Ethiopia also seeks to enhance private sector engagement by creating enabling environments, offering tax incentives, and developing business cases to attract investments. Additionally, efforts are underway to design and improve financial mechanisms, such as loans for smallholder farmers, to enhance access to climate finance. With a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D), Ethiopia aims to innovate and refine CSA technologies and practices to address climate challenges effectively. These comprehensive strategies position Ethiopia to advance climate-resilient agriculture while fostering sustainable development. Zambia’s approach to implementing its CSAIP focuses on integrating CSA into national policies, fostering coordination among stakeholders, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The country prioritizes detailed mapping of institutions to ensure alignment and collaboration across ministries and agencies. Dissemination of the CSAIP to stakeholders and its integration into the Ministry of Agriculture’s work plans are key steps to mainstream CSA objectives. Zambia emphasizes increasing budget allocations specifically for CSA initiatives, ensuring that resources are available to support implementation. Capacity-building programs target farmers and institutions to enhance awareness and adoption of sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on promoting indigenous crops to improve resilience and nutrition. The specific implementation approaches for Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia (Table 2) demonstrates a varied but complementary strategy based on their unique pri- orities and capacities. While the implementation plan can be scaled regionally, successful implementation requires localized adaptation by individual countries. The domestication and execution of CSAIPs are the responsibility of individual countries. Regional forums and partnerships—supported by stakeholders such as IGAD, ASARECA, CCARDESA among others—can facilitate knowledge sharing and 13An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) capacity building. Stakeholders, including development partners, NGOs, and in- country national agencies, play a critical role in supporting this process through capacity building, leveraging existing CSA programs, and facilitating resource mobilization. They should therefore align their interventions to support national CSA priorities, leveraging existing CSA programs for enhanced impact. Table 2: Country Implementation Action Plan IMPLEMENTATION ACTION COUNTRY DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE TIMELINE Kenya Develop an additional objective on resource mobilization and draft engagement framework for potential partners. CSA-MSP TWG 3 in liaison with the CCU coordinator and Steering Committee 0-6 Months Have a standing agenda item on resource mobilization Coordination of Climate-related projects in the Ministry Liaise with the FLLoCA and MoALD to access finance CCU Coordinator 0-6 Months CSA-MSP to collaborate with private actors including ASNET, KNCCI, and KAM to conduct sensitization on the KCSAS, KSCAIF, FLLoCA CCU Coordinator 0-6 Months Ethiopia Design and enhance credit mechanisms for smallholder farmers and pastoralists to access finance from local financial institutions MoA ATI 2-3 Years Attract private sector engagement by developing compelling business cases, incentives and enabling environments. Liaise with SCALA project – identification risks and provide de-risking solutions MoA FAO 1-2 Years Provide technical support for resource mobilization through developing concept notes for the identified business cases MoA MoPD Continuous Zambia Increase in budget allocation (with a deliberate focus to CSA) Alliance partners & MoA Annually Kenya Review the existing draft partnership guidelines to Initiate the development of a comprehensive engagement framework that covers all potential members MDACs and non-state actors. CCU- coordinator Continuous Develop a work plan to submit to the National Treasury to enhance policy implementation CCU- coordinator 0-6 Months Develop a Policy Brief on a proposed favourable land tenure system that supports CSA CSA-MSP TWG 4 with TWG 3&4 1- Year RESOURCE MOBILIZATION POLICY AND GOVERNANCE ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 14 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) IMPLEMENTATION ACTION COUNTRY DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE TIMELINE Ethiopia Mainstream CSAIP priority actions into sub-national development plans Devolve Ethiopian NCSAF to local levels MoA and Bureau of Agriculture 1- Year Zambia Conduct continuous detailed mapping of stakeholder institutions to coordinate CSA efforts Alliance partners & MoA Nov-Dec 2024 Enhanced collaborations among line ministries to enhance implementation MoA Quarterly Development of the CSAIP Implementation plan MoA & Alliance partners Nov-Dec 2024 Kenya Implement capacity-building initiatives through the national and county CSA MSPs in two counties CCU Coordinator, TWG 3 0-6 Months Build and strengthen the CSA- MSP and its constituent county CSA-MSPs Provide technical support to agriculture officers at the county level CCU Coordinator 0-6 Months Ethiopia Provide tailored CSA training to all CSA actors and south to south learning and experience sharing MoA Continuous Develop robust data and knowledge management and tracking system, to monitor and evaluate CSA interventions MoA ATI 2- 4 Years Zambia Dissemination of the Zambia CSA Investment Plan MoA, Green Economy & Alliance partners 4-5 Years Sensitization of sustainable food systems (Promotion of Indigenous crops) MoA & Alliance partners 5- Years Provide continuous capacity building on CSA practices MoA & Alliance partners Continuous Ethiopia Prioritize and implement context specific and gender-responsive CSA technologies. This could liaison with SCALA project that works on gender-responsive agriculture value chains. MoA & ATI 2-3 Years Invest in R&) and extension linkage for better promotion and adoption of CSA technologies and practices MoA National and International Research Institutions & Academia 4-5 Years Source: Synthesis of the implementation country CSAIP roadmaps produced by experts from the workshop KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY TECHNOLOGY SCALING 15An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Leveraging In-Country Programs to Support CSAIP Implementation In-country programs play a pivotal role in operationalizing CSAIPs by providing localized frameworks, resources, and partnerships to address country-specific challenges and priorities. Programs like Kenya’s Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA), Ethiopia’s Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SCALA), and Zambia’s Integrated Forest Landscape Program (ZIFL-P) exemplify how national initiatives can align with CSAIP objectives to advance climate-resilient agriculture. These programs integrate community-driven approaches, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance climate resilience, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By leveraging their unique focus areas—such as decentralizing climate finance, fostering private sector engagement, and managing landscapes holistically—these programs serve as critical enablers for implementing CSAIPs. They demonstrate how aligning national programs with CSAIP priorities can create synergies that drive CSA transformation, attract investments, and promote sustainable development. WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 16 Case Study: Kenya Kenya’s FLLoCA program provides a robust platform that can significantly advance the implementation of the CSAIP. The FLLoCA program’s innovative approach of devolving funds and decision-making to counties creates a practical avenue for embedding CSAIP priorities into local action plans and investments, thereby bridging the gap between national policies and grassroots implementation. FLLoCA focuses on strengthening the capacity of county governments to manage climate risks and access climate finance, aligning closely with CSAIP’s goals of fostering resource mobilization, institutional strengthening, and investment prioritization. Therefore, the CSAIP could serve as a strategic guiding tool for the programme’s processes by ensuring that climate-resilient agricultural practices are prioritized in the program’s funding and planning processes. The Alliance for Bioversity International and CIAT, under the AICCRA project, has demonstrated this synergy by using the CSAIP to guide FLLoCA processes at both the national and county levels. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Kenya CSA Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP), the National Treasury, and county governments, the Alliance piloted CSAIP-linked interventions in four counties. These pilots included developing training modules on investment planning, resource mobilization, and proposal development, specifically tailored to meet FLLoCA requirements while embedding CSAIP priorities. Through linking CSAIP implementation with the FLLoCA program, Kenya is creating a cohesive framework for scaling climate-smart agriculture. The decentralized structure of FLLoCA complements CSAIP’s strategic vision by translating national priorities into actionable and locally driven initiatives. This integration enhances coordination, fosters resource mobilization, and strengthens institutional capacity, ensuring the successful implementation of CSAIPs across Kenya while providing a model for other regions to replicate. WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) The SCALA program provides a valuable framework for advancing the implementation of Ethiopia’s CSAIP by aligning its community-driven and systems-based approaches with the CSAIP’s strategic priorities. SCALA’s focus on irrigation value chains, small ruminant systems, and natural resource management complements the CSAIP’s emphasis on building resilience, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By conducting systems-level assessments in micro-watersheds across Amhara, Oromia, and Harari regions, SCALA identifies context-specific interventions, such as watershed management plans and gender- responsive value chain development, that are critical to achieving the CSAIP’s goals. These assessments inform local development plans and attract investments, directly supporting the CSAIP’s objective of scaling prioritized CSA investments. SCALA’s emphasis on private sector engagement is another key avenue for supporting CSAIP implementation. Through its gender-responsive and climate-resilient value chain analysis in Oromia and Harari, SCALA is developing tailored business cases and feasibility assessments that align with the CSAIP’s vision for enhancing private sector engagement for scaling CSA interventions. By identifying effective business models and fostering partnerships, SCALA enhances the scalability and sustainability of CSAIP interventions. This includes forming Common Interest Groups (CIGs) to promote climate initiatives and providing technical support to cooperatives, further reinforcing the CSAIP’s focus on capacity building and investment prioritization. Such efforts ensure that CSAIP investments are not only informed by localized insights but are also operationalized through viable market-oriented solutions. SCALA’s collaborative approach, working with the MoA, FAO, UNDP, and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ensures that CSAIP objectives are embedded in national and subnational planning processes. The alignment between SCALA and CSAIP creates a synergistic pathway to accelerate the adoption of CSA practices, attract investments, and promote climate resilience in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. Case Study: Ethiopia © A IC C R A / T am ir at G et ac he w 17An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 18 The ZIFL-P, under which the Zambia CSAIP was developed offers a strategic framework that can significantly support its implementation. ZIFL-P’s objectives of improving landscape management, enhancing rural livelihoods, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions align directly with the priorities outlined in the CSAIP. By addressing key issues such as unsustainable agricultural expansion, deforestation, and community vulnerability, ZIFL-P supports CSAIP’s vision of transforming Zambia’s agricultural systems into sustainable, climate-resilient models that integrate forestry, agriculture, and natural resource management. The program’s four components directly complement CSAIP priorities. ZIFL-P’s efforts to create enabling conditions for livelihood investments and improve rural ecosystems align with the CSAIP’s focus on conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and crop diversification. ZIFL-P’s financing of on-the-ground activities that enhance rural livelihoods and conserve ecosystems supports CSAIP interventions such as small- scale irrigation, post-harvest loss reduction, and gender-sensitive supply chains. Additionally, ZIFL-P’s coordination mechanisms at the national and provincial levels ensure that CSAIP implementation is integrated with broader climate and development goals, creating opportunities for scaling CSA practices across Zambia. As ZIFL-P emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement—including partnerships with local and national governments, the private sector, NGOs, and communities—it strengthens the collaborative framework essential for CSAIP implementation. By leveraging ZIFL-P’s established networks and resources, the CSAIP can accelerate the adoption of climate-smart practices, enhance access to financing through emission reduction mechanisms, and improve provincial and local capacity for program management. Together, ZIFL-P and CSAIP represent a cohesive strategy for achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, enhancing resilience, and contributing to Zambia’s climate and development objectives. © A IC C R A / K el vi n Tr au tm an , K A N D S C ol le ct iv e Case Study: Zambia 19An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCING CSAIP IMPLEMENTATION Effective implementation of CSAIPs in Eastern and Southern Africa requires a holistic approach in addressing key areas such as resource mobilization, policy and governance, training and capacity building, multistakeholder engagement, and private sector involvement. These recommendations are designed to overcome barriers identified during CSAIP implementation; ■ Resource mobilization is a critical component for the successful implementation of CSAIPs. Countries should diversify funding sources by adopting blended finance models, leveraging international climate funds, and strengthening financial mechanisms. Capacity building for stakeholders to develop bankable project proposals is crucial for accessing climate financing, alongside increased government budget allocations for CSA initiatives. Policy and governance improvements should focus on harmonizing CSAIPs with national development and agricultural strategies, decentralizing governance structures to cascade CSAIPs to local levels, and creating policy incentives such as tax reliefs on inputs and subsidies to encourage CSA adoption. Strengthened institutional frameworks, including dedicated CSA task forces within ministries, will also support coherent implementation. ■ Strengthening partnerships among MSPs is essential for influencing policy processes, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the effective implementation of CSA investments at regional, national, and subnational levels. To achieve this, MSPs must broaden their scope to include ministries beyond agriculture, such as health, nutrition, environment, water, energy and finance, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. This approach enables comprehensive support for CSA initiatives, particularly in promoting the production of healthy and climate-resilient food. Regional platforms, such as IGAD and ASARECA, should coordinate closely with national MSPs to ensure alignment of strategies, while national platforms should cascade actions to local MSPs, ensuring that programs are tailored to grassroots priorities and contexts. Governments, through ministries of agriculture, must take the lead in driving MSPs, providing them with a legal framework to legitimize their operations and ensure institutional coherence. MSPs should also engage strategically with negotiation platforms by establishing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to ensure their contributions are represented in regional and international decision-making processes. Platforms such as the African Union Commission’s technical committees on climate change, where member states are represented by government ministers, offer a critical opportunity for MSPs to shape policies that align with CSA objectives. To strengthen these partnerships, clear coordination mechanisms should be established to streamline communication and action across governance levels, avoiding duplication and enhancing efficiency. ■ Training and capacity-building efforts should include tailored CSA training programs for farmers, extension officers, and policymakers, complemented by the expansion of digital advisory platforms and the establishment of South-to-South knowledge-sharing networks. Investments in R&D are essential to refine CSA technologies that address specific agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts. ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 20 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ■ Private sector engagement requires developing compelling business cases to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of CSA, improving market access for smallholder farmers, and introducing targeted incentives such as grants and co-financing opportunities. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be promoted to co-invest in CSA technologies, infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives. By adopting these recommendations, CSAIP implementation can be significantly enhanced, fostering climate- resilient agricultural systems, increasing productivity, and improving livelihoods across the region. These strategies provide a comprehensive pathway to align stakeholder efforts, mobilize resources, and create an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural transformation. 21An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa ● WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 6 APPENDICES Appendix 1. List of participants NO. PARTICIPANT ORGANIZATION EXPERTISE 1 Patrick Kibaya MoALD - Kenya Climate Change Unit Lead 2 Addisu Negash MoA - Ethiopia Environment and Climate Change Lead 3 Morton Mwanza MoA – Zambia Chief Horticultural Officer 4 Simon Ochieng National Treasury - Kenya Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist 5 Alemayehu Sahile Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands - Ethiopia Water and Irrigation 6 Lydia Kimani Kenya CSA-MSP Agribusiness Expert 7 Peris Nyambura Kenya CSA-MSP Program Specialist 8 Ronoh Erick Kenya CSA-MSP Researcher 9 Veronica Ndetu Kenya CSA-MSP CSA & Policy Expert 10 Yodit Yaregal CIAT Policy & Communication Expert 11 Berhanu Assefa Ethiopia CSA Forum SCALA Project Coordinator 12 Ivy Kinyua CIAT Policy & Institutions 13 Meron Mekonnen Ethiopia CSA Forum Agriculture Marketing and trade 14 Dagnachew Lule Ethiopia CSA Forum ATI - Agriculture Commercialization 15 Elizabeth Ogutu CIAT Policy Specialist 16 Fatunbi Oluwole FARA Director Research 17 Carol Brenda IGAD Environment and Social Development 18 Pamela Levira AUC Policy Officer 19 Moses Odeke ASARECA Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning 20 Futhi Magagula CCARDESA Programme Officer 21 Barthlomew Chataika CCARDESA Researcher 22 John Recha ILRI Scientist 23 Gebermedihin Ambaw ILRI Researcher 24 Brook Tesfaye ILRI Communication & Knowledge Management Officer 25 Emely Mwale CIAT Country Director Zambia 26 Tilabilenji Phiri SADC Seed System Specilist 27 Lidya Tesfaye CIAT Research Officer 28 Dorcas Jalango CIAT Research Specialist 29 Sara Francis CSAAZ Program Manager - CRS 30 Stanley Nkhuwa Ministry of planning and finance - Zambia Planning Officer 31 Jesinta Kunda CSAAZ Land Administrative Officer 32 Obby Sichikata CSAAZ Environmental Policy Advocate 33 Clive Chibule CSAAZ Environmentalist 34 Gambwe Sikantongwe Ministry of Green Economy & Environment - Zambia Natural Resource Manager ● An Implementation roadmap for CSA Investment Planning in Eastern and Southern Africa 22 WORKSHOP REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 7 REFERENCE MATERIALS Tesfaye, L.; Alemayehu, S.; Jalango, D.; Karanja, S.; Magambo, G..; Ghosh, A.; Vyas, S.; Nowak, A.; Wamicwe, P.; Newman, R.; Grosjean, G.; Cosgrove, B.; Derenoncourt, E.; Mufti, S.; Hientz, L.; Wondemagegnehu, S.; Assefa, B.; Addis, N.; Yemane, M.; Jaquet, S. 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