Mathieu Ouedraogo | Desire Kagabo | Hanna Ewell |Elizabeth Ogutu | Benjamin Abugri December 2025 Webinar Series Report To cite this report Ouedraogo M., Kagabo D., Ewell H., Ogutu E., Abugri B. (2025). AICCRA Report Type: [Capacity Sharing on Bundled Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Business Models and Scaling Strategies in 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 Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa for the collaboration on this joint webinar series. About AICCRA Reports Titles in this series aim to disseminate interim research on the scaling of climate services and climate-smart agriculture in Africa, in order to stimulate feedback from the scientific community. Cover photo: © AICCRA / Kelvin Trautman, KANDS Collective Disclaimer This working paper has not been peer reviewed.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. Partners 1 ABSTRACT The capacity sharing webinar on bundled climate information services (CIS) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) business models and scaling strategies in Africa was successfully held in November 2025. The event, jointly organized by the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), aimed to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) stakeholders across Africa. Over 697 registrants (including 511 males and 186 females) participated, representing National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), farmer organizations, academia, NGOs, private sector actors, and policy makers. The sessions focused on bundled CIS/CSA models, the AICCRA scaling framework, and action planning for scaling resilient agricultural innovations across the continent. Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of scaling strategies and expressed commitment to integrating the lessons into their institutional programs. The training fostered cross-country collaboration and identified pathways for operationalizing the AICCRA Scaling Framework at national and regional levels. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Mathieu Ouedraogo (M.Ouedraogo@cgiar.org) is a Senior Scientist, Climate Action at The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Desire Kagabo (D.Kagabo@cgiar.org) is a Scientist - Project Leader, Climate Action at The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Hanna Ewell (H.Ewell@cgiar.org) is a Research Specialist with the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Elizabeth Ogutu (L.Ogutu@cgiar.org) is a Policy Manager and Lead, Eastern and Southern Africa region, with the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Benjamin Abugri (babugri@faraafrica.org) is a Knowledge Management, Digitalization & Learning Cluster Lead Specialist at The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) mailto:D.Kagabo@cgiar.org mailto:H.Ewell@cgiar.org mailto:L.Ogutu@cgiar.org CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................................................................................................. 1 About the authors .............................................................................................................................. 1 CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Background and Rationale ............................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................... 4 2. Methodology and Approach........................................................................................................... 5 3. Session Summaries......................................................................................................................... 5 3.1. Session 1: Introduction to CIS and CSA ......................................................................................... 5 3.1.1. Why Climate Change Matters for Agriculture in Africa ............................................................. 5 3.1.2. Climate‑Smart Agriculture (CSA): Why It Is Needed and What It Entails .................................. 5 3.1.3. Examples of CSA practices ......................................................................................................... 6 3.1.4. Climate Information Services (CIS) ............................................................................................ 8 3.1.5. Implementation Approaches for CSA & CIS ............................................................................... 9 3.1.6. Challenges to CSA adoption ..................................................................................................... 10 3.1.8. Q&A Session ............................................................................................................................. 11 Session 2: Bundled Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Business Models ............................................................................................................................................... 11 3.2.1. Strategic Rationale for Bundling CIS and CSA .......................................................................... 12 3.2.2. Foundational Networks Supporting Bundled Business Models ............................................... 12 3.2.3. Case Studies of Promising Bundled Business Models .............................................................. 12 3.2.4. Insights on Resilience, Value Addition, and Sustainable Scaling ............................................. 13 3.2.6. Discussion and Participant Questions ...................................................................................... 14 digital infrastruc 3.2.5. Coopetition as an Enabling Mechanism ....................................................... 14 3.2.7. Overall Synthesis of the second session of webinars .............................................................. 15 Session 3: Scaling Frameworks and Action Planning ......................................................................... 15 4. Key Insights and Lessons Learned ................................................................................................. 19 5. Participant Feedback and Evaluation ........................................................................................... 19 Registration and participation overview ..................................................................................... 20 Attendance and engagement....................................................................................................... 20 Certification outcomes ................................................................................................................. 21 Key observations .......................................................................................................................... 21 7. Conclusion and recommendations ............................................................................................... 22 7. 1 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 22 7.2 Recommendations and Next Steps .............................................................................................. 22 3 ANNEXES .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Annex 1. Training Agenda .................................................................................................................. 26 Annex 2. List of participants (Confidential Summary) ....................................................................... 27 Further reading ................................................................................................................................ 28 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and Rationale Africa’s agricultural systems are increasingly affected by climate variability and change, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) approaches offer proven solutions to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. However, scaling these innovations requires integrated business models, institutional coordination, and knowledge exchange. The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project leverages CGIAR research and partnerships to deliver actionable climate information and promote CSA adoption. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), as a continental coordination body, complements these efforts by providing a platform for institutional learning and policy alignment. The 2025 capacity sharing event was designed to enhance the competencies of AR4D stakeholders in designing, implementing, and scaling bundled CIS/CSA solutions in alignment with continental frameworks such as the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and FARA’s Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A). 1.2 Objectives The overall objective of the event was to build the capacity of FARA members and partners to scale bundled CIS/CSA business models using the AICCRA Scaling Framework. Specifically, the training sought to:  Enhance understanding of CIS and CSA, and their relationship to climate resilience  Strengthen capacities on bundled CIS/CSA business models and their implementation pathways.  Introduce the AICCRA Scaling Framework among AR4D stakeholders, equipping them with practical approaches to accelerate the uptake of climate-smart innovations across diverse agricultural systems in Africa.  Enhance understanding of responsible pathways to scale  Facilitate the development of actionable plans to scale resilient agricultural solutions across Africa.  Foster partnerships and networks to accelerate the dissemination of climate- smart innovations. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 5 2. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH The training was conducted virtually over two weeks, featuring three two-hour sessions in total and a final session on feedback, learning, reflection, and certificate presentation. A blended learning approach was used, combining expert presentations, case studies, and probing questions. Interactive tools such as online polls were used to encourage participation and knowledge exchange. Facilitators from AICCRA and FARA guided the sessions, while participants shared institutional experiences and examples of scaling CSA innovations. Resource materials, including training modules, case study compendiums, and scaling frameworks, were provided to all participants. 3. SESSION SUMMARIES 3.1. Session 1: Introduction to CIS and CSA The objective of this section is to enable participants to:  Understand the concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate Information Services (CIS).  Understand the benefits of CSA and CIS.  Recognize key implementation approaches for CSA and CIS.  Analyze the challenges associated with implementing CSA and CIS.  Apply knowledge of CSA and CIS to inform strategies that enhance climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices in African contexts. 3.1.1. Why Climate Change Matters for Agriculture in Africa Africa is experiencing the impacts of climate change more intensely than many other regions, warming at a rate faster than the global average. This accelerated warming contributes to a rise in extreme weather events—including prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and severe floods—that disrupt ecosystems and human livelihoods. The continent’s agricultural sector is particularly exposed: approximately 95% of Africa’s food production depends on rain-fed farming, making it highly sensitive to climatic variability. At the same time, demographic growth and urbanization are set to drive food demand up by an estimated 60–70% by 2050, putting additional pressure on an already fragile system. These environmental stresses interact with existing socio-economic vulnerabilities, such as limited infrastructure, constrained access to technology, and high levels of poverty, amplifying the risks to food security and sustainable development across the region. Given these challenges, the situation demands a new way of practicing agriculture, one that is climate-smart and adaptive to rapidly changing conditions. 3.1.2. Climate‑Smart Agriculture (CSA): Why It Is Needed and What It Entails Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a critical approach for strengthening food systems in regions highly exposed to climate variability—especially in Africa, where agriculture depends overwhelmingly on rainfall and where climate impacts are intensifying. CSA is needed to help farmers adapt to climate risks, safeguard food security, and support sustainable development in the face of a rapidly changing climate. CSA is proposed as a solution to transform and reorient agricultural systems to support food security under the new realities of climate change. It is an integrated, holistic approach to managing landscapes—cropland, livestock, forests, and fisheries—in ways that address climate challenges while supporting productivity and sustainability. It is built on three interconnected pillars:  Sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes: CSA promotes practices that improve yields, enhance soil fertility, and make efficient use of natural resources, ensuring farmers can produce more and earn more without degrading the environment.  Enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity: This pillar focuses on strengthening farmers’ ability to cope with climate shocks and stresses. Strategies include drought-tolerant crop varieties, improved water-harvesting and irrigation techniques, diversified farming systems, and climate-informed agricultural advisories.  Reducing greenhouse gas emissions where possible: CSA encourages low- emission development pathways by promoting practices such as conservation agriculture, improved livestock management, agroforestry, and sustainable land restoration that help reduce or sequester emissions. Figure 1. Climate-smart agriculture; Source: FAO, 3.1.3. Examples of CSA practices Climate Smart Agriculture practices can be grouped according to the specific area of “smartness” they address including weather, water, seed and breed, carbon and institution. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 7 1. Weather-Smart: Practices that help farmers anticipate, manage, and adapt to climate variability and extreme weather events. 2. Water-Smart: Practices that improve water efficiency, storage, and management to ensure reliable access to water under changing climate conditions. 3. Seed / Breed-Smart: Resilient crop varieties and livestock breeds that maintain productivity under climate stress. 4. Carbon /Soil-Smart: Practices that improve soil fertility, nutrient management, and carbon sequestration, enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability. 5. Institutional-Smart Practices that strengthen knowledge sharing, farmer support systems, and institutional capacity to enable the adoption of CSA technologies at scale. Table 1. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technologies and Benefits CSA Category Technology / Practice Key Benefits ⛅ Weather-Smart Weather advisories Enables informed planting and harvesting decisions; reduces crop losses. Climate insurance Protects farmer income from extreme events; encourages investment in agriculture. � Water-Smart Solar irrigation Provides reliable water supply; reduces dependence on rainfall; uses renewable energy. Micro-irrigation / Drip irrigation Improves water-use efficiency; increases yields; reduces water loss. Rainwater harvesting Stores water for dry periods; enhances drought resilience. �� Seed / Breed-Smart Drought-tolerant crop varieties Maintains yields under low rainfall and heat stress. Improved livestock breeds Heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, and productive animals. �� Carbon / Nutrient-Smart Agroforestry Enhances soil fertility, sequesters carbon, provides additional products. Compost & organic amendments Improves soil health; reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers. Microdosing of fertilizers Precise nutrient application; reduces waste and environmental impact. 🏛🏛 Institutional-Smart Learning platforms / Farmer networks Facilitates knowledge exchange; supports CSA adoption. Extension services Provides technical advice, training, and support to farmers. 3.1.4. Climate Information Services (CIS) Climate Information Services (CIS) play a critical role in helping communities, farmers, policymakers, and businesses make informed decisions under changing climate conditions. CIS involves producing, analysing, packaging, and disseminating climate-related information to support effective decision-making, risk management, and adaptation strategies. CIS is built around four main pillars: 1. Production of Climate Data: The foundation of CIS is accurate and timely climate data. This includes information on temperature, rainfall, humidity, extreme weather events, and long-term climate trends, collected through weather stations, satellites, and other monitoring systems. High-quality data ensures that subsequent analyses and decisions are based on reliable evidence. 2. Translation and Processing: Raw climate data must be processed and translated into actionable information. This involves forecasting, modeling, and generating climate indicators that are relevant to specific sectors, regions, or communities. By converting complex data into meaningful insights, this pillar ensures that the information is understandable and usable. 3. Communication and Transfer: Climate information must reach the right users in a timely and accessible manner. This includes advisory bulletins, mobile alerts, online platforms, radio broadcasts, or decision-support tools. Effective communication ensures that stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to policymakers—receive information in formats they can interpret and act upon. 4. Use of Information by End Users: The ultimate goal of CIS is to inform decisions and actions. End users apply the information to plan agricultural activities, manage water resources, prepare for extreme events, and implement adaptation measures. Feedback from users also helps improve the quality and relevance of the information, creating a continuous cycle of learning and refinement. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 9 3.1.5. Implementation Approaches for CSA & CIS The implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) operates at multiple levels— local, national/regional, and global—through a combination of evidence-based strategies, supportive policies, institutional frameworks, and targeted investments. Local Level: At the community and farm level, CSA focuses on adopting climate- resilient practices tailored to local agro-ecological conditions. This includes improving soil health, water management, crop diversification, and the use of climate-resilient crop varieties. Local knowledge and farmer participation are essential to ensure practical and context-specific solutions. National/Regional Level: Governments and regional bodies play a crucial role in mainstreaming CSA through policy integration, research, capacity-building, and financing mechanisms. National CSA strategies often align with broader development and climate objectives, ensuring cross-sector coordination. Global Level: Global initiatives provide platforms for knowledge exchange, funding, and standard setting. These efforts facilitate international cooperation, monitoring, and scaling of successful CSA interventions, while supporting alignment with climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement and SDGs. Key approaches include the FAO framework, CSA investment plans, Climate-Smart Villages (CSVs), and policy platforms. FAO Approach to CSA: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promotes CSA using a holistic framework that includes five interlinked components:  Evidence: Generating and sharing data on climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and CSA effectiveness.  Policies: Developing supportive policies, legal frameworks, and incentives to mainstream CSA in national development strategies.  Institutions: Strengthening capacities of institutions at all levels to plan, implement, and monitor CSA interventions.  Finance: Mobilizing public and private investment to support CSA adoption and scaling.  Field Practices: Implementing context-specific CSA practices at the farm and community levels to enhance productivity, resilience, and mitigation outcomes. CSA Investment Plans: CSA Investment Plans (CSAIPs) serve as strategic roadmaps for integrating CSA into national and regional development programs. They identify priority interventions, funding requirements, and implementation pathways to enhance agricultural productivity while building resilience to climate change. These plans guide governments, development partners, and investors to allocate resources effectively. Climate-Smart Villages (CSVs): developed by the CGIAR program on climate change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), the Climate-Smart Villages are operational sites where CSA practices are tested, demonstrated, and adapted to local contexts. Currently, there are 36 CSVs across 21 countries, representing diverse agro-ecological zones. CSVs serve as living laboratories for:  Demonstrating best practices in climate-resilient agriculture.  Engaging farmers in co-learning and experimentation.  Informing policy and scaling strategies through field-level evidence. Policy and Institutional Support: Several global and regional platforms facilitate CSA policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and coordinated actions:  Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA): Provides a multi- stakeholder platform for sharing CSA knowledge and scaling best practices worldwide.  Africa CSA Alliance: Regional platform supporting CSA implementation and policy integration across African countries.  West Africa CSA (WACSA): Focuses on strengthening CSA adoption and policy coordination in West African countries. 3.1.6. Challenges to CSA adoption Despite its potential to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and climate mitigation, the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) faces several interlinked challenges at the farm, community, and policy levels. Understanding these barriers is critical for designing effective interventions. Financial Constraints: Many smallholder farmers lack access to affordable credit, insurance, and investment resources needed to implement CSA practices. High upfront costs for improved seeds, irrigation systems, soil amendments, and climate- resilient technologies often limit adoption. Public and private financial support mechanisms remain insufficient or poorly targeted in many regions. Weak Extension Systems: Effective CSA adoption relies on knowledge transfer, technical guidance, and farmer training. However, weak agricultural extension services, limited coverage, and low capacity of extension staff hinder farmers’ ability to access information on climate-smart practices. This reduces awareness of CSA benefits and slows the uptake of innovations. Climate and Environmental Stressors: Ongoing climate variability—including droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, and pest outbreaks—poses significant risks to agricultural production. Environmental degradation, such as soil erosion, deforestation, and water scarcity, further constrains the feasibility of CSA interventions and can reduce their effectiveness if not carefully managed. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 11 Land Tenure and Gender Inequalities: Unclear land tenure arrangements and insecure property rights discourage long-term investments in CSA practices that improve soil health or require multi-year commitments. Additionally, gender disparities in land access, decision-making, and resource ownership limit women farmers’ ability to adopt CSA technologies, despite their critical role in food production. Infrastructure and Market Limitations: Poor infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems, restricts farmers’ access to inputs and markets. Limited market opportunities and weak value chains reduce incentives to adopt CSA practices, particularly those that require investments for higher-quality or climate- resilient crops. Policy and Institutional Fragmentation: CSA adoption is often impeded by fragmented policies, overlapping mandates, and weak coordination among institutions. Lack of integrated strategies across agriculture, environment, and climate sectors results in inconsistent support for CSA, slow policy implementation, and limited scaling of successful practices. 3.1.8. Q&A Session Key questions raised during the session include:  How can the training be replicated to reach more people and communities?  What strategies can be used to increase awareness of CSA and CIS and expand their reach?  How can we quantify national commitments (NDCs) related to the use of CSA?  How can gender equality be effectively integrated into the CSA framework?  How can local and indigenous knowledge be incorporated into CIS and CSA initiatives?  How can CIS and early warning systems (EWS) be strengthened to maximize their effectiveness?  What approaches can be used to scale CSA interventions in conflict-affected areas?  How can stakeholders effectively use and benefit from the AICCRA CSA catalogue? Session 2: Bundled Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Business Models The capacity sharing webinar convened under the AICCRA–FARA partnership explored the strategic importance of bundling Climate Information Services (CIS) with Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) solutions as a means of strengthening resilience and enhancing agricultural productivity across Africa. The second session underscored that integrated service ecosystems—rather than isolated interventions—are essential for enabling farmers to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate- related shocks in an increasingly variable environment. 3.2.1. Strategic Rationale for Bundling CIS and CSA Bundled CIS–CSA models bring together climate advisories, adaptive agronomic practices, financial services, and high-quality inputs within a unified delivery structure. This “one-stop-shop” design reduces barriers to adoption by consolidating services, expanding farmers’ decision-making capacity, and lowering transaction costs. The conceptual framing of bundling was articulated as an unbroken resilience chain, whereby farmers benefit from:  Anticipation of climatic risks through early warning systems.  Preparation enabled by climate-resilient seeds, practices, and technologies.  Response facilitated through risk mitigation tools such as insurance and advisory support.  Recovery strengthened through sustained access to inputs, services, and market linkages. This integrative approach positions bundling as a scientifically grounded and operationally practical mechanism for advancing climate resilience at scale. 3.2.2. Foundational Networks Supporting Bundled Business Models The session emphasized that effective bundling relies on four interlinked networks: 1. Trusted Services – consistent advisory support, climate information, and extension systems. 2. Trusted Products – high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technologies adapted to local conditions. 3. Trusted Agents – cooperatives, agro-dealers, community intermediaries, and digital ambassadors who maintain credibility with farmers. 4. Direct Provision – institutional delivery mechanisms ensuring affordability, quality, and timeliness. These networks enable value creation and serve as the operational backbone for sustainable bundled service ecosystems. 3.2.3. Case Studies of Promising Bundled Business Models Several African case studies were highlighted to demonstrate the practical feasibility and scalability of bundled CIS–CSA solutions. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 13 3. 2.3.1 Esoko (Ghana) – Public–Private Partnership for Scalable Bundling Esoko exemplifies how a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) can successfully deliver bundled climate and agricultural services at scale. Beginning with a pilot targeting 30,000 farmers, Esoko expanded to reach nearly 300,000 users through a model integrating:  Climate and weather advisories,  Market information services,  Digital extension and agronomic support,  Linkages to input and financial service providers. Esoko’s rapid scale-up demonstrates that bundling thrives when scientific and commercial service systems are aligned through collaborative institutional frameworks. 3. 2.3.2 LERSHA (Ethiopia) – High-Intensity Bundling via Distributed Digital and Physical Networks LERSHA offers one of Africa’s most comprehensive examples of integrated service bundling. The platform bundles five to six types of services, including mechanization, agro-input procurement, climate advisories, credit facilitation, and market linkages. Its widespread scale, reaching millions of farmers, is enabled by:  A network of nearly 10,000 agents,  collaborations with over 100 institutional partners,  hybrid digital–physical service delivery systems. LERSHA’s model demonstrates that bundling can achieve national-level penetration when supported by intermediaries who maintain trust and proximity to farming communities. 3.2.4. Insights on Resilience, Value Addition, and Sustainable Scaling Across case studies, bundling has been shown to improve adaptive capacity, enhance productivity, and foster resilience. The session emphasized that meaningful impact requires evaluating changes in:  adaptive decision space for farmers,  technical and institutional capacities,  levels of gender and social inclusion,  integration into national agricultural systems,  environmental stewardship and sustainability outcomes. These metrics reflect global thinking on climate-smart development and align with broader AICCRA and FARA strategies for systemic transformation. the scalability of bundled models. 3.2.6. Discussion and Participant Questions The discussion session was highly interactive, with participants expressing strong interest in the replicability, effectiveness, and contextual applicability of bundled service models. 6.1 Replication in Other Countries Questions from participants in countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) explored what conditions would enable replication of Esoko or LERSHA models. Responses emphasized the importance of:  robust local partnerships,  supportive policy frameworks, digital infrastruc 3.2.5. Coopetition as an Enabling Mechanism The webinar highlighted the concept of coopetition, whereby actors who might otherwise compete work collaboratively to address shared objectives. For farmers, coopetition provides pathways for:  lowering operational costs,  accessing bundled services collectively,  enhancing market participation,  accelerating learning and innovation diffusion.  At the institutional level, coopetition reduces duplication, enhances complementarity, and strengthens ture,  availability of trusted agent networks. Examples were shared of emerging bundled initiatives across East, West, and Southern Africa, demonstrating that replication is possible when models are adapted to local institutional and socio-economic conditions. 2.6.2 Effectiveness and Promising Business Models Participants asked which business configurations offer the most benefits for farmers. Responses highlighted that models integrating multiple services and supported by community-trusted networks tend to deliver higher impact. 2.6.3 Application Beyond Crop Agriculture, Including Fisheries Inquiries were raised about how bundling might apply to fisheries. It was noted that bundling principles—timely information, adaptive technologies, market linkages, and risk management—translate naturally to aquatic food systems. Potential bundles POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 15 include hydrological warnings, post-harvest innovations, and credit mechanisms for gear and equipment. The session demonstrated that bundled service models are highly applicable to fisheries and aquaculture, which are particularly vulnerable to climate variability. The WISER HighWay Project (Lake Victoria) illustrates how integrating hydrometeorological forecasts, severe weather alerts, and lake condition information can improve fisher safety and operational decisions in the East African Great Lakes. In Lake Kivu (Rwanda), providing fishers with water and weather forecasts, along with advice on how to manage fishing and handle their catch, has helped keep fish catches more stable and protect them from climate-related problems. In Zambia, WorldFish and AICCRA have developed aquaculture bundles that integrate climate forecasts, pond management guidance, inputs, finance, and market linkages, supported by the DACA digital tool, which provides climate- informed management recommendations. Collectively, these examples show that bundling can significantly strengthen climate resilience in aquatic as well as terrestrial food systems. 2.6.4 Participant Inputs on Key Concepts Participants enriched the discussion by sharing perspectives on:  the role of coopetition,  the advantages of “one-stop-shop” service models,  the importance of resilience as a multi-phased process. These contributions helped consolidate a shared understanding of bundling as a multisectoral and multi-actor intervention model. 3.2.7. Overall Synthesis of the second session of webinars The session reaffirmed that bundled CIS–CSA business models constitute a viable pathway for accelerating climate resilience and agricultural transformation across Africa. The case studies of Esoko, LERSHA, and similar initiatives illustrate how bundling can scale rapidly through trusted networks, cooperative arrangements, and strong institutional partnerships. The growing body of empirical evidence, including studies by Kagabo et al. (2025) and Ouedraogo et al. (2025) provides robust support for continued investment in bundled service ecosystems as a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture. Session 3: Scaling Frameworks and Action Planning The third session focused on the AICCRA Scaling Framework and responsive scaling methodologies. The session opened with a reflection on earlier discussions in the webinar series and positioned today’s content as the next step in understanding how climate-smart innovations move from isolated pilots to meaningful, sustained, and inclusive impact. Participants were reminded that scaling is not a linear “bigger is better” exercise, but a multidimensional process. Building on frameworks by Hartmann & Linn and Moore et al., the session stressed that scaling occurs across numbers, types of use, geographies, institutions, and behaviours, requiring a shift from singular technology diffusion toward systemic transformation. Scaling is not only about reaching more people and geographies (scaling out), but also about shifting institutional conditions and policies (scaling up), as well as behavior and norms (scaling deep). The elements of a scaling strategy were laid out, with emphasis placed on defining the problem and working backwards to the purpose of scaling what the core innovation is that a team is aiming to scale, for whom the innovation is intended, in what context the innovation will be introduced, how, and by whom (i.e. which partners will be integrated) (see figure 2 below). Figure 2. Elements of a scaling strategy To deepen that understanding, the webinar introduced AICCRA’s Meta Scaling Framework, which emphasizes that no innovation scales alone. Science-based climate solutions—whether climate information services (CIS), digital tools, or climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices—only meaningfully take root when they are embedded within context-specific complementary solution packages. Innovators may bring core technologies, but “scalers” must weave these together with indigenous practices, established market mechanisms, behavioural nudges, partnerships, finance, and governance arrangements. Scaling therefore begins not with a product but with constructing the right package for the right place, shaped by user needs, system constraints, and existing alternatives that might need to be phased out or “scaled down.” The session outlined the three conditions that must align for scaling to occur (see Figure 3):  Effective demand and investment, cultivated through user alignment, influencer support, and the ability to articulate needs and priorities.  Technical excellence, where solutions must perform reliably, affordably, and with minimal risk or effort for users.  Sustained use, where solutions continue beyond project support, across seasons, generations of users, and evolving contexts. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 17 Figure 3. AICCRA Scaling Framework Only when these conditions reinforce each other can complementary packages endure and expand. The webinar showed how AICCRA operationalizes this through fit- for-purpose partnerships, digital excellence, and capacity strengthening, enabling local institutions to internalize tools, data, and methods so that scaling becomes self- sustaining. A central component of the session introduced responsible innovation and scaling as a governance lens. Drawing on the responsible innovation, participants were invited to consider anticipation of risks, inclusion of diverse stakeholders, reflexivity about assumptions, and responsiveness to evolving contexts. This approach highlights that innovations affect people differently: farmers are not a homogeneous group. Social identities—gender, age, education, ethnicity, wealth, access to land—influence how risks and benefits are distributed. The session showed contrasting empirical evidence that agricultural innovations can both exacerbate and alleviate inequalities if social differentiation is ignored. To avoid these pitfalls, delivery must be tailored: flexible training schedules, childcare, local-language materials, pictorial methods, farmer groups, and diverse media channels. Building on this, the webinar presented five pathways to impact, each illustrated with country examples from across AICCRA:  Partnerships & multi-stakeholder platforms, fostering co-ownership and knowledge exchange in Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana.  Digital and media solutions, acknowledging low smartphone penetration while emphasizing radio, call centers, trusted intermediaries, and language-sensitive content.  Mobilizing community action, including women-led associations, cooperatives, rangeland committees, and community breeding programs that anchor innovations socially.  Finance and private-sector investment, such as gender-smart business models, microcredit, small seed packs, pay-as-you-go solar irrigation, and linkage to investment mechanisms like FLoCCA.  Policy and planning, where national climate and gender action plans, regional partnerships, and curricula reforms institutionalize inclusive scaling practices. The session concluded with an overview of responsible scaling tools that help practitioners turn these principles into actionable strategies. Tools such as GenderUp, Scaling Scan, IPSR (Innovation Packaging & Scaling Readiness), Business Model Canvas, and the 6-steps approach to low-emission strategies equip teams to identify barriers, design more inclusive bundles, map system maturity, engage partners, and make strategic decisions guided by evidence and user experiences. Ultimately, the narrative reinforced a key message: scaling is complex and uncertain, but highly achievable when technical excellence is matched with investment, sustained use, and a deep sensitivity to social and agro-ecological contexts. Responsible and inclusive approaches do not slow scaling—they unlock it. The session encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they see for moving from isolated pilots to enduring, transformative climate action across Africa. Key questions raised during the session and short answers: ‒ How can I decide what scaling type is best? It will depend on the innovation itself and the enabling environment – context is king/queen! ‒ What are examples of scaling out, up, and deep? Scaling out: reaching more people, i.e., through extension services Scaling up: changing institutional conditions, i.e., through policy shifts Scaling deep: changing norms and behavior, i.e., to pursue conservation agriculture approaches rather than tillage; gender norm shifts ‒ How does the scaling framework integrate climate resilience and inclusion? It is somewhat implicit for now, though we are also planning iterations; however, through technical excellence, we also mean that it can effectively reach and benefit diverse users, and do no harm to the environment; and it is through being demand- driven that we can ensure responsiveness to local conditions and needs POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 19 ‒ How can we understand the phrase “pilots never fail, pilots never scale? In pilots, we can control conditions and have set funding parameters, whereas in scaling, a lot is dependent on suitable enabling conditions. Thus, we need to change our mindset and think of scaling as a process rather than an end goal and intentionally strengthen the enabling environment so that we can achieve our scaling goals. 4. KEY INSIGHTS AND LESSONS LEARNED Farmers, advisors, and researchers across Africa are under pressure to make agriculture more climate-resilient and to do so in ways that are scalable, inclusive, and financially viable. Against this backdrop, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) programme co-hosted a three-part webinar series on bundled Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). In Session 1, speakers laid the foundations: what CIS and CSA actually are, how they work when bundled together, and why adoption remains uneven despite clear benefits for climate resilience. Participants appreciated that CIS was “broken down in a simpler way” and that the session clarified basic concepts before moving to more complex issues. Many remarked that this helped them see how climate information can be better integrated into local agricultural advisory systems and value chains. Session 2 shifted the focus to business models. Through practical case studies—such as a public–private partnership in Ghana and bundled service models in Rwanda—the discussion showed how CIS and CSA can be packaged so that farmers, dealers and other value-chain actors all see tangible benefits. Participants highlighted this session as particularly impactful, noting that it made bundling and cost-sharing strategies concrete rather than abstract. In Session 3, the spotlight moved to responsible scaling. AICCRA introduced its Scaling Framework, emphasizing not just how to reach more users, but how to ensure that scaling pathways remain inclusive, evidence-informed, and attentive to trade-offs. For several participants, this was the “outstanding” session, helping them think beyond pilots to long-term strategies and governance for bundled CIS–CSA services. 5. PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK AND EVALUATION Feedback from the post-webinar survey was overwhelmingly positive. Many respondents said “all sessions were interesting” and “knowledge-gaining,” with several emphasizing how they plan to apply lessons in their own communities. They highlighted the usefulness of the AICCRA Scaling Framework and expressed interest in further mentorship on this. Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the sessions and the diversity of experiences shared across regions. Suggestions for improvement included allocating more time for case study discussions and providing opportunities for in-person follow-up workshops. The bilingual format was praised for making the series accessible to a diverse African audience, and the online setup allowed people to join “from anywhere.” Participants also valued the concrete case studies and expressed interest in seeing bundling and scaling approaches extended more explicitly to livestock systems, not only crops. Challenges were relatively limited but instructive. Some pointed to time zone issues, short session lengths, and limited Q&A time as constraints to deeper engagement. A few noted connectivity problems, and one participant raised concerns about the quality of French interpretation in the second session. Others mentioned late notice for the third session and asked how missed sessions would affect access to certificates. There was also a difficult balance between time and content. Most of the training sessions were only 1.5 hours, and 30 mins were spent in the interactive sessions. Good facilitation was necessary to keep the participants engaged, but it was challenging within the short duration to build in more interactive elements. Looking ahead, participants called for more interaction and continuity: longer Q&A segments, breakout rooms and group work, practical exercises, and “take-home” tasks that could be reported back in subsequent sessions. Many suggested creating a WhatsApp group or online community of practice under FARA and AICCRA to share experiences, tools, and updates, and to host follow-up sessions and regional workshops. As one respondent put it, the goal now is to use this community “as a capacity sharing mechanism” to exchange what has worked, what initially failed, and how strategies are being strengthened on the ground. Furthermore, gender balance was not optimal, with the majority of attendees being male. Very few of the female participants were asking live questions, and questions were dominant from only about 5 participants. In the future, the sessions could be broken into bite-sized sections and include group discussions and feedback to encourage input from a larger number of participants. 6. PARTICIPATION, ATTENDANCE, AND CERTIFICATION SUMMARY This section summarizes participant registration, attendance patterns, and certification outcomes for the FARA CIS CSA Capacity Sharing Webinar Series. Registration and participation overview The webinar series attracted a diverse group of participants drawn from multiple professional sectors, reflecting strong cross-sectoral interest in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and capacity-sharing initiatives. Total registrations indicated high initial interest, with participants representing research, development, practice, policy, academia, and allied sectors. This diversity contributed to rich discussions and knowledge exchange throughout the sessions. Attendance and engagement Attendance was tracked across all three sessions of the webinar series to assess participant engagement and eligibility for certification. To qualify for a certificate of participation, attendees were required to: POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 21  Attend all three webinar sessions, and  Remain connected for at least half of the total duration of each session. These criteria were communicated clearly to participants in advance and were designed to encourage sustained engagement and meaningful participation throughout the series. Certification outcomes Based on the established eligibility criteria, a total of 55 participants successfully met the attendance and time-spent requirements and qualified for certificates. The number of certificates awarded demonstrates a strong level of commitment among attendees, with many participants consistently engaging across all sessions. Sample certificates were generated and issued to qualifying participants as formal recognition of their participation and commitment to the learning objectives of the webinar series. The certification process added value to the event by providing professional acknowledgment and incentivizing full participation. Key observations  High registration levels indicated strong demand for CSA capacity-sharing content.  Clear attendance criteria supported consistent participation across sessions.  The number of certified participants reflects effective engagement strategies and relevant session content. Overall, participation and certification outcomes suggest that the webinar series was successful in attracting, retaining, and meaningfully engaging its target audience. 7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7. 1 Conclusion The Capacity Sharing on Bundled CIS/CSA Business Models and Scaling Strategies in Africa successfully met its objectives by strengthening institutional and individual capacities for scaling climate-smart innovations. The collaboration between AICCRA and FARA provided a robust platform for cross-learning and strategic partnerships. Arranging and agreeing on the partnership, how the sessions should be organized and facilitated took time but once this was agreed, FARA took the lead. This culminated in a smooth process and collaboration where FARA managed to recruit participants from all regions, lead communications and organize the webinar using their Zoom platform. The insights and action plans developed during the training will contribute significantly to advancing climate resilience and sustainable agricultural transformation across Africa. Building on this strong foundation, FARA and AICCRA will continue to support African partners in turning the ideas from this series into scalable, responsible and farmer-centred climate solutions. 7.2 Recommendations and Next Steps 1. A dedicated debrief between the Alliance and FARA A structured debrief session between the Alliance and FARA would provide an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, distill insights from participant engagement metrics, and identify areas where the collaboration can evolve. This debrief should not simply evaluate the technical content—it should ask deeper questions about the needs of different audiences, the quality of interaction, the accessibility of materials, and the extent to which the sessions are fostering real capacity strengthening across the continent. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 23 A joint review would also allow both institutions to align their long-term capacity development agendas. Since FARA supports continental research networks and the Alliance provides thematic leadership through AICCRA, a coordinated reflection can ensure that the webinar series does more than disseminate content, it becomes a catalyst for strategic Africa-wide learning pathways. Outcomes of this debrief could include refining audience segmentation (e.g., researchers, extension, agribusinesses, youth innovators), adjusting content depth, and selecting topics that respond to emerging country-level demands. Recommendation: Schedule a post-series retreat (virtual or hybrid) to jointly analyze participation data, country representation, learning gaps, and integration opportunities with national and regional platforms. Produce a short learning brief summarizing insights for internal and donor use. 2. Suggestions to AICCRA–PMC for expanding FARA–AICCRA collaborative masterclasses The Project Management Committee (PMC) could champion the idea of elevating the webinar approach into a more ambitious continental masterclass model. These masterclasses would combine technical training with peer learning, innovation showcases, and practical tool application. FARA’s ecosystem, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), universities, youth agripreneur networks offer a strong platform for reaching broader audiences that traditional webinars do not fully capture. Collaborative masterclasses could become a flagship mechanism for supporting the scaling of Climate Information Services (CIS), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), and responsible innovation principles. Rather than one-off events, they could follow a modular learning journey, allowing participants to revisit content, apply tools in their context, and return with results. Possible themes include:  Building complementary solution packages for scaling  Embedding responsible innovation principles in research and extension systems  Developing gender-intentional business models and last-mile agent networks  Operationalizing innovation packaging and scaling readiness  Designing country-level investment pathways for scaling CSA and CIS Recommendation: Propose to the PMC a joint annual Africa-wide Scaling Masterclass Series co-branded by AICCRA and FARA, with country-specific clinics integrated between sessions to contextualize learning. 3. Institutionalizing training and masterclasses within AICCRA beyond scaling While the webinar series has focused on scaling, several related domains are critical for institutional capacity development data governance, digital tool design, gender- responsive monitoring, anticipatory decision-making, and sustainable financing. Institutionalizing masterclasses within AICCRA’s wider activities would ensure that these topics receive ongoing attention and that new cohorts of practitioners, researchers, extension staff, and private-sector actors can be continuously trained. Institutionalization also supports sustainability beyond the project lifecycle. By integrating masterclasses into AICCRA work plans, delivery partner budgets, and thematic workstreams, the program can ensure that the knowledge generated methodologies, tools, and practical lessons—does not remain episodic but becomes embedded in operational practice. Over time, this could lead to the formation of a pan-African community of practice on responsible and inclusive scaling of climate solutions. Recommendation: Develop a Standardized Training Framework within AICCRA that includes:  Core curriculum (scaling, innovation systems, digital excellence, business models, gender and inclusion)  Regional training hubs facilitated by FARA, CORAF, CCARDESA, and ASARECA  Certification pathways for practitioners  Annual learning cycles linked to national planning and investment processes Recommendations for a More Interactive and Inclusive Webinar Series A. Improve interactivity  Use breakout rooms for small-group discussions, case reflections, and tool practice (e.g., Scaling Scan, GenderUp, IPSR).  Introduce live polls and scenario-based questions to activate participants and check understanding.  Invite short country pitches (3-minute lightning interventions) to connect theory to real implementation.  Embed live problem-solving labs, where participants bring a real challenge and facilitators guide analysis.  Rotate facilitators from FARA, Alliance, and country teams to diversify teaching styles and voices. B. Expand inclusivity  Provide multilingual support (French, English, Portuguese), reflecting Africa’s diverse research and extension community. POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 25  Accommodate different bandwidth realities by offering low-data materials, audio-only access, and offline resource packs.  Ensure representation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in panel selections and case examples.  Make content accessible through clear visuals, transcripts, and moderated Q&A channels. C. Strengthen learning continuity  Adopt a cohort-based design, where participants attend multiple sessions and complete a practical assignment.  Provide follow-up mentoring clinics, especially to support tool application.  Create a shared online learning repository, hosting templates, recordings, case studies, and reading guides.  Introduce reflective diaries or learning journals, encouraging participants to track how they apply lessons. D. Build a community of practice  Establish a WhatsApp group for continuous peer exchange, tool sharing, and troubleshooting.  Host quarterly “Learning Circles”, short informal sessions focusing on one challenge or country example.  Showcase success stories from participants to encourage peer motivation and visibility. ANNEXES Annex 1. Training Agenda POST-EVENT REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 27 Annex 2. List of participants (Confidential Summary) Annex 3. Screenshots and Photographs of the Sessions FURTHER READING Session 1: CSA learning series | Session 1: Intro to climate resilience Session 2: CSA learning series | Session 2: Bundling CIS-CSA solutions Session 3: CSA learning series | Session 3: AICCRA Scaling Framework https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxI0AwEuXI&t=31s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehqh1sr8M24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g3rtrGultc Abstract Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Rationale 1.2 Objectives 2. Methodology and Approach 3. Session Summaries 3.1. Session 1: Introduction to CIS and CSA 3.1.1. Why Climate Change Matters for Agriculture in Africa 3.1.2. Climate‑Smart Agriculture (CSA): Why It Is Needed and What It Entails 3.1.3. Examples of CSA practices 3.1.4. Climate Information Services (CIS) 3.1.5. Implementation Approaches for CSA & CIS 3.1.6. Challenges to CSA adoption 3.1.8. Q&A Session Session 2: Bundled Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Business Models 3.2.1. Strategic Rationale for Bundling CIS and CSA 3.2.2. Foundational Networks Supporting Bundled Business Models 3.2.3. Case Studies of Promising Bundled Business Models 3.2.4. Insights on Resilience, Value Addition, and Sustainable Scaling 3.2.6. Discussion and Participant Questions digital infrastruc 3.2.5. Coopetition as an Enabling Mechanism 3.2.7. Overall Synthesis of the second session of webinars Session 3: Scaling Frameworks and Action Planning 4. Key Insights and Lessons Learned 5. Participant Feedback and Evaluation Registration and participation overview Attendance and engagement Certification outcomes Key observations 7. Conclusion and recommendations 7. 1 Conclusion 7.2 Recommendations and Next Steps ANNEXES Annex 1. Training Agenda Annex 2. List of participants (Confidential Summary)