We are happy to announce the publication of our latest collaborative research paper, „The need for evidence-based climate risk and adaptation assessments: lessons learned from the AGRICA project,“ featured in Environmental Research Letters. The AGRICA project, which ran from 2018 to 2024, was a joint effort between the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). 

The project delivered crucial scientific evidence on the climate impacts and adaptation strategies for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. HFFA Research GmbH  supported the project by performing cost-benefit analyses, assessing the profitability of specific agricultural adaptation measures. For example, for Burkina Faso we evaluated whether the adoption of new crop varieties or supplementary irrigation would be financially beneficial for farmers over a 30-year period. For Niger, we assessed the profitability of agroforestry and integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). For Uganda and Cameroon, where coffee and cacao cultivation are significantly threatened by climate change, we examined whether agroforestry systems and improved storage facilities could mitigate climatic impacts and provide economic benefits to farmers.    

Now that the project is complete, the article reflects on the lessons learned and emphasizes the importance of using the knowledge gained to develop effective climate risk and adaptation strategies in the region. 

Key takeaways from the project include: 

• Balancing detailed and standardized assessments is crucial. Tailored climate risk analyses build trust and relevance but are resource-intensive and selective. 

• Data availability and spatial resolution are critical. High-quality, localized data is essential for precise adaptation planning. 

• Modeling uncertainties should be clearly communicated to support effective policy decisions. 

• Combining model-based and empirical assessments bridges the gap between science and policy, meeting diverse stakeholder needs and strengthening adaptation strategies. 

We believe these insights will greatly improve national adaptation plans and strategies, helping to create a more resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change. 

For more details, you can access the full paper here.