Assessing the Economic Efficiency of Climate Smart Agriculture in South Asia.

ended

The South Asian countries are experiencing climate uncertainty and extremes which are disproportionally affecting agriculture, food security and livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is undoubtedly important to deal with challenges through increasing productivity, adaptation and mitigation. Currently, some of the governments are working to promote CSA technologies to reduce the climate change effects on the agricultural sector and enhance the resilience of small-scale farmers. However, the economic effects of these practices have not been done yet. This research aims to assess the economic efficiency of CSA practices through cost and benefit analysis in the South Asian countries particularly in Nepal, India and Sri Lank (NIS). A thorough understanding of the costs and benefits of CSA options is urgently needed to identify the best adaptation options and their tradeoffs, to scale out the economically feasible technologies and to channel investments effectively and efficiently towards both short- and long-term interventions. The research assesses the cost-benefit of the CSA options into farm production systems. Indicators related to profitability and valuation of environmental and social externalities will be used to assess CSA options. Extended Net Present Value and Real Options Valuation method will be applied to address the uncertainty. The outcomes of the research would support for the farmers to make decisions on the most efficient option to establish the best-bet CSA investment portfolios and for policymakers to formulate effective climate change and agricultural policies and programs in South Asia. The research generates evidence-based knowledge material that fosters the links between science, practice and policy linkages for sustainable food security, small-scale farmers' resilience to climate change; and it is in line with the EU Agricultural Policy. Further, it will help to achieve the SDGs 1, 2 and 13 in the studied countries.