Agriculture sits at the centre of the climate challenge. It is both highly vulnerable to climate change and a critical part of the solution. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and extreme weather events are already affecting food production and rural livelihoods across the world.
At Surrey Nature Consult, we work with partners to support climate-resilient agriculture through evidence-based strategies, strong governance, and inclusive collaboration.
Climate change and agricultural vulnerability
Climate change is intensifying risks across agricultural systems, particularly in regions that depend on rain-fed farming and have limited adaptive capacity.
Key climate-related challenges facing agriculture include:
- Increased frequency of droughts and floods
- Reduced crop yields and livestock productivity
- Soil erosion and declining soil fertility
- Greater exposure to pests and diseases
- Pressure on water resources
These impacts threaten food security, nutrition, and economic stability, especially for smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Agriculture as part of the climate solution
While agriculture is affected by climate change, it also plays an important role in mitigation and adaptation. Well-managed agricultural systems can enhance carbon sequestration, protect ecosystems, and strengthen resilience.
Climate-smart agricultural approaches can:
- Improve productivity while reducing emissions
- Enhance soil health and water efficiency
- Support biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Strengthen resilience to climate shocks
Integrating climate considerations into agricultural planning is essential for long-term sustainability.
The importance of evidence-based agricultural planning
Effective responses to climate change in agriculture must be informed by reliable data and local context. Evidence-based approaches help decision-makers identify priorities, manage risks, and invest in interventions that deliver lasting benefits.
This includes:
- Climate risk and vulnerability assessments
- Agro-ecological and land-use analysis
- Evaluation of farming practices and technologies
- Monitoring impacts on productivity, livelihoods, and ecosystems
By grounding agricultural strategies in evidence, organisations can better support farmers and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Governance and policy for climate-resilient agriculture
Strong governance and supportive policy frameworks are critical for enabling climate-resilient agricultural systems. Policies influence access to resources, investment in innovation, and the integration of climate priorities into agricultural development.
Effective governance helps to:
- Align agricultural and climate policies
- Strengthen institutional capacity and coordination
- Promote inclusive decision-making
- Enable access to climate finance and technical support
Without clear governance structures, climate-smart agricultural initiatives risk remaining fragmented or short-term.
Local knowledge and inclusive partnerships
Local communities and farmers possess valuable knowledge that is essential for designing effective climate responses. Inclusive partnerships ensure that agricultural solutions are practical, culturally appropriate, and responsive to local needs.
Collaborative approaches:
- Build trust and local ownership
- Improve adoption of sustainable practices
- Strengthen resilience at community level
- Support equitable and inclusive development
At Surrey Nature Consult, we emphasise partnership-driven approaches that bring together communities, institutions, and the private sector.
From strategy to implementation
Turning climate-resilient agricultural strategies into action requires sustained engagement, capacity building, and adaptive management.
Our work supports partners through:
- Agricultural and climate strategy development
- Programme and project design
- Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning
This ensures that agricultural interventions remain effective as climate conditions evolve.
Our approach to agriculture and climate change
Surrey Nature Consult supports agriculture and food security initiatives that integrate climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and governance considerations.
We are committed to:
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Strong partnerships across sectors
- Locally informed and inclusive solutions
- Practical implementation and long-term impact
By working across agriculture, climate change, and development, we help build resilient food systems that support both people and the environment.
Supporting resilient food systems
Climate change presents serious challenges for agriculture, but it also offers opportunities to transform food systems in ways that are more sustainable and resilient. Through collaboration, evidence, and effective governance, it is possible to support agricultural systems that can withstand climate pressures and contribute to long-term development goals.
If you would like to learn more about our work in agriculture and climate change, please get in touch via our website.