Executive Summary
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic stability, food security, and rural livelihoods across North Africa, particularly in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. However, the region is increasingly vulnerable to climate variability, characterized by rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These climatic changes pose serious threats to agricultural productivity, water availability, and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who depend on climate-sensitive farming systems.
This project proposes a comprehensive, multi-country initiative to assess the effects of climate variability on agricultural productivity in North Africa and to strengthen adaptive capacity at community, institutional, and policy levels. Over a 24-month period, the project will combine climate data analysis, field-based agricultural assessments, farmer engagement, and policy dialogue to generate evidence-based solutions. The initiative aims to support climate-resilient agriculture by improving knowledge, promoting adaptive farming practices, and informing regional and national policy responses.
By integrating scientific research with local knowledge and stakeholder participation, the project seeks to reduce climate-related risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to sustainable development and food security in North Africa. The project aligns with regional climate adaptation priorities and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Problem Statement
North Africa is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world due to its arid and semi-arid conditions, heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and limited water resources. Climate variability has intensified existing challenges in the agricultural sector, leading to declining crop yields, increased crop failure, soil degradation, and heightened food insecurity. Smallholder farmers, who often lack access to climate information, financial resources, and modern technologies, are disproportionately affected.
Key challenges include unpredictable rainfall patterns that disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, increasing temperatures that reduce crop productivity and livestock performance, frequent droughts that strain irrigation systems and groundwater resources, and limited adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Additionally, institutional capacity to integrate climate data into agricultural planning remains weak, and policy frameworks often fail to adequately address climate risks in the agricultural sector.
Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to strengthen resilience. Advances in climate forecasting, improved drought-resistant crop varieties, sustainable water management practices, and increased awareness of climate adaptation provide a foundation for targeted interventions. This project seeks to address existing gaps by generating actionable knowledge, supporting farmers’ adaptive responses, and strengthening institutional and policy frameworks to mitigate the effects of climate variability on agricultural productivity.
Target Beneficiaries
The project will directly and indirectly benefit the following groups:
- Smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives in climate-vulnerable regions.
- Rural communities dependent on agriculture for income and food security.
- Agricultural extension officers and local institutions.
- National and regional policymakers in agriculture, water, and climate sectors.
- Research institutions and universities.
- Civil society organizations working on climate adaptation and food security.
Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems in North Africa by addressing the impacts of climate variability through research, capacity building, and policy engagement.
Specific Objectives
- Assess the impacts of climate variability on crop yields, water resources, and farming systems in selected North African countries.
- Strengthen farmers’ capacity to adopt climate-resilient and adaptive agricultural practices.
- Improve access to climate information and early warning systems for agricultural decision-making.
- Support evidence-based policy development for climate-resilient agriculture.
- Foster collaboration among farmers, researchers, institutions, and policymakers.
Project Approach
The project adopts an integrated and participatory approach that combines scientific research, community engagement, and policy dialogue. Emphasis is placed on linking climate data with on-the-ground agricultural realities to ensure practical and locally relevant solutions.
Key Approaches
- Climate and agricultural data analysis to identify trends and vulnerabilities.
- Participatory field assessments involving farmers and extension officers.
- Capacity building through training and demonstration plots.
- Knowledge sharing and policy engagement at local, national, and regional levels.
- Gender-sensitive and inclusive programming.
Project Activities
- Baseline Climate and Agricultural Assessment: Collect and analyze historical climate data and agricultural productivity indicators.
- Field Surveys and Case Studies: Conduct farm-level assessments to document climate impacts on crops and livelihoods.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Train farmers and extension officers on climate-smart agriculture, water management, and soil conservation.
- Demonstration Plots: Establish pilot farms showcasing adaptive practices and drought-resilient crops.
- Climate Information Dissemination: Develop and distribute climate advisories and early warning information.
- Policy Dialogue Forums: Engage policymakers to discuss findings and integrate recommendations into agricultural planning.
- Knowledge Products: Produce research reports, policy briefs, and technical guidelines.
- Endline Evaluation: Measure project outcomes and document lessons learned.
Implementation Plan
- Phase 1: Preparation and Baseline Assessment (Months 1–4)
- Recruitment of project staff and partners
- Baseline climate and agricultural data collection
- Stakeholder mapping and community engagement
- Phase 2: Field Research and Capacity Building (Months 5–14)
- Conduct field surveys and case studies
- Implement training programs and demonstration plots
- Disseminate climate information to farmers
- Phase 3: Policy Engagement and Knowledge Sharing (Months 15–20)
- Organize policy dialogue workshops
- Develop policy briefs and technical materials
- Strengthen institutional coordination
- Phase 4: Evaluation and Dissemination (Months 21–24)
- Endline evaluation
- Final reporting and dissemination events
- Scaling and replication planning
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitoring Tools
- Baseline and endline surveys
- Field monitoring reports
- Training attendance records
- Climate and yield data tracking
- Key Indicators
- Changes in crop productivity among participating farmers
- Adoption rate of climate-resilient practices
- Improved access to climate information
- Policy uptake of project recommendations
- Evaluation Tools
- Independent project evaluation
- Stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions
- Comparative analysis of pre- and post-intervention data
Budget Summary
- Baseline climate and agricultural assessments $XXXXXX
- Field surveys and case studies $XXXXXX
- Capacity building and training programs $XXXXXX
- Demonstration plots and inputs $XXXXXX
- Climate information systems and dissemination $XXXXXX
- Policy dialogue and knowledge products $XXXXX
- Project management and operations $XXXXXX
- Monitoring and evaluation $XXXXXX
- Total Estimated Budget: $XXXXXXX
Sustainability Plan
The project ensures sustainability by strengthening local capacity, institutional ownership, and knowledge systems. Farmers will retain skills and access to adaptive practices that continue beyond the project period. Demonstration plots will serve as long-term learning hubs for surrounding communities. Integration of project findings into policy frameworks will support sustained investment in climate-resilient agriculture. Partnerships with research institutions and extension services will ensure continued knowledge generation and dissemination.
Conclusion
Climate variability poses a serious and growing threat to agricultural productivity and food security in North Africa. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches that link climate science with agricultural practice and policy. This project offers a comprehensive response by generating knowledge, building capacity, supporting adaptive farming, and informing policy development. By investing in this initiative, donors and stakeholders will contribute to resilient agricultural systems, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development across North Africa.
