Review of Climate-Smart Agricultural Innovations: Enhancing Resilience and Food Security Among Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Communities in the Somali Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations and their contributions to resilience building and food security at global and regional levels, with particular emphasis on the Somali Region. A structured review methodology was employed to extract and synthesize data from peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, and policy documents focusing on dryland systems. The analysis critically examined risk characterization and adaptation responses to key climate-related stressors, including increased drought frequency, rainfall variability, and land degradation. The CSA practices assessed in this review include the adoption of improved climate-resilient crop varieties, enhanced rangeland and water management strategies, improved livestock breeds, and the provision of climate information services. The findings reveal strong empirical evidence that CSA practices can sustainably enhance agricultural productivity, increase household income, improve dietary diversity, strengthen livelihoods, and build adaptive ca pacity, while simultaneously generating mitigation co-benefits. However, the implementation and scaling of CSA interventions remain constrained by multiple barriers, including high upfront investment costs, limited technical knowledge, sociocultural constraints, insti tutional weaknesses, and inadequate extension support systems. The review underscores that effective scaling of CSA in dryland and conflict-prone settings, such as the Somali Region, requires more than technological solutions. A transformative shift in mindset and governance approaches are necessary. Integrating local knowledge systems, promoting social equity, strengthening policy coherence, and enhancing institutional and extension service capacity are critical to ensuring sustainable and context-appropriate adoption of CSA practices.