Challenges and opportunities in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies: implications for food security

Smallholder farmers in East Africa face growing climate risks from rainfall variability and droughts. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, this study examined how livelihood capital influences Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) adoption and household food security. The study proposes a capital threshold hypothesis, suggesting that households require sufficient livelihood capital endowments to overcome adoption barriers and successfully implement CSA practices. Data from 600 households across three districts were analyzed with an Endogenous Switching Regression model to address selection bias and endogeneity. Results showed major adoption barriers, including limited credit (48%) and inadequate technical training (28%). CSA adoption increased Household Dietary Diversity Scores by 19.5% and reduced Food Insecurity Experience Scale scores by 41.6%. Adopters possessed stronger human and physical capital. Policies should expand weather-index micro-insurance programs.