Climate-smart agronomic practices for enhancing resilience in semi-arid tropical cropping systems

Abstract:

Semi-arid tropical regions are highly vulnerable to climate variability, characterized by erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures, and declining soil fertility, which significantly threaten agricultural productivity and livelihood security (IPCC, 2022). Climate-smart agronomic practices (CSAPs) provide a sustainable pathway to enhance resilience, improve resource-use efficiency, and ensure food security in these fragile ecosystems (FAO, 2013). This review synthesizes recent advancements in climate-resilient agronomic interventions, including conservation tillage and residue management, which improve soil health and water retention (Lal, 2015; Kassam et al., 2019). Crop diversification and integrated nutrient management are emphasized for stabilizing yields under climatic stress (Pretty et al., 2011). Precision water management practices such as rainwater harvesting and micro-irrigation have been shown to enhance water-use efficiency in rainfed systems (Rockström et al., 2010). Additionally, agroforestry systems and integrated farming approaches contribute to improved system productivity, carbon sequestration, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (Campbell et al., 2014; Rao et al., 2017). The integration of digital agriculture and decision-support tools further strengthens adaptive capacity in semi-arid regions. Despite proven benefits, the large-scale adoption of CSAPs remains limited due to socio-economic constraints, lack of awareness, and institutional barriers. Therefore, policy support, capacity building, and location-specific research are essential for scaling climate-smart technologies. This review highlights key agronomic strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability of semi-arid tropical cropping systems under changing climatic scenarios.