The Climate Change Program progresses the science and practice of how to transform food systems and livelihoods that are under the most pressure to adapt or to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Systems transformation requires a strong focus on social and institutional change, supported by technical analyses, to create fundamentally new ways in which livelihoods are sustained and food is produced. The research strategy aims to progress the science and practice of 3 pillars that support transformation:

Improving agricultural water management through innovative technical and policy approaches. The Water Program (formerly the Water and Climate Program) addresses the challenge of efficient, sustainable water use to support agricultural production in a context of increasingly uncertain climate, competition from other sectors and declining water quality. The program works to improve agricultural water management through innovative technical and policy approaches under three main themes:

Introducing conservation agriculture Soil and Land Management Program aims to help smallholders boost productivity through sustainable use of limited resources in a changing climate. Ensuring that agricultural production is sustainable—and benefits smallholder farmers—is a key challenge for long-term food security.

Putting people at the centre of agricultural research-for-development The Social Systems Program takes a people-centred approach to agricultural research for development to reduce poverty. Particular emphasis is placed on research on gendered social relations to ensure equitable development for women and men. Other demographic issues such as age, education, income, assets, and distance to market are considered in project design.

The Livestock Systems Program brokers research partnerships to develop more productive, profitable and sustainable livestock systems for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment.

Scientific support to establish, manage and sustainably use forests The Forestry Program contributes to conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources to establish, manage and sustainably use forests. This provides social, economic and environmental benefits to partner countries and Australia.

Improving food security and farmers’ livelihood through productive and sustainable crops The Crops Program aims to increase the productivity and sustainability of major crops by exploring improved varieties and new crop management methods. The program is built on two complementary themes of genetics and sustainable intensification and diversification.