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Evaluation of Climate Smart Agrifood System Innovations (From Screening to Scaling): A Tour of Good Practice

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  • Maredia, Mywish K.
  • Boughton, Duncan
  • Fisher, Ian

Abstract

Climate change and food insecurity require agrifood systems that are both productive and resilient. Climate-Smart Innovations (CSIs) offer practical solutions, yet their successful identification, evaluation, and scaling remain challenging. This guide presents a structured framework for advancing CSIs from early identification to large-scale impact. Developed for the USDA-funded Regional Agricultural Innovation Network (RAIN) project and grounded in the Research for Development (R4D) paradigm, the guide outlines five interconnected phases: Screening, Feasibility Assessment, Field Testing, Scaling Up/Out, and Impact Assessment. RAIN’s adapted “5S” model places particular emphasis on designing viable business models and engaging private-sector actors to support scaling. Across phases, the framework integrates technical, economic, institutional, and social considerations to ensure CSIs are relevant, adoptable, and sustainable—especially for smallholder farmers. The guide provides researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with a practical roadmap for translating climate-smart innovations into scalable, resilient agrifood system solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Maredia, Mywish K. & Boughton, Duncan & Fisher, Ian, 2025. "Evaluation of Climate Smart Agrifood System Innovations (From Screening to Scaling): A Tour of Good Practice," Staff Paper Series 386159, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:midasp:386159
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.386159
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