Input subsidy programs hurt the potential for climate-smart agriculture.

Not True
Input subsidy programs (ISPs) can actually support climate-smart objectives, if designed well. What works in each context will differ, but in some countries, there may be opportunities to orient subsidy programs toward supporting farm systems that are more resilient to climate shocks and helping farmers recover from climate induced disasters. (Source: Thomas S. Jayne, Nicholas J. Sitko, Nicole M. Mason, and David Skole. 2016. Can Input Subsidy Programs Promote Climate Smart Agriculture in Africa? Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Brief 16. East Lansing: Michigan State University).

So What?
Government spending on ISPs in Africa exceeds over US$ 1 billion per year. If well directed, this spending provides a potentially useful means to encourage system-wide coordination and farmer behaviors that achieve the triple requirements of improving resilience to climate variability, mitigating the agricultural sector’s contribution to Green House Gas emissions, and raising agricultural productivity in Africa. This research provides concrete recommendation on strategies to direct this spending in ways that address climate risks and system-wide constraints to achieving more climate resilient farm systems.