Background Climate change intensifies temperature extremes, droughts, floods, and soil degradation, reducing crop yields and threatening global food security, particularly for smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions. Conventional agriculture often exacerbates resource depletion and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Objective This review examines climate-smart agriculture (CSA) principles and sustainable agronomic practices that simultaneously enhance productivity, build resilience, and mitigate emissions to strengthen food security.
Methods A synthesis of peer-reviewed literature (primarily 2018–2025) and authoritative reports from FAO, IPCC, and related bodies was conducted. Focus areas included climate impacts, CSA components, conservation agriculture, nutrient and water management, crop diversification, agroforestry, climate-resilient genetics, and digital technologies.
Results CSA practices such as conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, water-smart irrigation, and crop diversification improve soil health, water-use efficiency, and yield stability under stress. Meta-analyses indicate yield gains of 10–38% under climate stress, enhanced soil carbon sequestration, and reduced nitrous oxide emissions. Precision tools—remote sensing, IoT sensors, AI/ML models, and decision-support systems—optimize inputs and enable early risk detection. These interventions support all four dimensions of food security while delivering adaptation and mitigation co-benefits.
Conclusion Integrating sustainable agronomy with digital technologies and resilient cultivars offers a pathway to productive, resilient, and lower-emission agriculture. Persistent barriers include high upfront costs, limited extension services, digital divides, and policy gaps. Scaling requires site-specific approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, supportive finance, and participatory design to achieve long-term food security and environmental sustainability.