A review of climate-smart agricultural extension services as a catalyst for sustainable farming in South Africa

Background: Climate change has a negative impact on smallholder farming, affecting both agricultural production and livelihoods. Agricultural extension services offer an essential role in enabling smallholder farmers to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change through information dissemination, capacity building and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. Aim: This study explores the challenges and constraints faced by agricultural extension in supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation among smallholder farmers. Setting: The study focuses on agricultural extension services in South Africa. Methods: A systematic review of literature on agricultural extension services and climate change in South Africa from 2000 to 2025 was conducted. Results: It was found that limited capacity building, poor coordination and lack of coherent systematic approaches to extension services affect farmers’ responses to climate-related challenges. Integration of extension services, inclusive crop and livestock production, land-use and water management, with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies is significant for enhancing agricultural production. Conclusion: Targeted training, collaborations, adequate funding and adaptive and climate-resilient agricultural extension services can potentially improve food security among farming communities. Contribution: The review provides insights into how agricultural extension services can contribute to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to improve farming.