Adaptation from the South. For the World.

Welcome note by Asif Saleh

Keynote speech:Frugal innovation for climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and livelihood

Plenary 1.1:Transformational adaptation in agriculture

Transformational adaptation in agriculture requires fundamental shifts in farming systems, policies, and market structures rather than small, incremental changes. This session will explore transformative approaches to building climate-resilient agricultural models that promote long-term food security. Panellists will examine successful case studies where transformational adaptation has been implemented. The role of climate-smart policies, investment in agricultural research, and community-driven approaches will also be discussed to provide a holistic view of the pathways toward a resilient agricultural future. The session aims to equip stakeholders with insights into overcoming barriers, scaling solutions, and fostering multi-sectoral collaborations that drive real impact in agricultural adaptation.

Plenary 1.2:Navigating uncertainty through climate information services

Given the disruptive nature of climate change, the role of climate information and its timely delivery is imperative to ensure the uptake of climate-adaptive agricultural practices for scalable food security. Climate information aims to provide farmers on the ground with the required knowledge to adjust their methods and adapt to changing weather and climate patterns, through which farmers can mitigate risk, enhance their climate adaptive measures and improve their livelihoods. This session aims to address the role and importance of access to climate information on the ground and the challenges of ensuring said access. A key element of the discussion of the session will also include how agri-tech can be leveraged to support farmers on the ground

Impact talk 1

Plenary 1.3:Nature-based solutions

This session explores the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in promoting resilience in food systems. Topics will include the effectiveness of NbS in improving food security, challenges in ensuring inclusivity (especially for Indigenous communities and smallholder farmers), and economic implications. Speakers will also highlight successful national-level case studies and discuss pathways for scaling up these solutions.

Flow into focus: Morning yoga

Day 1 recap and day 2 preview

Plenary 2.1:What needs to be in the solution basket for farmers to adapt?

Climate change threatens agriculture and food security, demanding a diverse set of solutions for farmers. This session will explore essential elements in the adaptation toolkit, such as resilient seeds, financial products, digital climate advisory tools, and post-harvest solutions. Experts will share evidence on successful interventions and discuss how these solutions can be bundled effectively to create scalable, farmer-centric adaptation models that improve resilience and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

Impact talk 2

The Impact Talk Series is a segment in the Frugal Innovation Forum where frugal innovators from the Global South highlight scalable, cost-effective solutions in quick 7-minute TED-style talks with 5 minutes for questions.

Plenary 2.2:Creating an enabling environment: Uniting the private and public sector

Grounded in the principles of Locally Led Adaptation (LLA), the discussion will highlight how adaptation innovations can prioritise local leadership, context-specific solutions, and equitable access. While the private sector drives innovation through technology and capital, governments play a critical role in enabling scale and safeguarding inclusion. Through a panel of innovators, policymakers, and grassroots practitioners, this session will unpack how to create a truly enabling environment—where market-based climate solutions are locally led, inclusive, and sustainable.

Plenary 2.3:Communities in the driving seat

The session will follow three core parts: Decomposing LLA, LLA in Action, and The Way Forward. These segments will unpack challenges, showcase field-tested strategies, and highlight opportunities for partnerships, funding, and inclusive governance that support community leadership. It aims to promote a dialogue between grassroots leaders, development practitioners, and policymakers to co-create context-sensitive and inclusive solutions that put communities in control of their adaptation journeys. The goal of the session is to leave participants with a clear and pragmatic solution basket grounded in LLA principles.

Closing plenary:Frugal innovation for climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and livelihood

This closing session will synthesise key insights from two days of dialogue at the Frugal Innovation Forum 2025, bringing together voices from government, research, and frontline practice. With climate change disrupting agriculture and food systems across the Global South, frugal innovation—defined by its affordability, accessibility, and adaptability—has emerged as a powerful lever for building resilience where resources are scarce and needs are urgent. Speakers will reflect on the most promising ideas, models, and tools surfaced during the Forum, while also identifying where greater effort, investment, and coordination are needed.

Closing address by Honorable Closing Speakers Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Hossain Zillur Rahman