Measuring progress in adapting the agricultural sector to more variable and extreme weather conditions

This paper presents a list of indicators for monitoring progress in adapting agricultural production to extreme weather events. It details the methodology used to select and build these indicators. Adaptation progress is assessed across four key dimensions: (1) the exposure of agricultural production to extreme weather events, (2) the adoption of resilient agricultural practices to reduce vulnerability, (3) the impacts of extreme weather events on agricultural production, and (4) the conditions enabling agricultural adaptation. A standardised methodology, based on explicit selection criteria – particularly data availability and alignment with the adaptation objectives of OECD countries – is developed, leading to the identification and construction of 17 indicators. The paper outlines the design and features of these indicators and presents their application in all OECD countries. This work aims to provide a practical tool to assess adaptation progress in agricultural production informing the level of investment, as well as prioritisation of measures that can help the resilience of agriculture to extreme weather events. These indicators can also inform progress made under the “Food and agriculture” target of the Global Goal on Adaptation.