Basis for an effective climate change adaptation: Case small Mexican agriculture

Mexico is considered one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change effects. Its geographical location and climatic, orographic and hydrological conditions contribute considerably to this situation. The objective of this paper is to propose a guide for stakeholders in the selection and efficient design of adaptation measures to face climate change, taking into account constraints on resources availability (financial, technological, human, and others), which force the search of criteria to capitalize actions. The paper consists of four sections: Initially, conceptual and legal framework is present, regarding the issue of climate change, its impact on sectors in Mexico, the identification of the necessity and adaptation capacity and the importance of the interrelation between water, energy and food production. Next, principles for effective adaptation are studied. In the third section, it is discussed through a case study, the efficiency of adaptation policies in small agriculture in Mexico. Final section presents some recommendations and conclusions. It is concluded that adaptation projects proposals should be concrete and clearly address the problem, considering a feasibility analysis. Also, that climate change threatens the stability and productivity of the agricultural sector, which forces society to protect it by progressing to climate-smart production systems in order to strengthen food securit