Climate-smart agriculture for sustainable farming: a bibliometric, TCM, and ADO framework based systematic review

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) offers a pathway to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and carbon sequestration in response to climate change. This study presents a systematic and integrative review of CSA practices and their implications for carbon sequestration in climate-vulnerable regions. The literature was retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases using the PRISMA guideline until March 2026, and quality appraisal through the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Further, the studies were bibliometrically analyzed using the Theory-Context-Methods (TCM) and Antecedents-Decisions-Outcomes (ADO) framework to map the thematic evolution, and critical research questions in the CSA literature. Results show that CSA research is rapidly expanding and that carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture, and low emission agriculture are established thematic clusters. CSA consistently shows benefits for food security, farm income, and yield, alongside contributions to various Sustainable Development Goals. However, important knowledge and information gaps remain including the absence of empirical evidence in developed economies, limited longitudinal and experimental research, and a lack of attention to gender-equitable scaling strategies. By combining bibliometric and theory-based analysis, this review advances the understanding of CSA adoption and impact. It also highlights the need for context-specific policy incentives, strengthened extension services, and targeted interventions to address the financial and institutional barriers to a scaled-up, sustainable agricultural transition.