This Issue 9 (1) of the African Journal of Rural Development (AFJRD) addresses three main themes: improving crop productivity through breeding for climate change resilient crop varieties, use of agroforestry to improve soil fertility, and strengthening agri-food systems through enhanced awareness of aflatoxin contamination and upscaling uptake of improved agricultural technologies and practices. The Issue presents a review of some of the molecular approaches and breeding strategies being employed for developing climate resilient crop varieties. Action is needed to expand use of these approaches, including promoting wide adoption of agroforestry practices for landscape restoration and soil fertility enhancement. The Issue also gives insights into aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts in Zimbabwe, a challenge being faced by farmers, food processors and exporters across Africa, not only in groundnuts but also in other legume and grain crops. Finally, this Issue presents a case study in Eastern DR Congo, showcasing some of the approaches being used to enhance uptake and upscaling adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices. The insights provided should be of value to other researchers and development practitioners working to help improve productivity of rural farmers. Overall, the papers provide insights into responding to Climate Change and improving agri-food system productivity and sustainability in Africa.