The vulnerability analysis included a review of temperature, precipitation, and extreme climate events over the period 1980-2020. In order to gather inputs from local communities and experts alike, CATIE created a technical advisory group and solicited the participation of a large and varied group of stakeholders in order to gather data on vulnerabilities from a socio-economic, cultural and environmental context. Based upon the information gathered, they generated a series of maps to describe the vulnerability of the area and to assist in the prioritization of specific areas that are most exposed to soil degradation, or prone to severe floods, prolonged periods of drought, or other extreme climatic events. They also identified populations that have already experienced compromised food security due to decreased food production. Rural communities classified as highly vulnerable to food insecurity and those living in poverty and extreme poverty were prioritised, including indigenous peoples and women farmers with insufficient or unproductive land. Many of these communities are relegated to farming on hillside areas, where soil quality is low and/or eroding.

Finally, adaptation actions were recommended for the at-risk agricultural, livestock and food security sectors, and these were validated through two national workshops for incorporation in the NDC update. Two project concept notes were also developed in order to seek funding for implementation of the adaptation recommendations.