Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa must undergo significant productivity improvements to meet the combined challenges of population growth and climate change. A proposed means of achieving such improvements is increased use of a ‘climate-smart agriculture’ approach to agricultural development policy-making, which emphasizes the use of farming techniques that (1) increase yields, (2) reduce vulnerability to climate change, and (3) reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Two countries that are prioritizin g such an approach within the framework of a Climate-Smart Agriculture project are Malawi and Zambia. These countries are promoting the use of agroforestry and conservation agriculture with the aim of improving the productivity of their smallholder agricultural systems under climate change. This review synthesizes evidence on the use, yield and socio-economic impacts of these farming techniques. Key findings are that agroforestry is a promising option for smallholder farmers with well-documented yield and profitability improvements. Evidence supporting the use of conservation agriculture in the target countries is also positive but weaker. Adoption rates, although higher than those in other African countries, are lower than would be expected given the potential benefits, and resources spent on promotion. Key constraints and needs for further research are documented.