This study provides a unique contribution to improving agricultural systems in the face of changing climate and socio-economic conditions, integratingmulti-modeling research with stakeholder engagement to inform future-oriented decision processes. In areas like semi-aridZimbabwe, rural communities are highly vulnerable to climate variability. Climate risk is not a future issue, but constitutes a current threat to food security, if no improvement actions are taken. This study therefore frames the potential for agricultural systems to transform under current conditions and under future conditions where different pathways would lead agricultural systems to respond more favorably.