The current study aimed to analyze the effect of nutrient management on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and to identify the appropriate ratio that meets the three pillars of CSA (mitigating greenhouse gas, sustainable yield intensification, and strengthening resilience). The study determined that a combined application of 30‒50 kg N ha‒1 mineral fertilizer with 50‒70% N from compost was an appropriate ratio for achieving the three pillars of CSA as well as other benefits to ensure sustainable maize production in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan Africa for similar soil types.