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Tag: CGIAR

  • CGIAR unveils ‘Insight to Impact’ report to drive data-led food policy

    CGIAR unveils ‘Insight to Impact’ report to drive data-led food policy

    CGIAR has launched its inaugural flagship report, Insight to Impact: A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Navigating Food System Science, at its Science Week event held at the UN Campus in Nairobi.

    This even as the food systems are under strain from climate change, conflict, biodiversity loss, and hunger.

    The new report hand-selects data and innovations from among decades of research presenting science as practical, ready-to-use guidance for decision-makers and investors working to build more resilient, sustainable food systems especially in low and middle-income countries.

    It answers 20 urgent questions frequently posed by policymakers, offering 20 practical solutions, each backed by science and tested in real-world conditions that help farmers adapt to climate change, expand access to nutritious food and maintain sustainable livelihoods.

    Speaking during the CGIAR Science Week at the United Nations Campus, Nairobi, the Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, Ismahane Elouafi underscored the need to provide policy makers with the right data and information so to engage deeply and turn insights into impact.

    “Policy is influenceable, but what I hear from many decision-makers is that they are often missing the right data, the information needed for policy along with clarity and pragmatism,” said Elouafi in her opening remarks at the launch event. “This is very clear in the report, so the next steps will be to engage deeply with policymakers so we can really turn insights into impact.”

    She highlighted that the report showcases innovative approaches that have demonstrated measurable success which include: EnviroCow that helps farmers in sub-Saharan Africa reduce feed costs and emissions while boosting earnings. This, while zinc-rich wheat in Pakistan now reaches over 100 million people annually, raising zinc intake by 21% and addressing widespread deficiencies among women and children.

    Similarly, the Bespoke fertilizer advice in Ethiopia, where farmers increased crop yields by up to 29% and incomes by up to USD 270/ha by using landscape-specific guidance tailored to slope, soil health, and climate. The initiative now spans 23 districts and continues to scale.

    Another case study was the Smart rice water management in Vietnam, which trained over 33,000 farmers in climate-smart techniques that reduce methane emissions and water use without lowering yields. The alternate wetting and drying technique has now been integrated into Vietnam’s national climate policy.

    All these case studies include implementation resources such as expert contacts, how-to guide, impact studies, and tools to support scaling.

    Global challenges, local solutions

    CGIAR, has employed 10,000 staff working in 80+ countries, across 3,000 partnerships, and is positioned to support implementing innovations and using data and evidence to transform food, land, and water systems. This inaugural flagship report was spurred through support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

    There were more than 70 decision-makers across government, regional bodies, and the private sector that contributed to the report, identifying seven key needs from a request for more pragmatic and clear science communication to stronger alignment with national strategies.

    The report is tailored to decision-makers across sectors including those in agriculture, climate, finance, and health and emphasizes interdisciplinary, country relevant responses.

    To support its science-to-policy efforts, CGIAR also launched its Insight to Impact Policy Champions Network, a group of partners and policy influencers who will work to ensure the scientific insights shape action on the ground.

    Speaking at the same forum, Lusike Wasilwa of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) called for more collaboration to reach smallholder farmers and ensure policy is informed by reliable data.

    “The future of farming is here,” said Wasilwa, a partner and leader in the agricultural innovation space, adding that “We have to work and partner together to ensure we are reaching the smallholders and that we’re developing data to inform policy.”

    From science to action

    The launch event, hosted at the UN Campus in Nairobi, brought together leaders from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the global scientific community. Speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships, long-term investment, and putting evidence into formats that meet the needs of those shaping food systems policy.

    “We have ongoing challenges all around the world with the triple conundrum of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, so our ability to use the best science, technology, and innovation to inform decision-making at all levels is absolutely paramount,” said Dhesigen Naidoo of CGIAR’s Integrated Partnership Board.

    Naidoo also called on those using or involved with the report to be the “ambassadorial community… the people that organize for it to take fire in a very real way. And we have to be sincere to the notion of co-creating the solutions.”

    Looking ahead, CGIAR plans to tailor offshoot products to local needs. And future editions of the report series will tackle emerging challenges and prepare decisionmakers for specific global and regional processes, continuing to build bridges between science and decision-making.

     

    Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenya-pushes-for-science-week-alliance-to-transform-food-system/

    https://www.kbc.co.ke/cgiar-science-week-ends-with-call-for-action-on-food-systems/

    http://Insight to Impact: A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Navigating Food System Science

  • CGIAR Science Week ends with call for action on food systems

    CGIAR Science Week ends with call for action on food systems

    The CGIAR inaugural Science Week came to a close after a week dedicated to advancing science, fostering innovation and and cementing of partnerships Friday in Nairobi, Kenya.  

    Speaking during the closing ceremony at the United Nations Campus in Gigiri, Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR noted that the event explored groundbreaking research, forged new collaborations, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems.

    “Over past days, we’ve explored groundbreaking research, forged new collaborations, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems. The dialogues and connections fostered here will undoubtedly propel our shared mission forward,” said Elouafi.

    Elouafi lauded CGIAR’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers, who produce 85pc of the world’s food, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

    “Our science has always focused on inclusion and scaling innovation to the last mile,” she said, referencing strong collaborations with national institutions such as Kenya’s KALRO. “What makes our work so powerful is that it’s relevant—co-designed with local partners and rooted in local realities.”

    In her speech she also spotlighted emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, omics, and nanotechnology, asserting that agricultural research is on the verge of a new revolution. “We’re no longer just about yields we’re about nutrition, sustainability, and resilience,” she said, pointing to CGIAR’s shift since the Green Revolution.

    CGIAR Science Week, co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), brought together leading researchers and stakeholders to address the challenges of creating sustainable and equitable food systems. 

    The event underscored the transformative power of science when coupled with strategic partnerships.

    Throughout the event, collaboration took center stage as participants shared technologies and insights and discussed the further development of groundbreaking innovations with the potential to revolutionize agri-food systems making them more resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

    Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Eliud Kireger
    Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Eliud Kireger

    Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Eliud Kireger said that the debates held during the week, and showcasing of science, not only illuminated the path forward but reaffirmed a collective commitment to a food-secure future.

    “Through debate, presentations, and presentation of pioneering innovation, Science Week highlighted both the successes we can build on and the gaps that we are better positioned to address. The conversation doesn’t end here. This is just the beginning.” Eliud Kireger, Director General, KALRO.

    Key outcomes from Science Week

    Over the week, several key achievements took place including the CGIAR Research Portfolio launch. The launch is an ambitious and collaborative endeavor that builds on 50 years of science and partner networks to shape and focus our vision more sharply than ever through clear parameters and targets. https://www.kbc.co.ke/cgiar-launches-portfolio-to-tackle-global-food-climate-challenges/

    Similarly, CIMMYT and IICA signed an agreement that leverages science, technology, and collaboration to accelerate agricultural innovation and economic growth in the Americas by supporting farmers and agribusinesses.

    Additionally, CIP and KALRO signed a Licensing Agreement to transfer biotech for a potato resistant to late blight, reducing the need for chemical inputs while improving productivity and resilience. Significantly, it puts the development of future innovation into the hands of farmers themselves.

    Further, the IWMI Strategy 2024 – 2030 was launched a roadmap for research and innovation that will enhance water security throughout East Africa as well as CGIAR and AGRA signed an MOU to accelerate agricultural innovation and delivery across Africa, scaling ideas, strengthening country systems, and providing smallholder farmers with new and affordable technology.

    The CGIAR Flagship Report was released too designed for decision-makers in low- and middle-income countries and regional bodies engaged in national, regional, and global processes, the report turns CGIAR’s science into actionable, evidence-based solutions to support better decisions and smarter investments.

    By building on the momentum of Science Week, CGIAR will drive tangible benefits for communities worldwide by strengthening ties with partners and funders, working to ratify key agreements, and advancing the development and scaling of innovations presented.

    Science must be at the heart of the solution

    On her part, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, noted that strategic gatherings like Science Week help chart pathways for how we build sustainable and resilient food systems.

    “Strategic gatherings like Science Week help chart pathways for how we build sustainable and resilient food systems. With one-third of the global population remaining food insecure, and mounting challenges ahead, science must be at the heart of accelerating the urgent solutions we seek,” said Amina.

    However, a key topic throughout the week was the need to sustain and grow investment streams for agricultural research amid a challenging funding landscape. Numerous studies, including those carried out by CGIAR, clearly demonstrate that agricultural research increases production. Yet often science budgets are the first to be cut during periods of economic uncertainty.

    “Every $1 invested in CGIAR delivers $10 in benefits. Be it for the sustainability of our planet or out of simple economic sense, investing in CGIAR’s centers and working ever more closely together is one of the smartest investments we can make. In our future, for our future,” said Juergen Voegele, Vice President for Sustainable Development at the World Bank.

    The world is at a crossroads, and cannot meet complex and interconnected challenges without transforming food systems.

    Yet with the right investment agriculture, as outlined in the CGIAR Investment Case, has the potential to be humanity’s biggest solution to global agri-challenges.

    Investments of $4bn over 2025-2027 are urgently needed to unlock the power of science and innovation to tackle climate change, increase productivity, and help transform food, land, and water systems to be able to address the pressing challenges of today.

    By gathering stakeholders, policymakers, experts, innovators, and farmers in one place, Science Week made great inroads into advancing vital themes.

    At a time when climate, food, and health systems are under strain, Science Week reaffirmed that science, when guided by purpose and delivered through strong partnerships, has the power to transform, proving that strength lies in collaboration that turns insights into action, and action into impact.

     

    Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/cgiar-launches-portfolio-to-tackle-global-food-climate-challenges/

    https://www.kbc.co.ke/science-week-kenya-stresses-science-as-key-to-ending-hunger/

  • Experts urge increased investment in women’s leadership to strengthen African agrifood systems

    Experts urge increased investment in women’s leadership to strengthen African agrifood systems

    The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), in collaboration with the CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) Accelerator, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and CIFOR-ICRAF, convened key stakeholders to celebrate the role of women in food systems.

    The event focused on the need to empower more women towards sustainable and equitable food systems while highlighting actionable strategies that can close gender gaps and foster inclusive growth.

    Women play pivotal roles in food systems as producers, workers, processors, distributors, traders, and consumers, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security.

    However, they continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to land, essential resources like seeds and credit, restricted market access, and a lack of influence over agricultural and food-related decisions. Gender inequalities and discriminatory norms further undermine their contributions, often leaving their labor undervalued or unpaid.

    The discussions at the event underscored the need for actionable strategies to empower more women in agriculture.

    By ensuring equitable access to resources, technology, and decision-making platforms, stakeholders aim to create a more sustainable and inclusive food system that benefits communities and strengthens food security.

    Empowering women in agrifood systems

    Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, the Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, in his opening remarks noted the crucial role women play in African agrifood systems and called for support across the board: “Let us not just look at the global statistics on women empowerment, we must internalize the data, contextualize, and see where the gaps are and how to fix them. Women empowerment is for all of us.”

    The event featured a deep dive into the forthcoming report on the “Status of Women in African Agrifood Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa”, which analyzes the roles women play in agriculture across the continent. The report draws on critical data and provides evidence on how gender inequities persist, while also offering strategies to bridge these divides.

    Advancing action toward gender-equitable agrifood systems

    Dr. Susan Kaaria, the Director of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) emphasized the significance of the research. “There are still gender gaps in access and decision making regarding resources, assets and services in all areas of agrifood systems in Sub Saharan Africa. The upcoming report on women in agrifood systems in Sub-Saharan Africa reveals a huge underrepresentation of women in leadership and research. We need to think of strategies for improving their participation.” Dr. Kaaria stated.

    Dr Nicoline de Haan, the Program Director at the CGIAR GEI Accelerator, expressed the need for inclusive strategies in food systems transformation. “It is time to move beyond problems and focus on solutions. By embracing gender-transformative approaches, we can improve women’s access and create a world where norms, agency and power are openly discussed and equitably shared.”

    The event also spotlighted inclusive strategies that are already underway to empower women in agriculture, such as mentorship programs, leadership development, and access to land and capital.

     “It is important that we value the contribution of women in science and food security and female smallholders. The work that we do collectively feeds humanity,” noted Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, the CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF while highlighting the pivotal role of women in across the food systems