SAAF session at CGIAR Science Week reimagines the transformation of animal and aquatic food systems for a sustainable future

From
Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program
Published on
05.05.25
Impact Area
Climate adaptation & mitigation, Nutrition, health & food security, Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs

Event summary
On 9 April 2025, during the CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Science Program dialogue session highlighted how science-backed solutions can transform livestock and aquatic food systems to be inclusive, low-emission and nutrition-rich. The session underscored the need to reimagine food systems by focusing on smallholders, women and youth, and by addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, rising demand and widening inequality.

While opening the session, Sandra Milach, CGIAR chief scientist, emphasized the vital role of animal and aquatic foods in nutrition and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable populations. She highlighted that smallholders supply over 70% of livestock foods in Africa and 66% of aquatic foods in Asia, yet face mounting challenges from climate change, rising demand and productivity gaps.

‘Smallholders must be at the heart of the solution,’ she urged.

Rodrigue Yossa, interim Director of the SAAF Science Program, laid out the program’s ambition to build nutrient-dense, climate-smart and inclusive systems. With demand for animal-source foods projected to rise by 30% and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) expected to account for 66% of livestock emissions by 2050, urgent innovations are needed.

The SAAF science Program is building on four CGIAR initiatives: Livestock and Climate, Sustainable Animal Productivity, One Health, and Resilient Aquatic Foods. Working in 17 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, SAAF applies six integrated research areas of work: improving productivity through genetics, feed and forages, and animal health; implementing climate- and the environment-sensitive approaches which advances regenerative aquaculture and low-emission livestock; applying One Health to manage zoonotic disease risks, improve food and water safety, and reduce antimicrobial resistance, contributing to better health outcomes for humans, animals, and ecosystems; developing market systems, policy solutions, and scaling to strengthen market actors and create effective pathways for scaling innovations through business models, capacity building, policy influence, and investment; gender, youth, and social inclusion initiatives to expand opportunities for women and youth; and digital and data solutions to research and scale digital tools like AI and blockchain to create inclusive, data-driven markets for smallholders.

The heart of the session was the ‘Big wins for feeding the future’ investment pitches, showcasing five scalable solutions:

The USD 1M future farmer by James Rao, SAAF’s interim market systems, policy solutions and scaling co-lead, focused on leveraging big data analytics, AI, digital finance and new market models to transform smallholder farmers and fishers into agripreneurs. Rao highlighted how data analytics can optimize farming and investment decisions, enhance value chain coordination and improve access to finance for smallholder farmers.

The net-zero livestock and blue foods revolution by Jacobo Arango, the interim climate and environment lead, presented radical innovations like climate-smart tropical forages and regenerative aquaculture practices aimed at making these sectors climate-positive by 2050. Arango emphasized the carbon sequestration potential of deep-rooted forages and the benefits of polyculture and integrated mangrove-aquaculture systems.

One Health: Nourishing the future with safe and nutritious foods by Hung Nguyen, the One Health lead, highlighted how an integrated One Health approach can revolutionize animal and aquatic food production to be abundant, safe and nutrient-dense. Nguyen stressed the importance of addressing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and foodborne diseases through multisectoral collaboration and interventions in traditional and informal markets.

The gender dividend by Rahma Adam, the gender equality and social inclusion co-lead, advocated for putting women at the centre of livestock and fisheries to yield the biggest transformation in food systems by empowering women economically and socially, and creating jobs for youth and marginalized communities. Adam pointed out the significant role of women in these sectors and the need for gender-sensitive policies and interventions.

Regenerative aquaculture and sustainable livestock for ecosystem restoration by Marie-Charlotte Buisson, the market systems, policy solutions and scaling lead, showcased how these practices can restore ecosystems instead of depleting them. Buisson presented examples such as polyculture, seaweed farming, integrated shrimp farming with mangroves, rotational grazing and agroforestry as ways to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, sequester carbon and revitalize degraded lands.

Following the pitches, a fireside chat explored scaling of sustainable animal and aquatic food systems in LMICs, using Kenya as a case study. Panelists included Kipkemoi Changwony (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization), Lucy Obungu (Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs), Godfrey Mambo (Rabobank), Kristin Grote Girvetz (AgThrive), Suzanne Kuria (African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network), and Oliver Simwa (dairy farmer). They discussed challenges such as policy bottlenecks, high input costs, financing risks and slow technology adoption, while proposing solutions such as demand-driven research, innovative finance, engagement of small- and medium-sized enterprises and gender-inclusive policies.

In her closing remarks, Ismahane Elouafi, CGIAR’s executive managing director, framed SAAF as a platform for transformation, stressing three key actions:

Invest in people—especially youth and women.
Embed SAAF in national systems for alignment with country priorities.
Scale proven solutions through collaboration.

‘Sustainability won’t happen in silos,’ she asserted. ‘We need governments, farmers, scientists and investors working together—turning research into real-world impact.’

What panelists had to say

Kipkemoi Changwony (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization):
‘Scaling livestock production isn’t just about science—it’s about getting quality veterinary services and extension knowledge to the last mile. Right now, we’re falling short where it matters most; on the ground with the farmer.’

Lucy Obungu (Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Kenya):
‘Fishery policies must be driven by reality—feed and seed costs make aquaculture inaccessible for most small-scale farmers. We need demand-led research, smarter financing and technologies that deliver real-time support, like Kenya’s digital platforms already reaching millions.’

Godfrey Mambo (Rabobank):
‘Livestock and fisheries are seen as high-risk by lenders—but the real risk is not designing finance to fit smallholders. A branded, integrated finance model with blockchain traceability could de-risk the entire value chain, from farmer to export market.’

Oliver Simwa (Dairy farmer):
‘Farmers are rational—we adopt what works. Climate-smart practices will only scale if they’re cost-effective and accessible. Don’t design solutions from offices—go to rural communities and understand the real barriers. Sometimes, it’s as simple as better cow comfort.’

Suzanne Kuria (African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network):
‘Inclusivity must be intentional—from decision-making to finance. Women need mentorship, leadership support and safe, dignified working environments. Let’s embed gender in policy, close the feedback loop on data, and build trust through farmer–researcher collaboration.’

Kristin Grote Girvetz (AgThrive):
‘SMEs are the engine of food systems transformation—but they’re underfinanced and underserved. We need a dedicated investment fund for aquatic and animal food systems in the global South—backed by affordable capital, technical support and better public–private communication.’

Key takeaways

Small-scale producers must lead the transformation: Producing most animal/aquatic foods in the Global South, small-scale producers need targeted innovation, policies and finance that prioritize their realities to strengthen nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Inclusive, integrated approaches are essential for lasting impact: Sustainable food systems require connecting livestock, fisheries and aquaculture through system-wide solutions that embed One Health, gender equity, climate-smart practices and market access—designed with and for those most affected.
Innovation is ready—now scale it: Proven innovations, from big data platforms and regenerative aquaculture to climate-smart forages and digital extension tools, must shift to implementation through demand-driven, inclusive delivery.
Inclusion fuels success: Prioritizing women, youth and marginalized groups in design of research, policy and investment boosts productivity, equity and resilience.
Partnerships and investment are the levers to unlock system change: Cross-sector partnerships, smart policies and aligned investments are essential to scale and sustainability.