Stronger together: South–South cooperation for resilient and sustainable food systems 

By Ankita Tiwari

Across the Global South, countries face shared challenges, climate change, food insecurity, fragmented markets, and limited resources for research and innovation. Yet these nations also share a unique strength: a wealth of knowledge, diverse farming practices, and complementary innovations that, if exchanged and scaled, can transform agriculture and rural livelihoods.

This is the promise of South–South cooperation, a model where countries learn from one another, adapt solutions to local contexts, and pool efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. By working together, the Global South can accelerate progress on food security, resilience, and inclusive growth far more effectively than working in silos.

Transforming cooperation into action

On September 12, the world observes the United Nations Day for South–South Cooperation, a reminder of the power of solidarity among countries of the Global South. At IRRI, South–South cooperation is not just a principle but a strategy in action. Anchored in the institute’s 2025–2030 strategy, which focuses on the three impact goals of Improved Nutrition, Sustainable Planet, and Inclusive Livelihoods, we aim to ensure that research and partnerships translate into real-world benefits.

Through initiatives like Seeds Without Borders, we are improving farmers’ access to nutritious and resilient rice varieties, advancing both nutrition and livelihood security. With digital tools such as SeedCast, we are promoting sustainability and efficiency in seed systems, helping reduce waste and improve planning. Cross-country training exchanges and policy dialogues hosted at the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) foster inclusive learning networks, ensuring that smallholders, researchers, and institutions across Asia and Africa benefit equally. These and many other initiatives and efforts show how solidarity among nations of the Global South are shaping measurable impact for farmers and food systems.