Across the Ethiopian highlands, one tree has quietly supported livelihoods, culture, and architecture for centuries: Juniperus procera. Renowned for its durable and termite-resistant wood, this indigenous species has been used to construct homes, churches, doors, and beams—many of which still stand today as a testament to its exceptional quality.
Researchers and partners in Kenya are advancing Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) integrated with agroecology to make safe, sustainable food more accessible, lower certification costs for farmers, and strengthen resilient, inclusive food systems.
In Tanzania, nearly half of banana farmers in Kagera have adopted improved varieties introduced through a partnership led by ENABEL and KU Leuven, with CGIAR playing a crucial role in their selection and dissemination, helping secure food and livelihoods for over 125,000 people in the region.
In Mai Son and Sa Pa, indigenous fruits and vegetables are more than heritage crops. New research explores how biodiversity, markets, and agro-ecotourism could unlock their potential for nutrition and rural livelihoods.
On March 14, 2026, Ethiopia officially launched its National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation (2026–2040), marking a major turning point in the country’s agricultural policy direction.
In February 2026, AGNES Africa trained 30 practitioners across Africa to build strong climate finance proposals by improving climate rationale skills, addressing low funding access caused by limited technical capacity.
In tropical regions around the world, bananas are far more than a staple food; they are a lifeline. This crop provides food, income, and economic stability for millions of smallholder farmers and plays a critical role in global food security.
In Liberia, the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project is expanding access to high-quality coffee seedlings from research facilities to farming communities through a centralized coffee nursery hub model.