“On some days I think I can see hopeful signs. On others, I think no, we’re still falling way behind.” Philip Thornton is a principal scientist and CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) flagship leader at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). He was recently named the 39th ‘hottest’ climate change scientist by Reuters, the only one
We have never had a better understanding of the need to transform food systems. The way we produce and consume food is a major contributor to our climate crisis: about 25% of planet-warming gases comes from agriculture and land use. It also fails to properly nourish humanity, and the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically worsened the situation. Today, United Nations estimates that
Last month, the CGIAR Excellence in Breeding (EiB) platform handed over digitization equipment to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the public agency’s crop breeding programs. The handover of the equipment, valued at roughly $85,000, took place at KALRO headquarters in Nairobi on March 8, 2021, with representatives from the International
BY KATRINA KOSEC AND EVGENIYA ANISIMOVA How can women’s voices be amplified in a situation of prevailing patriarchal norms? Even more importantly, what should be done so that these voices are not only heard, but also acted upon? A new issue brief by IFPRI, the IFPRI-led CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), and the CGIAR GENDER Platform adds important insights into
A new online process that enabled the Initiative Design Team (IDT) with a large group of genebank managers collaboratively to co-create a complex document at a distance. The reorganization building towards the new One CGIAR is based on several initiatives that address specific impact areas. In April IDTs were given two weeks to prepare a Pre-concept note and a linked
Jobs that are intellectually satisfying, economically rewarding and low on drudgery are the biggest draw for youth anywhere in the world. This is exactly what is drawing youngsters to farming in Burkina Faso, contrary to the trend in many developing countries. The introduction of seed production through projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID and others, have led to win-win
A small group of youth from Niger learned a fast-paced composting technique. Their learnings are not only helping return profits but are also helping sustainably improve agriculture in their villages. More importantly, the composting business has allowed the members of the group to eke out a living in their villages without having to migrate for it. With 70% of its
BY JEMIMAH NJUKI Women play critical roles in food systems—as producers, processors, traders, consumers, scientists, and policy makers. Women represent on average 43% of the agricultural labor force globally and are essential agents of change in ensuring the shift to more efficient and climate-resilient food systems. The empowerment of women is associated with improved food security, better management of climate change