News Overview

In the Amazon, the word "food" almost never refers only to food. Sometimes it's a fish that arrives when the river rises and overflows. Sometimes it's a cassava that is saved from flooding. Sometimes it's a bunch of plantain that holds out for a few more weeks, or a long walk to find what the bush still offers. And, increasingly, “food” is also a price: what rice costs at the store, how much oil goes for when transport is delayed, what can be bought when cash falls short.

From a single skin biopsy, it may soon be possible to rebuild an entire African chicken breed or fish in a laboratory. That idea, submitted by a livestock genetic scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, is one of three selected by the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Science Program through its inaugural Innovation Challenge.

In Nairobi, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and Too Early For Birds used theatre to share Wangari Maathai’s legacy, connecting science to society and inspiring action on conservation and food systems.

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.