This op-ed by Eliud Kiplimo Kireger, Director General of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), was first published by the Nation. With droughts, rising food imports and youth unemployment on the rise, how can Kenya chart a new agricultural path? For over 50 years, agricultural development in the country has largely depended on external aid. This support has been instrumental in
11th April, Nairobi, Kenya: After a remarkable week of science, innovation, and cementing of partnerships, CGIAR’s inaugural Science Week wrapped up at the official closing ceremony led by Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR, and Eliud Kireger, Director General, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). “Over the past days, we’ve explored groundbreaking research, forged new collaborations, and reaffirmed our
On the second day of CGIAR Science Week 2025, IRRI continues to highlight its leadership in harnessing and scaling science and innovation through rice research worldwide. In the science talk, “Transformative Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture: Scaling Innovation, Strengthening Seed Systems, and Strengthening Climate Resilience,” Dr. Ajay Panchbhai, IRRI’s Regional Breeding Lead – East and South Africa, emphasized the power
by Danica Louise C. Sembrano IRRI researchers link food availability and access as key factors influencing diet, nutrition, and health in rural food environments of low- and middle-income countries. This calls for interventions focused on reducing unhealthy food options and making nutritious foods more available and accessible. Behind every meal is a food environment—homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods —spaces where various
A new CGIAR Insight to Impact Policy Champions Network recently met to deliberate on what needs to change for food systems science to better align with, respond to, and inform global, regional, and national policies. There is a stark gap between science and policy, and it is hampering progress on hunger, poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Policymakers driving
Through training delivered in collaboration with partners—including ‘Union Pour L’emancipation de la Femme Autochtone’ (UEFA), ‘Initiative des Femmes Pour la Promotion de la Paix et le Developpment’ (IFPPD), and the ‘Beans for Women Empowerment’ (B4WE) project in Eastern DRC, funded by Global Affairs Canada—Mrs. Furaha (a farmer and mother of four) broke the cycle of inequality and violence that had long affected her household.
Sudan Conflict Conference Supported by the CGIAR’s Science Programs on: Policy Innovations and Food Frontiers and Security Hybrid Event April 14 to 15, 2025 Nairobi, Kenya 9:00 – 5:00 pm (Africa/Nairobi) 2:00 – 10:00 am (US/Eastern) 11:30 – 7:30 pm (Asia/Kolkata) Register Today The Sudan conflict, now entering its third year, continues to devastate the country’s socioeconomic fabric.
by Kazuki Saito and Iris Bugayong Rice is not just a crop—it is the backbone of economies, cultures, and food security across Asia. In Japan, a recent rice shortage has brought this reality into sharp focus. Prices have spiked, supermarket shelves are being emptied, and public concern is rising. The causes—climate-induced weather disruptions, a surge in tourism-driven demand, and speculative