The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a CGIAR Research Center, officially welcomed Dr Himanshu Pathak as Director General during an Inauguration Ceremony on 6 March 2025. The hybrid event brought together key stakeholders in agricultural research and development, with in-person gatherings in India and virtual participation across African and other locations. In his address, Dr Pathak
Before joining ICRISAT as Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), one of the world’s largest agricultural research and education organizations. Dr Pathak has over 32 years of experience in climate resilience, soil and crop
In response to growing climate change effects, smallholder bean farmers in Kenya’s Bomet and Homabay counties are using novel and sustainable agricultural techniques to boost resilience and production. By including helpful insects like bees and diversifying their fields with fruit trees (mangoes, avocados, and oranges), these farmers are mitigating the negative impacts of erratic weather patterns, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing
Climate change is becoming a driver of internal migration in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the World Bank’s Groundswell Report predicting at least 86 million climate migrants. In 2024, CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security in partnership with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), and the Climate and Migration Network (CMARN), launched the Africa Climate Mobility Academy to promote high-quality research on climate, peace, and
By Jef L. Leroy, Rebecca Brander, Edward A. Frongillo, Leila M. Larson, Marie Ruel, and Rasmi Avula March 5, 2025 It’s a familiar scene: parents patiently waiting for their young child to be measured by a nurse or community health worker. The measurements are then plotted on a growth chart, guiding conversations with parents about their child’s nutrition, health, and development.
Carolina Sansaloni, Curator of the Wheat Collection at the Germplasm Bank and a specialist in genotyping highlights the role of women in preserving agricultural biodiversity and encouraging new generations to pursue their passion for research. Since childhood, Carolina Sansaloni has been fascinated by nature and genetics. Her desire to find answers led her down a challenging path, but one that
A series of studies reveals the concerning extent of food insecurity, soil erosion and productivity challenges in four countries where NATURE+ conducts research. Greater implementation of sustainable nature-positive activities and women’s empowerment interventions, strengthening community-based approaches, and enhancing market integration could provide multiple fixes. But these solutions require engagement with communities and multisectoral coordination by governments and implementing agencies. The
In recent years, the Colombian cattle sector has faced significant challenges in transforming its traditional extensive systems to sustainable practices that can mitigate environmental harm and adapt to climate change. Cattle farming is a cornerstone of Colombia’s agricultural economy, but its environmental impact—especially in terms of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions—has raised concerns. In response to these challenges, the Colombian