When Mary – a smallholder farmer in Runyenjes – first heard about Gender Transformative Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles (GTSTIBs) she wasn’t sure what to expect. Farming has always been tough. The rain was unpredictable, seeds were costly, and others made most decisions about what to plant or sell in her household. Through the pilot program, Mary decided to try something new. She
In Viet Nam rice is more than a staple crop—it’s a cornerstone of life and a major driver of the country’s economy. But its cultivation also accounts for a significant portion of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane. To meet its climate commitments, outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Viet Nam needs a reliable way to measure,
A call to build strategic partnerships for a food-secure and sustainable future for over 2 billion people living in the drylands. Marking a critical turning point in addressing the escalating crises of climate change, land degradation, and rural poverty threatening semi-arid regions worldwide, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), launched its new Strategic Plan 2025–2030: Transforming
Read on about this milestone event to ensure that promising agri-food science-based innovations don’t remain on the shelf but create real, tangible value for people and the planet, and how to get involved for the next steps. The recent RAMP–Accelerate Bootcamp and Venture Showcase, hosted in Palmira, Colombia, marked a pivotal moment in the journey of nine science-backed ventures—each
Malawi is a country caught in a perfect storm. In 2024, Malawi’s GDP growth slowed to 1.8% due to a severe drought and acute foreign exchange shortages. The poverty rate rose to 71.2%. Malawi’s economy is in a deep and protracted crisis marked by elevated inflation, declining living standards, and high rates of food insecurity. Yet, behind these grim numbers,
Soil erosion is a silent crisis eroding Africa’s future. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), nearly half a billion hectares of land (494 million ha – an area larger than the entire European Union) is being degraded. The main culprit is soil erosion, stripping away vital nutrients from farmlands, threatening food production, and robbing the continent of billions of dollars every year. This document,
The demand for common beans is growing fast as more consumers embrace plant-based diets. Once mostly grown for household use, beans are now a commercial and export crop. As a nutritious staple rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients — and a vital source of income for millions of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth across Africa — beans are central
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) convened a high-level session at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 in Dakar, Senegal on 2 September 2025, under the theme “IsDB–CGIAR Supporting Food System Transformations: Accelerating Impact through Innovation and Partnership.” The session showcased how science-driven solutions, co-financing, and government partnerships are reshaping Africa’s food systems