News Overview

by Nusrat Jahan, Muhiuddin Faruquee, and Mohammad Rafiqul Islam The Haor wetlands in northeastern Bangladesh stretches across the horizon, playing a critical role in national rice production. Spanning the districts of Habiganj, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Moulvibazar, Sylhet, and Brahmanbaria, the Haor basin supports large-scale cultivation of Boro rice during the dry season. These low-lying marshlands contribute 25% of the country’s

CGIAR’s new 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. The occasion for their discussion was the launch of CGIAR’s inaugural flagship report. In this letter, the network’s 20 policy champions articulate what they need from

May 12 marks the International Day of Plant Health, a timely reminder that plants are not just part of the scenery; they are the foundation of life on Earth. Plants provide 80% of the food we eat. Among the most insidious is the Red Palm Weevil. First identified in South Asia, the Red Palm Weevil has now marched across 49

As climate threats rise, CGIAR launched the MENA Climate Security Hub in Cairo, led by the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, to advance practical, science-based solutions for peace, resilience, and lasting impact across the region. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands at the frontline of climate change, where rising temperatures, water scarcity, and migration pressures are

The Germplasm Health Units are CGIAR’s first line of defence against the cross-border spread of pests and diseases through germplasm. On International Plant Health Day, we highlight their vital work and explore their ambitious plans as part of the 2025-2030 Genebanks Accelerator. Food systems are heavily interconnected. On average, nearly 70% of crops consumed or produced in a country originate

For the first time ever, the Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy hosted the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) board of trustees which convened on 13–15 April 2025 for its 66th meeting during which Professor Martyn Jeggo, who completed his term on the board, handed over the position of board chair to the new appointee Professor Andrew Peters. Outgoing chair Martyn Jeggo has served

By Musa Tukur Yakasai, Bello Yakasai, Yohanna Moses, Bedru Balana, Elizabeth Bryan, Augustine Iraoya, and Claudia Ringler May 12, 2025 Climate change impacts—including increasing temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events—have hit Nigeria hard, reducing agricultural productivity, driving up food prices, and limiting access to nutritious food. Climate-related damage to roads, irrigation, education, and health care infrastructure has also undermined

At the heart of South Asia lies one of the world’s centers of crop diversity. Where 60% is dominated by agriculture, India’s sprawling landscapes nurture a rich variety of many legumes, tubers, vegetables, fruits, and spices. This wealth in crop and genetic resources proves that the farm-to-table sector remains the lifeblood of a largely rural population. While the Indian