Climate change-induced droughts in Zimbabwe over the last two decades has hit resource-poor farmers the most. Many watched their valuable livestock die during the dry season due to fodder shortages and their inability to buy expensive commercial feed. The impact of drought on livelihoods is undeniable, but the problem was exacerbated by massive knowledge gaps. A ‘needs assessment’ project survey
Since they are a vital part of the reproduction process of many plants, a decline in pollinators is a serious issue for biodiversity and resilience ecosystems. Wild pollinators fertilize most flowering plants, enhance seed and fruit production and increase genetic diversity, which improves regeneration and strengthens the ability of plants to adapt to environmental changes and pathogens. This year, we
With over 2.3 million confirmed cases to date, and more than a third of the world population under some form of mobility restriction or lockdown, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has abruptly affected the performance of the world food market, with rice as one of the most notable examples. While the price of some staple foods has decreased due to
Beekeeping has long been a traditional pursuit in Uzbekistan and Ethiopia, where smallholders produce honey for sale and use in food and traditional drinks. As well as providing an ideal, low-capital, accessible, and business opportunity in urban and rural areas, bees also play a vital role in protecting farmstead biodiversity by pollinating crops and plants. Beyond its vital
From wet markets to empty markets, the functionality of food systems has shaped the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, making it desperately clear that the status quo is unsustainable. Unsurprisingly, the inequities of the food system have been most acutely felt among the world’s poor and marginalized people. The effects of this pandemic are felt widely but unevenly, yet around
Following the successful terms of IRRI Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Jim Godfrey and Vice-Chair Kaye Basford, IRRI welcomed new Chair Dr. Suthad Setboonsarng and Vice-Chair Dr. Cao Duc Phat on 27 April during the virtual BOT Chair’s Address. Suthad Setboonsarng Cao Duc Phat “The solid foundation that we have collectively built over the years will play a crucial role
BY EMILY SCHMIDT AND PAUL DOROSH In general, the COVID-19 pandemic has had only modest impacts on food availability but greater consequences for food affordability. During the food price crisis of 2007-8, rice prices increased dramatically in rice-importing countries such as Papua New Guinea (PNG) when rice-exporting countries imposed export bans. In this post, Emily Schmidt and Paul Dorosh model different
CGIAR CONTRIBUTORS ILRI, LIVESTOCK TYPE OF INNOVATION Biophysical science Genetic (varieties and breeds) Production systems and management practices Research and communication methodologies and tools Social science