Alliance Bioversity CIAT Reports

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    AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge 2024: Bootcamp report
    (Report, 2024-11-25) Menza, Gianpiero; Khader, Taija; Wafullah, Nekesah
    The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge Bootcamp, held from November 25 to 29 2024 at the Brackenhurst Conference and Retreat Centre in Limuru, brought together 25 innovative early-stage projects representing diverse regions and priorities within the Agri-Tech sector. Over the course of four days, these innovators engaged with partners, explored Kenya’s Agri-Tech ecosystem, and refined their solutions through workshops, expert masterclasses, farm visit, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge is powered by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and co-organized with the CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy Initiative and CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions and funded by the Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT), Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), AGRA, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), Daystar University, iTATU Mercy Corps, DOB Equity, Climate Resilient Africa Fund, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF)
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    CircularEconomy4Colombia: Bootcamp Report: Innovation Challenge 2024
    (Report, 2025-02-05) Menza, Gianpiero; Khader, Taija
    In the context of CGIAR Research Initiative Nature-Positive Solutions, the CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is powered by the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and co-organized with CGIAR Centers – the Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) – in partnership with EAN University, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Green Business Office of Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Minambiente). The CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is an initiative aimed supporting Colombia’s transition to a circular economy within the agri-food sector. The challenge seeks to boost and scale up high-impact, science-backed, context-specific solutions that enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and deforestation, and promote sustainable development in Colombia. As part of this challenge, 21 selected teams had the opportunity to join a fully funded 3-day in-person bootcamp on 9-11 October, 2024, at the Alliance Bioversity and CIAT Palmira Campus in Colombia. During this time the innovators were provided with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to advance their innovative solutions. The CircularEconomy4Colombia bootcamp is specifically designed for the Colombian context and focuses on solutions with real impact potential. Its importance lies in giving entrepreneurs a relevant exposure to the Colombian market and ecosystem, preparing them to create connections and define strategies that allow them to have profitable and sustainable businesses.
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    Living labs for people in Kenya: Outcomes of participatory action research in Nandi County
    (Report, 2024-12) Reyes, Byron; Camilo, Karen
    The Low Emission Food Systems Initiative (also known as Mitigate+) focused on three main aspects: reducing food systems (FS) emissions and the predicted consequences of climate change on future generations, sustainable development, and social equity. Through its work, the initiative ensured that civil society, multilateral, government, academic, and private sector actors in its four targeted countries (Colombia, Kenya, China, Viet-Nam) have the knowledge, information, and tools necessary to make robust evidence-based decisions as they confront challenges in FS discourse, policy development, and implementation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) contributions. The initiative aimed to promote inclusive approaches for low-emission FS transformation using a framework denominated Living Labs for People (LL4P). This report focuses on the results of a process evaluation conducted on the LL4P approach, in Kenya. For this, key informants data and secondary data were used. The evaluation allowed us to identify the outcomes that have been achieved as a result of the Initiative, and highlighted that these align perfectly with the conceptualization of a LL4P, as one of the main outcomes was the establishment of the LL4P as a framework that is inclusive, appropriated (co-owned) by stakeholders, and autonomous. Further, the LL4P is fully operational in an autonomous way; it has a board that is inclusive towards gender and youth, and representative of the diverse set of stakeholders in the county; and in 2024, it was able to launch a call for innovations and identify six innovations to receive funding for scaling. The Initiative has contributed by facilitating a space for stakeholders to identify and scale new innovations, using funding that is managed by the LL4P.
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    Monitoring report on fertilizer validation trials under the Kenya fertilizer access and nutrient use efficiency program
    (Report, 2024-11) Kinyua, Michael; Mathu, Samuel; Kihara, Job; Nkomo, Mandlenkosi
    The Excellency in Agronomy (EiA) initiative in collaboration with Africa Fertilizer Agribusiness Partnerships (AFAP), Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), President’s Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), University of Eldoret and the Ministry of Agriculture are conducting fertilizer validation trials in Nandi County of Kenya. The aim of the fertilizer validation exercise is to: 1) Establish what are the localized NPK fertilizer recommendation for maize 2) Assess maize response to application of lime 3) Increase maize yields and profitability by at least 20%. To achieve the above objectives, three fertilizer recommendations were identified/developed for validation: 1) Agwise recommendation: different rates of NPK (17:17:17) depending on the sub-County’s soil nutrient levels 2) Agwise recommendation + lime: NPK (17:17:17) + Lime guided by sub-County’s soil pH levels 3) Blanket recommendation: Ministry of Agriculture recommendation for the County applied in form of Di- ammonium phosphate (DAP).
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    SOP for water absorption capacity and cooking time in beans
    (Report, 2025-01) Manzano, Kelly Tatiana; Soto Betancourt, Fabricio; Gallego Castillo, Sonia
    This standard operating procedure (SOP) describes the stages involved in the process of estimating the water absorption capacity and cooking time of bean grain samples, using a Mattson Bean Cooker
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    Towads a common vision of climate, peace and security in Zimbabwe
    (Report, 2024-12) Makanda, Joseph; Maviza, Gracsious; Caroli, Giulia; Tarusarira, Joram; Gadu, Siyaxola; Maphosa, Mandlenkosi; Takaindisa, Joyce; Onivola, Minoarivelo; de Coning, Cedric; Gumindonga, Webster; Moyo, Nqobile; Laderach, Peter
    This report addresses the interconnected challenges posed by climate change, migration, fragility, and socio-economic vulnerability in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has been significantly impacted by climate variability, evidenced by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, and devastating cyclones, which threaten agriculture, the environment, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on rain-fed farming. The report highlights the systemic challenges Zimbabwe faces, including food and water insecurity, displacement, and conflicts over dwindling resources. These issues are further complicated by Zimbabwe’s limited adaptive capacity, economic instability, and the gendered impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect women and girls. A two-day workshop convened in Harare by the CGIAR Climate Security team, SAPPC and ACCORD brought together key stakeholders to develop a shared understanding and identify strategies to address the peace and security risks associated with climate change and migration. This led to a common vision centred on four main pathways that link climate impacts to socio-political instability in Zimbabwe: 1. Resource competition: scarcity of natural resources, particularly water, has intensified tensions and conflicts, especially in communities where artisanal mining exacerbates land degradation. 2. Food and livelihood insecurity: extreme weather events disrupt agricultural productivity, prompting negative coping strategies like deforestation and artisanal mining, which contribute to environmental degradation and socio-economic strain. 3. Human mobility and displacement: Climate-induced migration is prevalent, with people relocating temporarily or permanently in response to disasters or economic hardship, often straining resources and services in host areas. 4. Negative coping strategies: As communities struggle to adapt, some turn to harmful practices like illegal mining and drug trade, which further destabilize communities. The report outlines a multifaceted policy and programmatic framework to mitigate these impacts, calling for collaborative efforts among government, civil society, and international organizations. Key recommendations include strengthening climate-resilient policies, ensuring conflict-sensitive climate finance, fostering community engagement, and leveraging Indigenous knowledge alongside modern science. Enhanced evidence-based research and integrated climate, peace, and security programs are essential to achieving sustainable development and resilience against climate impacts in Zimbabwe.
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    SMS advisory service mid-season report
    (Report, 2025-01) Haazele, Milimo; Koech, Vitalis; Busienei, Linda; Banda, Niza; Gitau, Kevin; Gitimu, Daniel Macharia; Gamoyo, Majambo Jarumani; Koech, Grace Jerotich; Chilambe, Pedro Anglaze
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    Interspecific urochloa breeding program: Technical report - A521
    (Report, 2024-12) Mejia, Juan Camilo
    The genetic gain of yield, seed yield, and nutritional quality in the interspecific Urochloa pipeline was estimated through an ERA trial conducted at the CIAT campus in Palmira, Colombia. Each trial included 150 genotypes from seven cycles of selection at different stages, along with genebank accessions and cultivars. The assessed traits were shoot dry weight (SDW), cover (calculated from drone images), seed gross yield (SGY), crude protein content (CP), neutral detergent fiber content (NDF), and acid detergent fiber content (ADF). For the genetic gain estimation, we used a two-stage approach, considering only the hybrids in stage 4, which were selected after multi-location trials in Latin America by the Papalotla Group company (PG). Genetic gain rates were positive for SGY, SDW, and CP. Conversely, NDF and ADF showed negative genetic gain values, as the objective of these traits is to reduce them by improving the percentage of protein content and enhancing nutritional quality of the crop.
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    Strengthening and sustaining the EWS for fall armyworm and striga management in Rwanda and Ghana
    (Report, 2024-12-31) Landmann, Tobias; Ouedraogo, Mathieu
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    RIICE development in Cote d’Ivoire : AfricaRice report of 2024. Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA)
    (Report, 2024-12-31) Yéo Yassongui, Serge-Alin; Kouadio, Kouamé Serge Alain; Elliott, Dossou-Yovo; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Singh, Manjari
    Côte d'Ivoire has significant potential for rice production, yet the country remains heavily reliant on imports due to low yields and limited adoption of improved technologies. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, affecting rice productivity and food security. The Remote Sensing-based Information and Insurance for Crops in Emerging Economies (RIICE) decision support system was introduced to provide reliable, real-time data on rice cultivation, yield forecasts, and climate-related risks. This report details activities conducted by AfricaRice in 2024 related to the adaptation and implementation of the RIICE tool in Côte d'Ivoire through field experiments, georeferencing of rice fields, and the collection of leaf area index (LAI) data as well as feedback from stakeholders to ensure the tool is co-designed, responds to the local needs and that challenges related to infrastructure requirements and capacity building are addressed in the road for institutionalization. The findings highlight the potential of RIICE to enhance rice sector planning, improve resilience among smallholder farmers, and support policy decisions for achieving rice self-sufficiency.
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    CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical report on the types, availability, quantities and spatial distribution of organic resources in Kiambu and Makueni Counties
    (Report, 2024-12-30) Kuria, Anne; Wamaitha, Mercy; Mwangi, Victor; Onyango, Kevin; Bolo, Peter; Wanyama, Rosina; Adoyo, Beatrice; Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Korir, Hezekiah; Lelei, David; Awiti, Alex
    Organic resources are a critical entry point for fostering agroecological transitions. They contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation, enhancing agricultural sustainability and resilience. Three primary sources are animal manure, crop residues, and purpose-produced organic resources from agroforestry. A systematic mapping initiative focused on these sources holds immense potential to facilitate informed decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and promote adopting agroecological practices across Kenya ALLs. We propose a systematic mapping of organic resources within agricultural landscapes, emphasizing animal manure, crop residues, and purpose-produced organic resources from agroforestry. This technical report presents results from a survey that was undertaken to identify and quantify the spatial distribution of organic resources that exist within the entire Kiambu and Makueni counties. Specific objectives: 1. To characterize the socio-economic profiles of communities in Kiambu and Makueni Counties. 2. To analyze the types and composition of organic resources, including their volumes, frequency of production, availability, uses, benefits, reasons for use, potential substitutes, outsourcing and purchasing costs, as well as sales and income generation. 3. To identify the challenges, opportunities, and solutions related to organic resource utilization, including implemented and unimplemented solutions and the barriers to their implementation. 4. To assess the existing skills of the Kiambu and Makueni county populations related to organic resource management, identify skill gaps, and determine training needs.
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    Cost-benefit analysis of agroecological interventions in green leafy vegetable business models in Kiambu County, Kenya
    (Report, 2024-12) Onyango, Kevin; Ndiwa, Aurillia Manjella; Bolo, Peter; Wanyama, Rosina; Chege, Christine
    There is a global consensus that agroecology is a sustainable approach for agriculture and food system transformation. This is largely through harnessing nature’s resources while minimizing adverse environmental effects and improving connectivity, knowledge co-creation and inclusive relationships among food system actors. However, there is limited evidence on whether this approach is economically viable, especially for the majority of low-income value chain actors like smallholder farmers. This study therefore sought to assess the costs and benefits of integrating selected agroecological innovations in green leafy vegetable (GLV) value chains in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study focused on three GLV business models with potential for agroecological transition – one input based and two output based models. The agroecological interventions assessed include a physical expansion of agribusiness enterprises to increase production capacity and diversity, introduction of out-grower model for increased organic input production, adoption of a participatory guarantee system (PGS) for food quality assurance, adoption of collective organic production and marketing for food safety, and improved linkages among value chain actors through communication, coordination and knowledge sharing. The study applied a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) in the assessment. Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were applied as the evaluation criteria for the economic CBA. Additionally, thematic analysis was used to assess the social and environmental costs and benefits of the interventions in the three business models. At farm level, the results show a positive NPV across all the three models ranging from USD 130 to USD 1554, an IRR of 85% to 220%, and a BCR of 2.0 to 3.1. Similarly, at business level, the results show a positive NPV ranging from USD 320 to USD 9,684, an IRR of 24% to 29% and a BCR of 1.0-1.9. However, farm-level interventions have a shorter payback period compared to business level interventions. This shows that agroecology is economically viable at both farm and business levels. Results from the qualitative assessment also show perceived positive social and environmental outcomes of the selected interventions, implying that integration of agroecological interventions in food value chains has the potential to contribute positively to the overall food system transformation.
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    Co-designing technical innovations in the context of agroecological living landscapes
    (Report, 2024-12) Triomphe, Bernard; Ouattara, Songdah Désiré; Kumar, Gopal; Fuchs, Lisa E.; Sanchez Choy, Jose; Piraux, Marc; Mannai, Amal; Telma, Sibanda; Sib, Ollo; Smith, B.; Vall, Eric; Maliappan, Sudharsan; Gaderwar, Pragya; Korir, Hezekiah; Bolo, Peter; Douangsavanh, S.; Dubois, Marc; Monserrate, Fredy; Tristan Febres, Maria; Kaoukou, Patrice; Rüdiger, Udo; Mhamed, Hatem Cheikh; Chimonyo, Vimbayi; Baudron, Frédéric
    This report documents the processes, results, and key learnings from implementing co-design approaches for agroecological innovations across eight countries (Burkina Faso, India, Kenya, Laos, Peru, Senegal, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe) during 2023-2024, as part of Work Package 1 of the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative. The participating countries demonstrated significant diversity in their co-design approaches, reflecting different contexts, farming systems, and priorities. Several countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe implemented structured, multi-cycle processes with systematic stakeholder engagement, while others like Peru focused on specific value chains such as organic cacao production. The co-design process typically progressed through several key phases: preparatory work to establish foundations and relationships, stakeholder engagement and visioning to develop shared understanding and goals, collaborative technology identification and design, systematic trial establishment, robust monitoring and evaluation, knowledge exchange through field days and farmer-to-farmer learning, capacity building, and iterative refinement based on results and feedback. Stakeholder participation varied across countries but consistently involved farmers, international researchers, and extension services. Some countries achieved strong integration with national research organizations and private sector actors, though this remained a challenge in several locations. The process helped strengthen institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing between stakeholders while empowering farmers as active participants in innovation development. In Kenya, for example, the establishment of partnerships with farmer training centers as "host centers" created effective platforms for ongoing engagement and scaling. Across the initiative, countries tested approximately 30+ distinct technologies spanning various domains. These included innovations in soil health management, such as Zimbabwe's conservation agriculture practices and Tunisia's biochar applications; integrated pest management approaches like Kenya's plant-based biopesticides and Peru's organic disease management for cacao; water management technologies including India's solar irrigation systems; and crop-livestock integration methods demonstrated by Burkina Faso's dairy production innovations. The scale of implementation was significant, reaching 300-350 farmers (data from six countries only), though the intensity of engagement varied. Most countries implemented 1 or 2 experimental cycles during this period, with some achieving three cycles based on local growing seasons. Technology performance and adoption patterns showed strong context-dependency. Several technologies demonstrated significant potential for scaling, particularly where they aligned well with existing farming systems and provided clear economic benefits. Tunisia's forage intercropping systems showed marked improvements in soil health and animal nutrition, while Kenya's basic agroecological practices achieved widespread adoption through existing farmer networks. Burkina Faso's dairy management innovations demonstrated how integrated approaches could improve both productivity and resource efficiency. Several critical success factors for technology adoption were identified, including secure land tenure, access to adequate labor and resources, and strong institutional support systems. Common challenges included high initial investment costs, intensive labor requirements, and the need for technical knowledge and training. Gender dynamics played a significant role, with some technologies showing different adoption patterns between men and women farmers. Looking forward, the co-design experience generated valuable insights for future implementation. There is a clear need for standardized yet flexible methodological guidelines that maintain scientific rigor while allowing local adaptation. Future processes should better integrate activities across plot, farm, and landscape scales, while addressing multiple types of innovations including organizational and institutional ones. Enhanced mechanisms for inclusive participation, particularly of women farmers and diverse stakeholder groups, will be crucial for success. These results provide a strong foundation for refining and scaling these approaches through the upcoming Multifunctional Landscapes program. The experiences demonstrate that well-structured co-design approaches can generate both immediate benefits and longer-term transformative change in agricultural systems, particularly when supported by robust knowledge sharing platforms and communication systems. Success will require continued attention to both technical and social dimensions while maintaining flexibility to accommodate local contexts and emerging opportunities.
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    CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Stakeholder inception workshop report on mapping organic resources in Kiambu and Makueni Counties
    (Report, 2024-12-30) Awiti, Alex; Kuria, Anne; Onyango, Kevin; Korir, Hezekiah; Wanyama, Rosina; Bolo, Peter Omondi; Ndiwa, Aurillia; Sakha, Michael; Mbelwa, Machio; Adoyo, Beatrice; Anyango, Edith
    Organic resources are a critical entry point for fostering agroecological transitions. They contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation, enhancing agricultural sustainability and resilience. Three primary sources are animal manure, crop residues, and purpose-produced organic resources from agroforestry. A systematic mapping initiative focused on these sources holds immense potential to facilitate informed decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and promote the adoption of agroecological practices across the Kenya ALLs. We propose systematically mapping organic resources within agricultural landscapes, emphasizing animal manure, crop residues, and purpose-produced organic resources from agroforestry. Following the submission of 2024 workplan and budget (AWPB) for the Agroecology Initiative project, the project received additional funding to map organic resources in Kiambu and Makueni. The ‘Mapping of organic resources for agroecological transition in Kenya agroecological living landscapes aimed to: i) identify and quantify the spatial distribution of organic resources derived from animal manure, crop residues, urban and municipal waste and purpose-produced agroforestry resources within agricultural landscapes; ii) co-develop innovative business models and value chains to facilitate value addition and scaling of access to organic resources by smallholder farmers, considering factors such as resource aggregation, distribution, and market linkages as well as identifying relevant policy levers and advocacy approaches to promote the use of organic resources to accelerate agroecological transition in smallholder farmers.
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    RIICE activities in Ivory Coast 2024. Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA)
    (Report, 2024-12-31) Murugesan, Deiveegan; Satapathy, Sushree; Akpoffo, Marius; Gatti, Luca; Maunahan, Aileen; Dossou-Yovo, Elliot; Holecz, Francesco; Mathieu, Renaud; Ouedraogo, Mathieu
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    Reporte de incentivos e inversiones del sector privado para una transición agroecológica en la región Ucayali
    (Report, 2024-11-30) De Los Ríos Dantas, Augusto Rafael; Saavedra Barria, Tranquilino; Guillén Guevara, José; Transitions Program; Ivanova, Yovita; Mosquera Escobar, Leslie Estefany; Blanco Garcia, Maria Alejandra; Mockshell, Jonathan
    El presente informe/reporte ha sido elaborado por Augusto Rafael De Los Ríos Dantas, de Ucayali Eco Plus EIRL, en el marco de su consultoría Evaluación de las necesidades de desarrollo de capacidades de los actores del sistema agroalimentario, para permitir las transiciones agroecológicas del sector privado en la Región de Ucayali, financiada por el proyecto PSii del programa de Transiciones Agroecológicas ‘TRANSITIONS’, y revisada por Yovita Ivanova, Leslie Mosquera, María Blanco y Jonathan Mockshell. El proyecto Incentivos e Inversiones del Sector Privado (PSii) contribuye al programa de Transiciones Agroecológicas TRANSITIONS y tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de estructuras de incentivos inclusivas para los actores de los sectores público y privado, así como la movilización de inversiones que apoyen las transiciones agroecológicas en múltiples niveles. Un ecosistema dinámico de los sectores público y privado plantea probablemente algunos retos, pero también ofrece nuevas oportunidades para acelerar las transiciones agroecológicas mediante la creación de incentivos y la movilización de inversiones, la aplicación de métricas transparentes y holísticas y el desarrollo de capacidades para contribuir a unos sistemas alimentarios más eficientes desde el punto de vista económico, más equitativos a nivel social y más respetuosos con el medio ambiente.
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    Ecosistema financiero: Iniciativa agroecología en la región Ucayali - Perú
    (Report, 2023-12) Torres, Nelson; Gonzalez, Carolina
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    Evaluation des performances de l'agroécologie au Sénégal. Rapport technique de l'initiative agroécologie
    (Report, 2024-12-16) Lairez, Juliette; Modou, Gueye Fall; Finda, Bayo; Koffi, Kouakou Patrice; El Hadji Kabe, Gaye; Banna, Mbaye; Syaka Assemblée, Mane Cherif; Bilal, Diakhate Pape; Ibrahima, Diallo; Moussa, Sall; Diao, Camara Astou