Alliance Bioversity CIAT Policy and Research Briefs
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/106988
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Item Concept note for capacity building to agrifood businesses in the cashew nut value chain in Senegal(Brief, 2024-12-28) Derenoncourt, Ena; Siagbe, Golli; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Ouedraogo, IssaItem Advisory services boost bean farming in Malawi(Brief, 2025-02-11) Chideya, Yohane; Magwaya, Eunice; Nkhata, Wilson; Rubyogo, Jean Claude; Moyo, Nobel; Madzonga, OswinThe Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) has made a significant impact on smallholder bean farming in Malawi, especially during the challenging 2023-24 cropping season, exacerbated by an El Niño-induced drought. Through innovative advisory services, AID-I facilitated the adoption of climate-smart practices, including drought-tolerant seeds and improved soil management techniques. The initiative has empowered farmers like Monica Levison and Liden Mbengo to overcome challenges and increase their yields. By focusing on seed multiplication, effective agronomic practices, and extensive training, AID-I has enhanced food production and resilience among smallholders. The project has trained over 11,000 farmers, with a notable percentage of women, driving community-level agricultural transformation. These efforts have not only improved crop yields but also sparked long-term economic growth, food security, and resilience in Malawi’s farming communities.Item Digital agency: Empowering farmers to co-create knowledge on agroecology practices(Brief, 2025-01) McCampbell, Mariette; Dittmer, Kyle Michael; Shelton, Sadie; Wollenberg, EvaKEY MESSAGES - Digital tools are an increasingly common approach to providing agricultural advisories, yet often many farmers do not participate in digital knowledge systems. - Conventional approaches for analyzing digital inclusion focus on internet access, digital literacy, and benefit inequalities, and overlook agroecology values such as co-creation of knowledge, agency, and empowerment. - Co-creation of knowledge is a continuous process in which those participating need to have real influence. If not, the power stays with the technology developers. - Combining knowledge that is co-created by many diverse people and data and information from digital tools leads to responsible hybrid collective intelligence. - Features of digital tools that support co-creation of knowledge, digital agency, and scaling of agroecology practices include that they enable knowledge integration, two-way communication, inclusive access, and responsible use. - A step-wise approach is needed to develop digital resources that enable farmers’ digital agency and support the scaling of agroecological practices.Item Building climate resilience: Agroecology in the dry corridor(Brief, 2025-02) Muller, Lolita; Steward, Peter; Rosenstock, ToddKEY MESSAGES - The integration of agroecological practices stands out as a promising strategy to enhance resilience against climate hazards. - Agroecological practices such as mulch, crop residues, shaded trees and living barriers increase climate resilience by increasing soil moisture or decreasing soil temperature and erosion. - While agroecological practices may require initial investments, they are not an economic burden for smallholders. - This analysis leads to several actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders including investing in farmer education on agroecology and providing financial support for the initial transition period.Item Reimagining gender in food systems: A feminist perspective(Brief, 2025-02-01) Ambikapathi, Ramya; Urbani, IlariaGender dynamics in food systems research are often fragmented and inconsistently integrated across disciplines. This study applies a feminist lens to review 1,221 studies from low- and middle-income countries, assessing the use of five feminist principles. Findings reveal critical gaps, including limited attention to urban food systems, inconsistent gender definitions, and methodological shortcomings. To foster more inclusive research and policy, we propose integrating feminist approaches, strengthening collaborations, and addressing policy gaps with intersectional perspectives. This review highlights the need for a paradigm shift to ensure diverse voices shape food systems research and policy.Item How do interconnected dynamics of climate, security and human mobility interplay in Mali: Climate security pathway analysis(Brief, 2025-02-05) Synnestvedt, Thea; Penel, Charlotte; Sarzana, Carolina; Cisse, Sokhna RamatoulayeIn Mali, severe droughts and floods are becoming increasingly prominent, with average temperatures increasing. The climatic changes are leading to loss of livelihoods which exacerbate already poor socio-economic conditions. Simultaneously, tensions have been ongoing since Mali’s independence from colonialist powers in the 1960’s reaching new heights in 2012 with the Tuareg rebellion, which escalated into armed conflict. This has reduced the resilience and adaptive capacities of individuals, communities, and the state to respond to climate-related risks, while climate change and extreme weather events have exacerbated vulnerabilities, heightening conflict risks. Human mobility is a common form of adaptation to climate change, as well as violence and armed conflict. The impact of climate change on natural resources and livelihoods compels people to migrate or engage in transhumance livelihoods to sustain themselves, while more immediate climatic hazards such as natural disasters cause immediate displacements, impacting the overall human security situation. Similarly, conflict, especially in the Sahel region, has triggered widespread displacement. The aim of this factsheet is to identify some of the ways in which these components, namely, climate change, human security risks, conflict and human mobility interact within the context of Mali. In order to improve understanding of the ways in which these components interlink, it is helpful to delve deeper into the different pathways for how these dynamics play out in different contexts. Thus, the climate security mobility pathways explore the ways in which climate related risks interlink with and potentially exacerbate social tensions and conflict, as well as how conflict interact with climatic changes to alter the security landscape in Mali and the consequential changes to human mobility patterns. Although the situation in Mali is rapidly evolving, the identified pathways remain relevant in establishing a foundational understanding of Mali’s complex climate security landscape. Four main pathways have been identified for how these dynamics shape the local peace and security landscape in Mali.Item Construcción de paz medioambiental en América Latina y el Caribe: reduciendo brechas y aprovechando oportunidades(Brief, 2024-10) Higuera-Florez, Julian; Medina, Leonardo; Acuña-Alfaro, Jairo; De Francisco, Iñaki; Pacillo, Grazia; Madurga-Lopez, IgnacioMENSAJES CLAVE: A pesar de los urgentes retos medioambientales, climáticos, de violencia y de conflictos de la región, los estudios existentes sobre construcción de paz medioambiental en América Latina y el Caribe (LAC) tienden a enfocarse exclusivamente en Colombia después del Acuerdo de Paz de 2016, con algunas pocas excepciones en México, Nicaragua, y Costa Rica. La región enfrenta una serie de problemas críticos que caracterizan las especificidades de la construcción de paz medioambiental en LAC, incluyendo desigualdades socioeconómicas, exclusión política, desconfianza institucional, crimen organizado transnacional, acaparamiento de tierras, violencia en contra de activistas. medioambientales, y acceso desigual a la tierra e inseguridad en sus derechos de tenencia. El fortalecimiento de evidencias locales es crucial para reducir brechas de conocimiento de las conexiones entre gestión medioambiental y construcción de paz en LAC. La urgencia de priorizar la participación comunitaria mediante la integración de conocimiento indígena, perspectivas locales y métodos participativos en el diseño, la implementación y la evaluación de los proyectos de construcción de paz medioambiental, aseguran que se reflejen las necesidades de las comunidades afectadas a lo largo de la duración de los proyectos. Existe la necesidad de reforzar las ofertas de capacitación sobre el nexo entre medioambiente, clima, paz y seguridad para que las instituciones públicas y la sociedad civil amplíen sus conocimientos y sensibilidad acerca de la promoción de estrategias e intervenciones integradas que apoyen los esfuerzos de construcción de paz medioambiental en LAC. Promover evaluaciones sensibles a los conflictos y a las oportunidades de construcción de paz antes de implementar proyectos, programas y políticas medioambientales puede ayudar a identificar las causas raíz de conflicto y de cooperación, evitar hacer daños no intencionados y adaptar las intervenciones a los contextos políticos, sociales y medioambientales locales.Item Uganda’s yellow star to launch nutritious bean-based flour to tackle malnutrition(Blog Post, 2025-01-29) Munthali, Justice; Birachi, Eliud; Rubyogo, Jean ClaudeMalnutrition remains a critical issue in Uganda, with high rates of child stunting and food insecurity. Despite the country’s agricultural resources, nearly one-third of children under five suffer from stunting, and a significant proportion face acute malnutrition. In response, Yellow Star Produce and Food Processors, in collaboration with the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), has developed an innovative solution: the Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour. This nutrient-rich flour targets vulnerable populations, including children, expectant mothers, and individuals with chronic illnesses, providing essential nutrients to combat malnutrition. The flour is rich in protein, iron, and energy, supporting growth, immunity, and overall health. By incorporating biofortified beans, pumpkin flour, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and millet, Yellow Star ensures enhanced digestibility and nutrient absorption. With a commitment to sustainability and local farmer partnerships, Yellow Star not only offers a healthier alternative to combat malnutrition but also fosters economic and environmental sustainability. This product represents a critical step toward improving food security in Uganda, promoting long-term health and well-being.Item A new project launched to strengthen evidence use for African agriculture adaptation(Blog, 2025-01-29) Wanjiru, Anastacia; Njuguna, LucyAs climate change intensifies across Africa, smallholder farmers are on the frontlines, facing increasingly extreme weather conditions. While climate mitigation has clear benchmarks, adaptation remains complex, often lacking reliable metrics to track progress. This gap has led to fragmented efforts and, in some cases, maladaptation, where interventions unintentionally heighten vulnerability. The Adaptation Insights project seeks to change this by revolutionizing how climate adaptation is measured and implemented. By generating high-quality, actionable data, the project equips governments, development partners, and investors with tools to prioritize and scale effective adaptation strategies. Rooted in inclusivity, it integrates local knowledge to ensure that solutions are practical and impactful. Launched in Nairobi with key stakeholders from research, policy, and development, Adaptation Insights is setting a gold standard for adaptation measurement that could shape global discussions ahead of COP30. Backed by the Gates Foundation and led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, this initiative has the potential to transform resilience-building efforts across Africa and beyond.Item Addressing Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 in Northern Vietnam's banana production systems.(Brief, 2024-12-01) Huy Nguyen, Chung; Johnson, Vincent; Blomme, GuyItem Tackling Banana Bunchy Top Disease in Rwanda.(Brief, 2024-12) Gaidashova, Svetlana; Johnson, Vincent; Blomme, Guy; Ocimati, WalterItem Tackling Banana Bunchy Top Disease in Uganda.(Brief, 2024-12) Tugume, J.; Odongo Ikoku, P.; Johnson, Vincent; Ocimati, Walter; Blomme, GuyItem Agrobiodiversity Zones - Peru's flagship initiative at COP-16(Blog Post, 2024-12-22) Ramirez, Marleni; Jones, Sarah; Estrada Carmona, Natalia; Quintana, Cristina; Fernandez, ElizabethAt the COP16 on Biodiversity, last October in Cali, Colombia, Peru presented its in-situ/on farm agrobiodiversity conservation model during a prime-time side event titled “Agrobiodiversity Zones, Millenary agricultural conservation for Peru and world food security”, led by INIA, the Institute of Agrarian Innovation in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru, MIDAGRI. This event presented the steps being taken by the government to officially recognize and support the silent effort of original people’s and rural communities in the conservation of the magnificent agrobiodiversity of Peru, fundamental for food security, climate change adaptation and sustainable development for the country and the world.Item Can agroecology improve nature’s pulse?(Blog Post, 2024-08-29) Estrada Carmona, Natalia; Kettle, Chris J.; Sanchez Bogado, Andrea Cecilia; Jones, Sarah; Urrea Benítez, José Luis; Gee, Eliot; Mattson, SeanOn the path to COP16: this entry in our perspective series focuses on agroecology and biodiversity as a central solution for sustainable agriculture.Item Revolutionizing livestock feeding: The future of feed databases(Blog Post, 2025-01-29) Karimi, Peggy; Mwendia, Solomon; Notenbaert, An; Jones, Chris; Sonja, LeitnerItem Adaptation in focus: Kenya’s efforts in climate reporting and resilience(Blog Post, 2025-01) Njuguna, Lucy; Cramer, Luara; Jalango, Dorcas; Wendo, HausnerKenya is taking significant strides in climate reporting and resilience-building by successfully submitting its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) under the Paris Agreement. Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, the report outlines the country’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and identifying areas where additional support is needed. It also highlights Kenya’s proactive efforts to address climate challenges, particularly in the face of natural disasters that annually cost the country 3–5% of its GDP. This milestone showcases Kenya’s commitment to global climate action and emphasizes the need for robust adaptation strategies to secure a sustainable future.Item Kenyan counties invest in climate adaptation and peace(Blog Post, 2025-01-23) Gadeberg, Marianne; Schapendonk, Frans; Medina, Leonardo; Jaskolski, MartinaFuture climate adaptation investments by Kenya’s County Climate Change Fund (CCCF) are poised to promote peace thanks to research-backed recommendations.Item Applying the Most Significant Change (MSC) methods: A case study using the Business Acceleration for Youth Project in Malawi(Brief, 2024-12) Mzumara, Grace; Ngige, Chris; Nkhambule, Emily; Sheriff, Ramadhan Kadammanja; Slane, DavidItem Metabolomics: V1 data processing pipeline(Brief, 2025-01-28) Chien, Chi-Ming; Yu, Bruce; Watkins, Steve; Brinkley, SarahThe Periodic Table of Food Initiative has developed distributable standardized protocols for sample preparation and nontargeted metabolomics data acquisition. Following data acquisition, laboratories upload their raw data to a data portal for standardized processing and annotation. This document describes the first generation (V1) of the data analysis method.Item Building climate-resilient livelihoods for refugees and host communities in Jordan(Blog Post, 2024-12-22) Marianne, Gadeberg; Schapendonk, Frans; Jaskolski, Martina SherinThe World Food Programme (WFP) has requested researchers from the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration (FCM) to investigate which financing options could enable refugees and host communities to invest in climate-resilient, sustainable livelihoods. The result is a series of research-backed recommendations set to inform future WFP projects.