CGIAR Initiative on Low-Emission Food Systems

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117896

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Systems Transformation

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/32-mitigate-plus-research-for-low-emission-food-systems/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 514

Living Lab for People in Nandi County for Low-emission Food Systems
(Brochure, 2024-12-20) Kibet, Walter; Habermann, Birgit; Kachilei, Levy
We define a Living Lab for People (LL4P) as a space for citizens to co-design, test, demonstrate, and advance socio-technical innovations and associated modes of governance. It is an inclusive platform for citizens, government, civil society, companies, research organizations, to facilitate co-creation, rapid prototyping, or validation. One desirable feature is that the LL4P is physically embedded in an existing organizational structure with an interest in adopting the LL4P as their own in-house innovation cluster or ‘participatory incubator’. In Nandi County, the Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) has been selected as host for the LL4P
Situational analysis of the agriculture sector nationally determined contribution (NDC) in Kenya
(Report, 2024-12-20) African Group Of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES)
The agricultural sector serves as the cornerstone of the Kenyan economy, wielding significant economic influence by directly contributing 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and another 27% of the GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors (FAO, 2025). The sector accounts for 65% of total export earnings and sustains informal livelihoods of more than 80% of the Kenyan population in meeting employment, income and food security needs and contributes to improving nutrition through production of safe, diverse and nutrient dense foods. The sector also employs over 40% of the total population and more than 70% of the rural population (Central Bank of Kenya, 2023; World Bank Group 2021). The sector is also the main driver of the non-agricultural economy including manufacturing, providing inputs and markets for non-agricultural operations such as building or construction, transportation, tourism, education and other social services. This underscores the pivotal role of the agricultural sector in driving Kenya’s economy and providing livelihoods for a substantial portion of the population. Climate change poses significant threat to the Kenyan economy due to its dependence on natural resources such as water for food and energy, and the country’s exposure to climate-sensitive sectors, especially agriculture. The rising frequency of extreme weather events is the main driver of climate change-related impact on the Kenyan economy. Kenya’s agricultural sector is heavily reliant on rain-fed smallholder subsistence farming, which exposes the sector to profound impacts of climate change. Increasing variability of rainfall patterns, increasing temperature interspersed with prolonged drought periods and flash floods directly affecting crop and livestock productivity. This impact is varied across the country with higher temperatures having a positive impact in highland areas but a negative effect in lowland areas, with this being pronounced in the ASAL regions. Smallholder farmers who make up majority of Kenyan farmers, are highly vulnerable to climatic and environmental hazards as their options for diversifying their resources and income sources are limited. Droughts negatively affect access to credit for agriculture, as the value and availability of farm assets to serve as collateral decline. Further, their vulnerability is worsened by lack of access to adequate water, low levels of technology and education and institutional mismanagement. These challenges exacerbate the vulnerability and dampen adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climate shocks, particularly in the food basket regions.
The Pathway towards a Living lab for the people (LL4P) in Nandi county Kenya
(Poster, 2024-12-22) Habermann, Birgit; Kibet, Walter; Kachilei, Levy; Mwambi, Diana
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.
Biodiversity status of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
(Working Paper, 2024-04-29) Nguyễn, D.T.; Pham, T.T.; Tăng Thi, K.H.
This report aims to provide an up-to-date status report of biodiversity in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. It also discusses opportunities and challenges for enhancing biodiversity in the region. This report is developed based on an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with eight experts and six policymakers who have engaged in developing biodiversity policies and programmes in Vietnam for the last two decades.
Enhancing agricultural resilience in Uzbekistan through farmers’ decisionmaking autonomy
(Brief, 2025-01) Djanibekov, Nodir; Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Mirkasimov, Bakhrom; Akramov, Kamiljon T.
KEY MESSAGE • Greater farmer’s decision-making autonomy enhances resilience in technical efficiency during economic shocks. • Technical efficiency improves with autonomy, as farmers can adjust resource use, sustain productivity, and make adaptive choices regarding crop selection and input management. • Eliminating top-down land allocations, granting secure land use rights, expanding financial and market access, and decentralizing training programs can improve the capacity of farmers to become more productive and adaptable in the face of current and future challenges.
Dataset for Tier 1 and 2 methodologies for estimating intake and enteric methane emission factors from smallholder cattle systems in Africa: A case study from Ethiopia
(Dataset, 2024-12-24) Balcha, Endale; Ndung'u, Phyllis Wanjungu; Getahun, Daniel; Graham, Michael; Marquardt, Svenja; Mulat, Daniel Girma; Merbold, Lutz; Wilkes, Andreas; Worku, Tigist; Gakige, Jesse; Arndt, Claudia
These datasets include enteric methane emission factors derived using the Common Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (‘CSIRO’) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 methods. The activity data collected includes the live weight (LW) measurements of cattle in 113 smallholder farms from different agro-ecological zones collected between February 2020 to January 2021 i.e., five LW measurements at months 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, live weight change for different periods, body condition scoring and physiological status referred here as "Activity data". The animal performance data together with feed quality data were used to predict the energy requirements of the animals. The animals were grouped by age and sex; adult females (>3 years), adult males (intact and castrates) (> 3 years), heifers (1-3 years), young Males (1-3years), and calves (both sexes, <1year). Estimation of daily methane production (DMP) conducted by programming the equations for ‘CSIRO’ and IPCC Tier 2 methods in Microsoft Excel. The estimations for individuals were made on a seasonal basis. The weighted average of seasonal DMPs was multiplied by 365 to obtain the annual emission factor of enteric methane production. Feed basket and digestibility calculated_NorthShewa_Ethiopia_2020 to 2021contain information on feedstuffs available and their contribution to feed baskets per agroecological zones in North Shewa. It also shows the average dry matter digestibility for each season. Milk quality data North Shewa_Ethiopia_2020 to 2021 contains information on seasonal milk quality of milk analyzed on pooled milk samples at the household level. Milk yield data North Shewa_Ethiopia_2010 to 2021 contains information on the daily milk yield of lactating cows recorded by farmers on a daily basis. Supplementary material North Shewa Ethiopia contains results in tabular form and figures to support the justification of findings. Table S1: Seasonal mean live weights change (LWC, g/day) of different classes of cattle: (females, males (intact and castrates), heifers, young males, and calves) from two agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of North Shewa zone, Ethiopia; Table S2: Net energy requirement (MJ/head/day) of different classes of cattle from IPCC Tier 2 methodology in the North Shewa zone, Ethiopia; Table S3: Maintenance energy requirement (MJ/head/day) of the different classes of cattle from ‘CSIRO’ Tier 2 methodology in the North Shewa zone, Ethiopia; Figure S1-S6: Plot of live weight versus emission factors for different cattle sub-categories for ‘CSIRO’ and IPCC Tier 2 methodologies.
Using systems thinking for agricultural research for development to transform food systems in the global South
(Conference Paper, 2024) Valencia Leñero, Eva M.; Ewell, Hanna; Schiller, Katharina; Woltering, Lennart; Bailey, Arwen
This study investigates the role of systems thinking tools in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation for sustainable transformation, with a focus on the agri-food sector. Drawing from an assessment of various toolkits and guidelines, it highlights the potential of systems approaches in translating complex sustainability theories into actionable strategies. While these tools provide valuable frameworks for understanding and engaging with multifaceted challenges, such as novelty, innovation, and collaboration, they also reveal certain limitations and gaps. The analysis highlights the diversity in available toolkits, tailored to different sectors and stakeholders, and underscores their role in fostering organizational change and facilitating collaboration. However, it identifies challenges such as the predominance of tool development in the Global North, linguistic barriers, and a lack of consensus on defining systems and addressing long-term processes and uncertainties. Furthermore, the study explores opportunities and challenges for the application of systems thinking tools within a case study of CGIAR, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift towards integrated, inclusive, and locally-relevant approaches. It calls for the institutionalization of systems thinking approaches and the development of comprehensive yet accessible tools to guide researchers in examining their innovations within broader systems, fostering collaboration, and maximizing impact. Despite limitations in sample size and scope, this research offers insights into the potential of systems thinking toolkits and guidelines as part of the processes to drive sustainable transformations in agri-food systems. It underscores the importance of comprehensive tailored-made toolkits that can guide researchers and agricultural development practitioners in applying systems approaches to advance agricultural innovation for sustainability transitions in their own fields, contexts and sectors.
Scaling integrated mangrove-shrimp systems in the Mekong Delta
(Presentation, 2025-11) Schiller, Katharina
Impact of carbon pricing on mitigation potential in Chinese agriculture: A model-based multi-scenario analysis at provincial scale
(Journal Article, 2024-03-01) Deng, Yizhi; Liu, Jing-Yu; Xie, Wei; Liu, Xiaomuzi; Lv, Jian; Zhang, Runsen; Wu, Wenchao; Geng, Yong; Boulange, Julien
Participatory strategies for implementing sustainable agrifood systems in the Amazon
(Report, 2024-12-30) Maya, Diana; Guaqiuetá, Victoria; Correal, Antonia; Rodríguez, Luz A.
This Experience Exchange and Learning Route was proposed within the CGIAR initiative Low Emission Food Systems (Mitigate+) as a process to strengthen local capacities, based on the needs identified in the characterization of production systems carried out through participatory workshops in Belén de los Andaquíes and La Montañita Caquetá during 2023. The objective of the exchange of experiences was to strengthen the organizational and management capacities of producers and producers' organizations in the territory by providing knowledge and tools to enable the implementation of strategies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. We address the following topics: climate change adaptation and mitigation, participatory innovation, low-emission food systems, project formulation and business plans. Including a gender perspective and permanent reflections on the aspects related to equity were fundamental in the development of the training activities and the exchange of experiences.
Ensuring sustainable crop production when yield gaps are small: A data-driven integrated assessment for wheat farms in Northwest India
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Hari S. Nayak; Silva, João Vasco; Parihar, Chiter Mal; Jat, Mangi Lal; Singh, Rajbir; Kumar, Rakesh; Sena, Dipak Ranjan; Jat, Hanuman Sahay; Sidhu, Harminder Singh; Krupnik, Timothy J.; Sapkota, Tek B.
Northwest India achieved remarkable wheat productivity gains during the past decades. However, this has been accompanied by increasing input levels and intensive production practices, raising questions about the economic and environmental sustainability of current cropping systems. A multicriteria integrated assessment is required for wheat farms in the region to understand the scope for cleaner wheat production in the future. Production practices from irrigated wheat fields (n = 3928) were evaluated for multiple sustainability indicators, namely yield gap, nitrogen (N)-use efficiency, profitability, and greenhouse gas emissions. Stochastic frontier analysis was combined with simulated potential yield (Yp) data to identify the causes of wheat yield gaps in the region. N-use efficiency was estimated by calculating the partial factor productivity of N, profitability was computed based on reported input-output amounts and prices, and greenhouse gas emissions were quantified using the Mitigation Options Tool (MOT). These indicators were subjected to a multicriteria assessment using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) under different scenarios (i.e., different weights for different indicators). For each scenario, farmers’ fields were classified as most efficient, efficient, less efficient, and least efficient, and random forest was used to identify the most important management practices governing the field classification. Wheat yield gaps were small (25–30 % of Yp or 2.4 t ha−1) and mostly attributed to the technology yield gap (ca. 20 % of Yp or 1.5 t ha−1). Ranking and grouping the farmers’ fields in the scenario with equal weights for all indicators revealed that at least 25 % of the fields had very high greenhouse gas emissions (>1500 kg CO2-eq ha−1) at a productivity level of < 4.5 t ha−1, and that it is possible to produce wheat sustainably without compromising yields in Northwest India, as indicated by the performance of the most efficient fields. Tillage intensity and N application rates can be adjusted for least efficient fields (<10 % least efficient fields adopting zero tillage vs >80 % most efficient fields adopting zero tillage) to achieve an overall objective of higher yield, lower greenhouse gas emissions, more profit and higher N-use efficiency, whereas residue retention and tillage intensity would need to be prioritized for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. For the most efficient fields the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions was always associated with a decline in yield level. The most important management practices governing the field classification included the crop establishment method used for the previous rice crop, the number of tillage operations, residue retention, and the N fertilizer rate for wheat. The study provides a data-driven approach to screen trade-offs between performance indicators and to identify the management practices that can deliver sustainable and cleaner crop production in the future.
Scaling strategy for integrated mangrove-shrimp systems in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
(Report, 2024) Tang Thi Kim Hong; Hoang Ha Anh; Nguyen Phu Hoa
How to design and implement a climate-smart livestock operation: A capacity-building training for World Bank teams and project implementation units
(Report, 2024-12) Recha, John W.M.; Arndt, Claudia; Whitbread, Anthony M.
Mitigate+: Food Loss and Waste country profile Vietnam: Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions, nutritional losses, land use and water footprints
(Brief, 2024-07-30) Axmann, H.B.; Guo, X.; Broeze, J.; Harbers, C.; Viquez-Zamora, M.; Soethoudt, J.M.
FLW refers to all food intended for human consumption that is finally not consumed by humans. Food Loss is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by food suppliers from the production stage in the chain, excluding retail, food service providers and consumers. Food Waste is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by retailers, food services and consumers (FAO, 2019). Under this definition, FLW does not include food that is consumed in excess of nutritional requirements nor food that incurs a decrease of market value due to over-supply or other market forces, and not due to reduced quality.
Mitigate+: Food Loss and Waste country profile China: Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions, nutritional losses, land use and water footprints
(Brief, 2024-07-30) Axmann, H.; Guo, X.; Broeze, J.; Harbers, C.; Viquez-Zamora, M.; Soethoudt, J.M.
FLW refers to all food intended for human consumption that is finally not consumed by humans. Food Loss is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by food suppliers from the production stage in the chain, excluding retail, food service providers and consumers. Food Waste is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by retailers, food services and consumers (FAO, 2019). Under this definition, FLW does not include food that is consumed in excess of nutritional requirements nor food that incurs a decrease of market value due to over-supply or other market forces, and not due to reduced quality.
Mitigate+: Food Loss and Waste country profile Colombia: Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions, nutritional losses, land use and water footprints
(Brief, 2024-07-30) Axmann, H.; Guo, X.; Broeze, J.; Harbers, C.; Viquez-Zamora, M.; Soethoudt, J.M.
FLW refers to all food intended for human consumption that is finally not consumed by humans. Food Loss is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by food suppliers from the production stage in the chain, excluding retail, food service providers and consumers. Food Waste is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by retailers, food services and consumers (FAO, 2019). Under this definition, FLW does not include food that is consumed in excess of nutritional requirements nor food that incurs a decrease of market value due to over-supply or other market forces, and not due to reduced quality.
Mitigate+: Food Loss and Waste country profile Kenya: Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions, nutritional losses, land use and water footprints
(Brief, 2024-07-30) Axmann, H.; Guo, X.; Broeze, J.; Harbers, C.; Viquez-Zamora, M.; Soethoudt, J.M.
FLW refers to all food intended for human consumption that is finally not consumed by humans. Food Loss is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by food suppliers from the production stage in the chain, excluding retail, food service providers and consumers. Food Waste is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by retailers, food services and consumers (FAO, 2019). Under this definition, FLW does not include food that is consumed in excess of nutritional requirements nor food that incurs a decrease of market value due to over-supply or other market forces, and not due to reduced quality.
Sistema de monitoreo, reporte y verificación de la no deforestación asociada a las cadenas de suministro agropecuario en Colombia: IPSR perfil de la innovación
(Brief, 2024-11) Durango, Sandra; Quintero, Diana; Espada, Andres; Calderon, Victor
Kenya’s perspectives across climate, conservation, and clima + conservation scenarios using Global Forest Model (G4M)
(Presentation, 2024-12) Araujo, Z.; Gusti, M.; Wu, Y.; Kakai, L.; Havlik, P.; Corbeels, M.

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