CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117898

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Environmental health and biodiversity

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/12-nature-positive-solutions-enhancing-productivity-and-resilience-safeguarding-the-environment-and-promoting-inclusive-community-growth/

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Nature positive solutions for shifting agrifood systems to more resilient and sustainable pathways (Work Package 3: Restore)
(Report, 2025-02-13) Chavan, Sangram B.; Rajagopal, V.; Halli, H.M.; Viswadev, V.S.; Rajashri, Joshi
The project “Nature Positive Solutions for Shifting Agrifood Systems to More Resilient and Sustainable Pathways (Work Package 3: Restore)” focuses on the development of agroforestry models designed to restore degraded lands in the Akole cluster of Maharashtra, with an emphasis on enhancing both nutritional and environmental security. The project addresses several challenges, including soil erosion, fodder scarcity, and reduced tree cover. Agroforestry systems such as block plantations, silvipasture, and integrated farming were implemented to restore these degraded lands. The collaboration with BAIF, Pune along with CGIAR partners The Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT and International Water Management Institute, carried out this study with focus on the impact of restoration interventions on biodiversity, soil health, and carbon sequestration. A micro-watershed of about 63 hectare was identified in Chicondi village to implement technological interventions. The activities carried out under this project include the successful establishment of three agroforestry models—Fodder, Wadi, and Bamboo—on farmers' fields in Chichondi Village. Species like Mango and Bamboo were identified as priority species for plantation, with fodder scarcity being the most critical issue, as indicated by the constraints ranking. The Wadi system, dominated by Mango and Teak, played a key role in addressing both nutritional needs and environmental security. These systems also contributed significantly to biomass, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production. A comprehensive biodiversity assessment revealed significant variation in species richness and diversity across different land-use systems. The Bamboo system (New) exhibited the highest biodiversity, with a Shannon-Wiener Index of 3.7225 and species richness of 77, while the Agriculture Fallow system had the lowest biodiversity (Shannon-Wiener Index = 2.6469, Species Richness = 19). These findings underscore the importance of habitat-specific conservation strategies to maintain ecosystem health and support biodiversity. Soil properties showed variations in soil parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels across the systems. Soil pH ranged from 5.09 in the Wadi Control system to 6.51 in the Forest system, while organic carbon content varied from 0.55% in the Wadi Control system to 1.90% in the Forest system. These variations highlight the significant role of different agroforestry systems in improving soil health. Carbon sequestration studies showed that forest systems had the highest carbon stock at 112.9 Mg/ha, followed by agricultural fallow systems at 94.61 Mg/ha and Wadi systems at 75.34 Mg/ha. The Wadi control system, lacking tree cover, had the lowest carbon stock at 46.01 Mg/ha. Wadi agroforestry systems, dominated by Mango and Teak, significantly contributed to carbon sequestration, with 16.60 Mg/ha of carbon stock and 4.32 Mg/ha of CO₂ sequestration. These systems also produced 20.91 Mg/ha of oxygen, with Mango contributing 9.01 Mg/ha and Teak 8.06 Mg/ha. These findings highlight the key role of Wadi (Old) systems in restoring degraded lands, increasing tree cover, and improving carbon sequestration. Therefore, development of Agroforestry systems is vital in restoring ecosystems, boosting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change, while also providing sustainable income opportunities for local communities, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and resilience.
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)
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.
Nature-Positive Agriculture—A way forward towards resilient agrifood systems
(Journal Article, 2025-01-31) Kaushal, Manoj; Atieno, Mary; Odjo, Sylvanus; Baijukya, Frederick; Gebrehawaryat, Yosef; Fadda, Carlo
Current food production systems rely heavily on resource-poor small-scale farmers in the global south. Concomitantly, the agrifood systems are exacerbated by various a/biotic challenges, including low-input agriculture and climate crisis. The recent global food crisis further escalates the production and consumption challenges in the global market. With these challenges, coordinated efforts to address the world’s agrifood systems challenges have never been more urgent than now. This includes the implementation of deeply interconnected activities of food, land, and water systems and relationships among producers and consumers that operate across political boundaries. Nature-positive agriculture represents interventions both at the farm and landscape level that include a systems approach for the management of diverse issues across the land-water-food nexus. In the present article, we focus on the history of traditional farming and how it evolved into today’s nature-positive agriculture, including its limitations and opportunities. The review also explains the most impactful indicators for successful nature-positive agriculture, including sustainable management of soil, crops, seeds, pests, and mixed farming systems, including forages and livestock. Finally, the review explains the dynamics of nature-positive agriculture in the context of small-scale farming systems and how multilateral organizations like the CGIAR are converting this into transformative actions and impact. To address the climate crisis, CGIAR established the paradigm of nature-positive solutions as part of its research and development efforts aimed at transforming food, land, and water systems into more resilient and sustainable pathways.
Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative survey report: Colombia
(Report, 2024-12-31) Lopera, Diana Carolina; Ordoñez, Juan Camilo; Azzarri, Carlo; Davis, Kristin E.
This study is part of the CGIAR Research Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions for shifting agrifood systems to more resilient and sustainable pathways" (NATURE+), which aims to promote sustainable agricultural productivity through nature-positive solutions (NPS) by addressing three critical challenges: Land Degradation: Industrial agriculture, while ensuring large-scale food production, has caused severe environmental harm, including 80% of global deforestation, threats to 86% of endangered species, significant biodiversity loss, and up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It also depletes water and soil health, reducing crop resilience and lowering farming incomes and nutrition outcomes. To mitigate these impacts, a shift toward resilient farming systems that support smallholder farmers and enhance agriculture's role as a positive force for nature is essential. Limited Evidence and Knowledge to Support NPS: Awareness of the environmental costs of industrial agriculture has highlighted the need for sustainable farming practices, especially after the 2021 UN Food System Summit and the COVID-19 pandemic. NPS has significant potential, including creating 395 million jobs by 2030 (as per the 2020 World Economic Forum). However, gaps in evidence and tools for decision-making hinder scaling efforts. Research in biodiversity, soil health, and waste management is crucial to develop scalable innovations and support agricultural research for community development. Lack of Business Models for Public-Private Partnerships: The private sector plays a vital role in scaling impact oriented solutions, requiring supportive policies and incentives to encourage investments in sustainable pathways. Developing business models that combine scientific innovation with ecological, social, and livelihood benefits is necessary to foster collaboration and drive smallholder farming toward nature-positive practices.
Informe de avances de la plataforma EncontrAR: Fortaleciendo la resiliencia de la agricultura familiar andina frente al cambio climático (Gestión 2024)
(Report, 2025-01) Lenkiza Angulo, A.; Castellanos, A.; Haan, Stef de; Fonseca, C.; Martínez, D.; Mavila, M.; Mercado, P.; Ochoa, J.; Pradel, W.; Sotomayor, J.
Citizen Science for Youth Engagement guideline
(Manual, 2025-01) International Potato Center
This guide disseminates information concerning agrobiodiversity conservation by engaging children and youth in citizen science projects in rural schools in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Vietnam.
Assessing the gender dimensions in the true costs of food production in Kenya
(Brief, 2024-12-31) Baragu, Geoffrey; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Benfica, Rui
Key takeaways: Gender-based environmental and social external costs create substantial economic inefficiencies in the agricultural sector. The gender wage gap contributes 12.8% to total external costs. Women's limited access to resources leads to reduced productivity, with female farmers investing 36% less in inputs than their male counterparts. Workplace harassment, which disproportionately affects women, accounts for 10.8% of total external costs. Unequal land management practices (women managing smaller plots) and having restricted access to improved agricultural inputs create additional inefficiencies in resource allocation and production outcomes.
Financing the circular bioeconomy: a win-win for climate mitigation and adaptation
(Report, 2024-12-30) Bodach, Susanne; Somorin, Tosin; Drechsel, Pay; Taron, Avinandan
Climate change and resource scarcity pose critical global challenges that demand innovative solutions. Circular bioeconomy provides a transformative framework for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing climate adaptation. By applying circular principles, biowaste and wastewater are converted into valuable resources, reducing emissions across sectors such as agriculture and energy, while promoting sustainable practices such as nutrient recovery, biogas generation and safe wastewater reuse. These approaches address water scarcity, reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs, and improve environmental resilience. Financing mechanisms such as international climate funds, carbon credits and climate bonds are pivotal in scaling circular bioeconomy solutions, while enabling policies and capacity building empower stakeholders to drive implementation. The adoption of circular bioeconomy offers a path toward sustainable development, fostering a resilient and resource-efficient future.
Cacao grafting increases crop yield without compromising biodiversity
(Journal Article, 2025-01-19) Ocampo-Ariza, Carolina; Müller, Sophie; Yovera, Fredy; Thomas, Evert; Vansynghel, Justine; Maas, Bea; Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf; Tscharntke, Teja
Yields of tropical tree crops decline with time, often forcing smallholders to establish new deforestation‐derived plantations. Consequently, alternative strategies reconciling crop yield and biodiversity conservation are essential. Grafting is a common propagation method to boost yield in crops as cacao, but it alters tree structure potentially affecting associated insect diversity. We investigated how grafting affects cacao yield and biodiversity, modulated by local management and landscape, that is shade‐tree cover and distance to nearest forest. Within nine organic agroforests in Peru, we monitored the number of pods yielded over 2 years by ~190 trees per plot, and compared production levels with non‐grafted trees. We collected arthropods on 54 trees shortly after grafting and replicated surveys in the dry and rainy season, with standardized diurnal and nocturnal inspection of tree branches. We expected grafting would increase yield after a brief gap, while the arthropod community associated with freshly grafted cacao would differ from that of full‐grown cacao trees. Cacao grafting increased yields after 2 years by an average of 45% more than adjacent non‐grafted trees. Compared to non‐grafted trees, arthropod abundance was 25% lower 3 months after grafting and 12% lower after 6 months, indicating a recovery of arthropod communities shortly after grafting. Similar patterns were observed for species richness (22% and 12%) and Hill–Shannon diversity (18% and 13%). Abundance of phytophagous insects (mainly aphids) was unchanged with grafting. However, we found 46% fewer beetles and 39% fewer predatory arthropods (mainly spiders) on young—but not old—grafted cacao, indicating a possible decrease in pest control services by predatory arthropods at early grafting stages. We observed richer, more diverse, but less abundant arthropods during nocturnal surveys than on diurnal surveys. Arthropods were richer, more abundant and diverse in the rainy season than in the dry season. Increasing shade‐tree cover decreased arthropod diversity but did not affect species richness or abundance. Shorter distances from forest decreased richness and diversity, but not abundance, possibly due to higher pressure from vertebrate predators nearby forests. Synthesis and applications . Grafting is a successful approach for rejuvenating old, unproductive cacao trees, enhancing smallholder income opportunities and thus reducing pressure for new deforestation‐based plantations. Grafting briefly reduced arthropod abundance and diversity, but recovered in a short time. Hence, rejuvenation of cacao trees by grafting should be promoted and implemented as a promising strategy for more sustainable social‐ecological cacao management, with economic and ecological benefits for smallholders.
Tài liệu tập huấn hệ thống giống rau. Tài liệu 1: Phát triển hệ thống giống tích hợp. Phát triển hệ thống giống rau trong cộng đồng dân tộc thiểu số tại miền núi phía Bắc Việt Nam nhằm nâng cao dinh dưỡng và thu nhập
(Training Material, 2024-12) Swaans, Kees; Trịnh, Quang Tuấn; Nabuuma, Deborah; Stomph, Tjeerd-Jan
Rau là nguồn thu nhập quan trọng cho nông dân dân tộc thiểu số ở vùng cao phía Bắc, Việt Nam. Trong khi các chuỗi giá trị rau tươi phát triển và đem đến nhiều cơ hội, đặc biệt cho phụ nữ và thanh niên, nông hộ nhỏ hiện tại vẫn gặp nhiều vấn đề liên quan đến giống rau (bao gồm cả hạt giống và cây giống). Các khó khăn bao gồm thiếu khả năng tiếp cận hạt giống chất lượng, chất lượng giống không được đảm bảo, kỹ thuật bảo quản và xử lý hạt giống chưa tốt, và các hộ sản xuất nhỏ ít tham gia vào chuỗi giá trị giống. Tài liệu tập huấn này dựa trên kinh nghiệm và bài học của dự án, được thiết kế để hỗ trợ giảng viên tự thiết kế và điều chỉnh các buổi tập huấn về các chủ đề liên quan đến hệ thống giống. Tài liệu 1: Phát triển hệ thống giống tích hợp – Giới thiệu hệ thống giống rau chính thức và không chính thức, sự khác biệt và bổ sung lẫn nhau của các hệ thống này, chức năng và vai trò của các bên trong hệ thống giống, mối quan hệ giữa an ninh hạt giống, an ninh lương thực và đa dạng thực phẩm, và phương pháp giải quyết các thách thức trong hệ thống giống thông qua cách tiếp cận hệ thống giống tích hợp.
Training manual on vegetable seed systems. Module 2: Nutrition, vegetables and seeds
(Training Material, 2024) Nabuuma, Deborah; Hoang, Ky The; Nguyen Thi, Lan Thuy; Trinh, Quang Tuan; Swaans, Kees
Vegetables are a main source of income and nutrition for ethnic minority farmers in Vietnam’s Northern highlands. While value chains for fresh produce and seed markets offer significant opportunities for development—particularly for women and youth—the current smallholder seed systems suffer from multiple problems. Such problems include inadequate access to quality seeds, lack of guaranteed product quality, poor storage and treatment practices, and limited smallholder participation in seed value chains. This training manual based on the project’s experiences and lessons learned is designed to assist facilitators in designing and customizing their own training sessions on seed system related topics. The manual is made up of four modules. This is Module 2: Nutrition, Vegetables and Seeds, presents the fundamentals of dietary diversity and balanced diet, food sourcing and processing with a focus on nutritious vegetables.
Tài liệu tập huấn hệ thống giống rau. Tài liệu 2: Rau, hạt giống và dinh dưỡng
(Training Material, 2024) Nabuuma, Deborah; Hoang, Ky The; Nguyen Thi, Lan Thuy; Trinh, Quang Tuan; Swaans, Kees
Rau là nguồn thu nhập quan trọng cho nông dân dân tộc thiểu số ở vùng cao phía Bắc, Việt Nam. Trong khi các chuỗi giá trị rau tươi phát triển và đem đến nhiều cơ hội, đặc biệt cho phụ nữ và thanh niên, nông hộ nhỏ hiện tại vẫn gặp nhiều vấn đề liên quan đến giống rau (bao gồm cả hạt giống và cây giống). Các khó khăn bao gồm thiếu khả năng tiếp cận hạt giống chất lượng, chất lượng giống không được đảm bảo, kỹ thuật bảo quản và xử lý hạt giống chưa tốt, và các hộ sản xuất nhỏ ít tham gia vào chuỗi giá trị giống. Tài liệu tập huấn này dựa trên kinh nghiệm và bài học của dự án, được thiết kế để hỗ trợ giảng viên tự thiết kế và điều chỉnh các buổi tập huấn về các chủ đề liên quan đến hệ thống giống. Rau, dinh dưỡng và hạt giống – Trình bày các nguyên tắc cơ bản về chế độ ăn đa dạng và cân bằng, mối quan hệ giữa chế độ ăn cân bằng với nguồn cung cấp lương thực, thực phẩm, vai trò của giống rau trong đảm bảo an ninh lương thực và dinh dưỡng, cũng như một số hướng dẫn về thu hoạch rau, sơ chế và chế biến rau.
Rapport d'atelier sur l'activité 3.4 "Renforcement du dialogue inter-pays et international, mise A l'echelle et creation de synergies" du Projet Sustlives
(Report, 2024-07) Bankole, Malikath; Bodjrenou, Sam; Grazioli, Francesca; Otieno, Gloria; Rokka, Susanna; Dambo, Lawali; Nanema, Jaques; El Bilali, Hamid; Acasta, Filippo
Workshop report on Activity 3.4 "Strengthening inter-country and international dialogue, scaling up and creating synergies of the Sustlives Project on NUS
(Report, 2024-07) Bankole, Malikath; Bodjrenou, Sam; Grazioli, Francesca; Otieno, Gloria; Rokka, Susanna; Dambo, Lawali; Nanema, Jaques; El Bilali, Hamid; Acasto, Filippo
Market opportunities for selected indigenous fruits and vegetables in northern Vietnam: A survey report
(Report, 2024-11) Le, Nhu Thinh; Nguyen, Thi Tan Loc; Nguyen, Thi Sau; Nguyen, Manh Dat; Hoang, Ky The; Nabuuma, Deborah; Ghione, Andrea; Swaans, Kees
An exploratory survey that sought to (i) identify local/indigenous fruits and vegetables used in local recipes used in the tourism industry and bearing a significant and cultural meaning for the local communities; (ii) Determine the production methods of the selected local/indigenous fruits and vegetables, and opportunities to yield, quality, environmental footprint and safety; (iii) identify of business models particularly between the tourism sector entry points; and (iv) Explore the potential for certification related to indigenous fruits and vegetables in Northern Vietnam
The true costs of food production in Kenya and Viet Nam: A data dashboard (OA)
(Tool, 2024-12-30) Benfica, Rui; Davis, Kristin E.; Prasai, Nilam
Using tech tools to decide where and what to restore
(Presentation, 2024-06-10) KS, Arpitha; Deepthi, R.; Bunyan, Milind
Diversity for Restoration (D4R) is a decision support tool, developed by The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, to assist in species selection for ecological restoration. Focused on southern India, the tool addresses the challenges of selecting suitable species by integrating climate change projections, site conditions, and community needs. Unlike traditional approaches, D4R uses habitat modelling and a trait-based scoring system to recommend species that align with restoration goals and environmental conditions. The D4R tool offers tree species after matching species to the best fit of the site conditions and restoration objectives. With a species pool of 250 native and exotic species, D4R offers a holistic solution for more effective and sustainable restoration projects.
All-year round assessment of improved forages and impact on soil health in Mai Son district, Son La Province, Vietnam
(Report, 2024-12) Do, Trong Hieu; Nguyen, Tien Sinh; Dao, Thi Thu Hang; Tran, Thi Bich Ngoc; Peters, Michael; Otieno, Mary
Community-led plantation model Shahada Cluster, India
(Brochure, 2024-12-27) VS, Viswadev; Meshram, Manish
The NATURE+ initiative for community-led plantations aims to restore degraded lands and improve livelihoods. Led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT as part of CGIAR's research portfolio, this initiative is driving innovation and science to transition food, land, and water systems onto more resilient and sustainable pathways. The BAIF Development Research Foundation being the implementing partner for the initiative is partnering with multiple CGIAR institutes and research partners to develop Nature+ models for transforming the agrifood system. Under the Workpackage 3 Restore of this initiative BAIF has been working with communities for developing community led approach for land restoration. By combining the traditional knowledge of local communities with agroforestry, the NATURE+ initiative is promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. The Shahada cluster in Nandurbar District of Maharashtra, India is a successful example of this approach, showcasing the potential for community-led initiatives to drive positive change and promote a nature-positive future. Through the establishment of Non-Timber Forest Products nurseries (NTFPs), afforestation on community lands, and the conservation of endemic plant species, this initiative is not only restoring ecological balance but also improving community well-being and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through a collaborative effort between the community and government agencies, a community-led plantation initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in the planting of 18,200 plants, 6,000 seeds, and 9 species across 19 hectares of land within a 2-year timeframe. This achievement was made possible through the convergence of project initiatives, government schemes and community-led efforts, with the support of local villagers in three villages.

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