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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Fotoreportaje del proyecto: Poniendo los ecosistemas en el centro de la adaptación a través del enfoque de Territorios Sotenibles Adaptados al Clima (TeSAC). Santa Rita, Copán Honduras
(Photo Report, 2025) Arce, Daniela; Martinez, Jesus; Borrayo, Andrea; Gómez, Cindy; Martinez Baron, Deissy
El proyecto “Poniendo los ecosistemas en el centro de la adaptación a través del enfoque de Territorios Sostenibles Adaptados al Clima”, ﬁnanciado por el Fondo de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas e implementado por la Alianza Bioversity & CIAT y la Comisión de Acción Social Menonita - CASM, ha trabajado de la mano con agricultores de Santa Rita (Copán), para la apropiación de conocimientos climáticos, la identiﬁcación participativa de la vulnerabilidad climática del territorio y la priorización e implementación de prácticas de adaptación.
The Climate-Smart Villages – CSV of Santa Rita as a local innovation platform for scaling ecosystem- based adaptation in Honduras
(Brief, 2025-05) Martinez Salgado, Jesus David; Borrayo, Andrea Surama; Cindy, Gómez; Castellanos, Andrea; Martinez Baron, Deissy
The municipality of Santa Rita (Honduras), located in the Central American Dry Corridor region, is characterized by irregular rainfall and high vulnerability to climate variability (FAO, 2019). According to IPCC models (2013), this area is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change. The recurrence of phenomena such as droughts has led farmers to intensify the use of natural resources to sustain or increase their incomes and ensure their food security (Calvo-Solano et al., 2018). However, this excessive exploitation has triggered a harmful cycle, where inefficiency in managing environmental resources reduces the resilience of agri-food systems (FAO, 2023), affecting farming families’ incomes and limiting their ability to improve their living conditions. based Adaptation Fund (Global EbA Fund). The Climate Smart Villages – CSV in English, according to Aggarwal et al., 2018), established in Santa Rita since 2015, integrates research for development to address specific agro-climatic challenges faced by rural producers. This approach seeks to strengthen communities’ capacity to reduce their climate vulnerability by increasing their knowledge and adopting informed and sustainable measures related to soil conservation and management, water, biodiversity, the use of local agro-climatic information, emission reduction measures, and adaptation plans contextualized to the specific needs of families and communities through a participatory and inclusive process.
Understanding smallholder decision‐making to increase farm tree diversity: Enablers and barriers for forest landscape restoration in Western Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-01-27) Bosshard, Ennia; Carter, Harrison; Aluso, Lillian Olimba; Chumba, Reuben; Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher N.; Kettle, Chris J.; Nuno, Ana
Abstract Integrating diverse trees and shrubs (hereafter ‘trees’) in agricultural landscapes has emerged as a crucial nature‐based solution to the triple challenge of biodiversity loss, climate change and food security. The potential benefits of on‐farm trees for both people and nature, however, are often constrained by inadequate consideration of local socio‐ecological factors and an overall lack of species diversity. A deeper understanding of what drives farmers' decision‐making in diversifying farm trees is needed to ensure that scaling up tree‐based restoration efforts in smallholder landscapes delivers the promised benefits locally and globally. We conducted surveys with 620 smallholder farmers across Vihiga County in Western Kenya using an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to investigate potential drivers of smallholder intentions to grow more diverse woody plants on their farms. Data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). We found that farmers were more likely to diversify on‐farm trees if they had completed education beyond secondary school, derived all their income from their farms, were household heads and were among the wealthiest 20% of farmers. Our results revealed that farmers' decisions about increasing tree diversity were also influenced by socio‐psychological factors, namely their past experiences, the perceived behaviour and opinions of other farmers, their confidence in their ability to increase tree diversity, and their attitudes toward the expected outcomes of growing a wider range of tree species. Key barriers preventing farmers from diversifying were concerns about attracting harmful wildlife, decreasing soil fertility, small farm sizes, lack of time and knowledge, and certain cultural beliefs about planting trees. Synthesis and applications . Understanding the factors influencing farmers' intentions to increase tree diversity on their farms has substantial implications for the success of nature‐based solutions in Western Kenya and other densely populated smallholder landscapes. Addressing the identified barriers and enablers is crucial to design targeted interventions to promote sustainable tree diversification practices among smallholders to bolster local livelihoods and food security while contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Manual de propagación de especies arbóreas y arbustivas para sistemas ganaderos en el trópico alto
(Manual, 2025-03) Gomez Hoyos, Andres; Bastidas, Mike; Montoya, Alejandro; Cuaical, María; Aza, Giraldo; Cumbalaza, María; Cuaical, Socorro; Chirán, Flor; Piarpuezan, Edwin; Tournebize, Theo; Palma, Edwin; Arango, Jacobo
Approaches and benefits of NUS value chain development under the NATURE+ initiative: An overview
(Report, 2025-02-03) Ghione, Andrea; Grazioli, Francesca; De Falcis, Eleonora; Borelli, Teresa; Gebrehawaryat, Yosef; Kaushal, Manoj; Nabuuma, Deborah; Otieno, Gloria; Ramirez, Marleni; Thomas, Evert; Vernooy, Ronnie
CGIAR Research Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions
CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions: CIMMYT final report
(Report, 2024-12) Odjo, Sylvanus; González Regalado, Jessica; Romero Parilla, Nestor; Bolaños Vargas, Janeth; Goulet, Frederic; González Reyes, Gabriela; Verhulst, Nele
The Nature+ initiative was launched in 2022 as part of the OneCGIAR strategy to develop and implement solutions that support local food systems and livelihoods equitably while ensuring that agriculture contributes positively to the planet's ecosystems. CIMMYT participated in this initiative with a focus on Colombia and Burkina Faso through the "Conserve," "Manage," and "Recycle" work packages. Activities implemented included different diagnostics in the targeted countries (farmers typologies, stakeholders mapping, social network mapping of informal seed systems) in these regions through a nature-positive approach to understand the local contexts. Additional activities included co-designing solutions to address challenges identified by farmers and providing training on agrobiodiversity management. Overall, the CIMMYT team engaged with thousands of farmers and 36 different stakeholders (34 in Colombia and 2 in Burkina Faso) through 72 events, meetings, workshops and training. Throughout he initiative, farmers received training in improved seed postharvest practices, ensuring the preservation of native maize and other crops. A total of 782 farmers (58% of women) participated in seed storage training. In addition, 11 community seed banks in Colombia were also strengthened with different equipment (moisture meters, dryers, sieves, airtight containers), providing local farmers with tools and knowledge to preserve agrobiodiversity. Smallholders' access to niche markets was part of the activities implemented, with workshops and matchmaking events to help bridge the gap between farmers and buyers and address challenges such as inconsistent supply, postharvest losses, and intermediaries dependence. The project also fostered collaboration with government institutions, including the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, to create favorable policies for the promotion of bioinputs and sustainable farming practices. Within the Multifunctional Landscape Science Program, CIMMYT, in collaboration with the other centers, will focus on expanding these efforts, with an emphasis on participatory varietal selection, business models to connect farmers with market opportunities, and women empowerment for biodiversity conservation. Efforts toward strengthening the seed systems for landraces will also continue, promoting biodiversity conservation and agroecological pest management practices. The collaboration with governmental institutions will continue to help co-design policies that support the production of bioinputs and biofactories and their accessibility to smallholder farmers, helping to create more sustainable farming systems across Colombia and Burkina Faso.
From waste to value: key insights and lessons learned from biogas initiatives in the Global South
(Report, 2025-04-02) Somorin, Tosin; Bodach, Susanne; Tripathi, Mansi
Biogas technology offers a promising pathway for circular bioeconomy transitions in the Global South by turning organic waste into clean energy and nutrient-rich byproducts. Through anaerobic digestion, this approach supports climate mitigation, reduces environmental pollution, and enhances energy access and rural livelihoods. However, large-scale implementation remains limited due to complex barriers spanning political, financial, social, and technical dimensions. Drawing on case studies from Asia and Africa, this report identifies key drivers of successful biogas programs—including strong policy support, financing mechanisms, market development, and community engagement—while underscoring challenges such as fragmented governance, high upfront costs, and low public acceptance. Overcoming these requires integrated strategies that promote enabling environments, capacity building, standardization, and investment readiness. Scaling biogas technologies in low- and middle-income countries can catalyze sustainable development by aligning climate action with inclusive waste management and renewable energy.
A Report of the Stakeholder Mapping and Crop Prioritization workshop for the BOLDER Project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
(Conference Proceedings, 2024-01-09) Awori, Moreen; Mubiru, Daudi; Otieno, Gloria
The report provides a summary of the proceedings of a stakeholder mapping and NUS crop prioritization
Fortalecimiento de las redes locales y casas comunitarias de semillas en Colombia
(Report, 2025) González Regalado, Jessica; Bolaños Vargas, Janeth; Romero Perilla, Néstor; Odjo, Sylvanus
La conservación de recursos fitogenéticos es crucial para la biodiversidad, seguridad alimentaria, identidad cultural y desarrollo económico, pero está amenazada por el cambio climático. Las casas y bancos comunitarios de semillas, gestionados por redes de custodios y organizaciones de pequeños productores, son esenciales para preservar variedades locales. Sin embargo, muchas organizaciones carecen de conocimientos e infraestructura adecuados. Este estudio busca fortalecer el conocimiento técnico de estas redes mediante conversatorios sobre el manejo adecuado de semillas durante el almacenamiento y la entrega de equipamiento para el manejo de semillas en Nariño, Putumayo, Valle de Cauca y Cesar. La selección de casas de semillas se basó en un análisis de redes sociales del sistema local de semillas y la decisión de los agricultores de fortalecer sus procesos. Se realizaron 82 entrevistas semiestructuradas, analizadas con el software KeyPlayer2. Se seleccionaron 12 casas de semillas, de las cuales ocho fueron propuestas por los agricultores y cuatro recomendadas por el estudio. Además, se capacitaron a más de 180 personas, con énfasis en mujeres (61.3%), participación indígena y una baja participación de jóvenes (30.3%). La percepción de los agricultores al termino de esta intervención fue positiva para seguir colaborando con los centros de investigación desde sus territorios y problemáticas locales.
Los roles de las mujeres en el control de plagas y enfermedades de cultivos: Una revisión de la literatura
(Report, 2025-01) Hortúa Ramirez, Daniela; Marin-Lancheros, Julian Andrés; Twyman, Jennifer; Odjo, Sylvanus
Para mantener y aumentar la productividad, la rentabilidad y la resiliencia de los sistemas agroalimentarios es importante contar con un manejo eficiente de control de plagas y enfermedades. Esta problemática sigue afectando muchas comunidades rurales, especialmente de pequeña escala, provocando efectos negativos sobre la seguridad alimentaria de los productores. Por ello, es importante desarrollar y escalar, tecnologías y prácticas integradas sostenibles y sensibles al género para el de control de las plagas y enfermedades. Las mujeres participan en el control de las plagas y enfermedades de los cultivos y desempeñan papeles clave en diferentes actividades agrícolas. Sin embargo, su participación es subestimada debido a normas sociales y culturales, barreras institucionales y mediciones imprecisas que exacerban las brechas de género entre hombres y mujeres al restringir el acceso a recursos y activos que permitirían aumentar los rendimientos en las producciones agrícolas. El presente informe técnico sintetiza la revisión de artículos y literatura gris que abordan la evidencia existente sobre la participación de las mujeres en el control y manejo de plagas y enfermedades en la producción agrícola. Específicamente, identifica roles y diferencias de género en el control de plagas y enfermedades, señala preferencias tecnológicas para esta tarea y las razones subyacentes a las mismas y los obstáculos que enfrentan. Se concluye que es posible que las distinciones entre las preferencias de los hombres y las mujeres no se expliquen en términos de preferencias sino de limitaciones en la capacidad de elección por parte de estas últimas.
Data for: Hermetic bags minimize postharvest loss during at least four successive cycles of storage in Mexican highlands
(Dataset, 2024-11-22) Odjo, Sylvanus; Verhulst, Nele
CIMMYT implemented a study at its station in Texcoco to compare the effectiveness of 5 different storage technologies in minimizing grain loss during four consecutive storage cycles. In each storage cycle, the conventional practice of farmers in the area, polypropylene bag, was compared to four hermetic plastic bags from three different brands ((1) GrainPro® Hermetic Bag Premium TM Zipper (HBZ), (2) GrainPro® Hermetic Bag Premium TM Twist & Tie (HBT), (3) Ecotact 80 Multilayered Hermetic Storage Bag (HEC), (4) ZeroFly® Hermetic Storage Bag (ZFLY)) and silage plastic bag (an alternative low-cost plastic bag used as hermetic technology). The same experiment was repeated during four cycles to evaluate how each technology maintains its performance in minimizing storage loss. After the first storage cycle, the number of holes in each bag due to insect activities was counted. The data collected during each storage cycle included (1) characteristics of the storage cycle, including the crop and variety evaluated; (2) storage technologies evaluated; (3) grain damage, percentage of insect-damaged grain and weight loss; (4) the number of holes per bag. (2024-09-22)
Conservación y manejo de maíces nativos: Selección varietal participativa de maíz y bioinsumos en el Valle del Cauca Colombia
(Report, 2025) Romero Perilla, Néstor; Bolaños Vargas, Janeth; González Regalado, Jessica; Peña Chipatecua, Guillermo; Odjo, Sylvanus
Este trabajo presenta resultados sobre la colaboración de actores clave, como el CIMMYT, la Alianza Bioversity y CIAT y organizaciones comunitarias locales para fortalecer la conservación y manejo sostenible de maíces nativos en El Dovio, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Con base en un diagnóstico participativo, los productores seleccionaron variedades locales de maíz, como el Limeño amarillo y el Diente de caballo para hacer selección varietal con énfasis en el incremento del rendimiento, sin embargo, en el futuro se considerará una metodología más inclusiva por género para atender las necesidades de hombres y mujeres. también se evaluó el impacto de compost como fertilizante alternativo. Los resultados mostraron un aumento en el rendimiento de los cultivos al usar compost, aunque los análisis estadísticos no fueron concluyentes. Se fortalecieron casas de semillas para apoyar la conservación brindando capacitación y suministros para el manejo adecuado de semillas. Además, se implementaron métodos innovadores para el control de plagas y aves, incluyendo trampas de luz y sonidos de aves rapaces. Se hicieron capacitaciones sobre economía circular mediante la valorización de residuos orgánicos y manejo poscosecha de granos. Se recomienda continuar con los ensayos y seguir fortaleciendo la vinculación de los jóvenes en proyectos agrícolas.
Impact of farm size on the function of landscape-level payments for ecosystem services: An agent-based model study
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Wu, Vince; Bell, Andrew Reid; Zhang, Wei
Reducing pesticide use and restoring biodiversity are among the most pressing environmental challenges. Enhancing natural pest control ecosystem services through the integration of non-crop habitats (NCH) offers promising potential, creating a positive feedback loop by harnessing insect biodiversity to reduce pesticide reliance. Policy support is needed at the landscape level to encourage adoption of this currently underutilized approach, which depends on spatial coordination and collective behavioral change. Farm size, which critically influences farmers' agrochemical inputs, agroecological practices, and interactions with neighboring farms, varies across agricultural landscapes. It is unclear what role farm size plays in landscape-scale agri-environmental incentive programs, which have recently seen growing attention in scientific research and policy implementation. We employ framed field games and agent-based modeling as complementary research tools, exploring how farm size impacts the function of landscape-scale NCH subsidies aimed at encouraging coordinated provision and sharing of natural pest control services to reduce pesticide use. Our model simulation shows that, in landscapes of larger average farm size or lower farm size heterogeneity, NCH subsidies are significantly more effective at reducing pesticide use and increasing NCH efficiency in providing joint production benefits. Our results imply that landscape-scale payments for natural pest control ecosystem services face fewer obstacles as incentive-based mechanisms in landscapes of larger, more homogeneous farms, supporting the implementation of landscape-scale initiatives in such areas to effectively enhance ecosystem services. Our findings contribute to the growing discussion around landscape-level financial incentive programs that depend on spatial coordination, highlighting the importance of farmers' land holding size.
Cartographie de marché NUS à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
(Report, 2025-03-01) Sawadogo, Neerbewendin; Attard, Eugenio L. L.; De Falcis, Eleonora; Grazioli, Francesca
Involving rural youth in agroecological nature-positive farming and culinary agri-ecotourism for sustainable development: The Indian scenario
(Journal Article, 2024-10-30) Rana, Jai Chand; Bisht, Ishwari Singh; Mathur, Prem; Fadda, Carlo; Mittra, Sarika; Ahlawat, Sudhir Pal; Vishwakarma, Harinder; Yadav, Rashmi
Industrial food systems produce most of the food that we consume globally today. But many observers acknowledge that industrial agriculture cannot be sustained in the long run. As such, agroecological practices that encourage sustainable farming practices with a focus on local markets and the local economy are being promoted more and more to change the way food systems work. The current research examines how rural youth can best be involved in food system transformation as a potential agent of change. The research considers the potential of payments for environmental services (PESs) in the study area. The economic potential of gastronomic agri-ecotourism in various traditional agricultural landscapes of different agroecosystems of India has also been investigated. Gastronomic agri-ecotourism has the potential to provide economic benefits to traditional agricultural landscapes and agroecosystems while also promoting sustainable tourism practices. The results of an exploratory study on rural youth participation in nature-friendly agroecological regenerative farming and culinary agri-ecotourism initiatives are presented in this paper in an effort to increase the sustainability of conventional farming and food systems. This study, which was carried out in four different agroecological settings in India, sheds light on the opportunities and problems faced by rural youth, as well as their motivations.
A report of the stakeholder mapping and crop prioritization workshop for the BOLDER Project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
(Report, 2024-01-09) Awori, Moreen; Mubiru, Daudi; Otieno, Gloria
The Report provides a summary of the proceedings of a stakeholder mapping and NUS crop prioritization workshop held in Arusha Tanzania as part of the implementation of the project on Building Opportunities for Lesser known Diversity In Uganda, Tanzania, Benin and Ghana.
A review of select neglected and underutilized species in Tanzania
(Report, 2025-01-01) Marimo, Pricilla; Otieno, Gloria
The review study provides an overview of select neglected and under-utilized crop species in Tanzania highlighting the history of domestication, conservation and use of the crops, their contribution to food security, nutrition and livelihoods and their potential to contribute to food systems transformation in terms of resilience, food and nutrition security and value chains.
A review of select Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Uganda
(Report, 2025-01-01) Marimo, Pricilla; Otieno, Gloria
Creación de un marco propicio para promover los bancos comunitarios de semillas, considerando cuatro elementos centrales: Reconocimiento, respeto, apoyo y colaboración
(Brief, 2025-02) Vernooy, Ronnie; Gupta, Arnab; Subedi, Abishkar; Araujo De Lima, Silvia
El número de bancos comunitarios de semillas en todo el mundo crece, pero en muchos países sigue existiendo un vacío político y jurídico en cuanto a su contribución a la conservación de la agricultura y al desarrollo comunitario, y los mecanismos para apoyar y fortalecer sus funciones y actividades. Reconociendo la inversión de tiempo, esfuerzo y recursos que requieren el mantenimiento y la sostenibilidad de un banco de semillas, no debería funcionar sin una estrategia de apoyo, que incluya construir desde cero y fortalecer las capacidades organizativas y técnicas necesarias para mantener su funcionamiento eficiente. Dicha estrategia podría diseñarse e implementarse al nivel político, jurídico y/o normativo. Este documento ofrece elementos clave que aprovechan cuatro dimensiones de una estrategia de colaboración: reconocimiento, respeto, soporte y colaboración.

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