CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117911

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/21-ukama-ustawi-u2-water-secure-and-climate-resilient-agricultural-livelihoods-in-east-and-southern-africa/

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Next-generation drought intensity–duration–frequency curves for early warning systems in Ethiopia’s pastoral region
(Journal Article, 2025-02-02) Tegegne, Getachew; Alemayehu, Sintayehu; Dejene, Sintayehu Workeneh; Gebre, Liyuneh; Zeleke, Tadesse Terefe; Tesfaye, Lidya; Abdulhamid, Numery
The pastoral areas of Ethiopia are facing a recurrent drought crisis that significantly affects the availability of water resources for communities dependent on livestock. Despite the urgent need for effective drought early warning systems, Ethiopia’s pastoral areas have limited capacities to monitor variations in the intensity–duration–frequency of droughts. This study intends to drive drought intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves that account for climate-model uncertainty and spatial variability, with the goal of enhancing water resources management in Borana, Ethiopia. To achieve this, the study employed quantile delta mapping to bias-correct outputs from five climate models. A novel multi-model ensemble approach, known as spatiotemporal reliability ensemble averaging, was utilized to combine climate-model outputs, exploiting the strengths of each model while discounting their weaknesses. The Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI) was used to quantify meteorological (3-month SPEI), agricultural (6-month SPEI), and hydrological (12-month SPEI) droughts. Overall, the analysis of historical (1990–2014) and projected (2025–2049, 2050–2074, and 2075–2099) periods revealed that climate change significantly exacerbates drought conditions across all three systems, with changes in drought being more pronounced than changes in mean precipitation. A prevailing rise in droughts’ IDF features is linked to an anticipated decline in precipitation and an increase in temperature. From the derived drought IDF curves, projections for 2025–2049 and 2050–2074 indicate a significant rise in hydrological drought occurrences, while the historical and 2075–2099 periods demonstrate greater vulnerability in meteorological and agricultural systems. While the frequency of hydrological droughts is projected to decrease between 2075 and 2099 as their duration increases, the periods from 2025 to 2049 and from 2050 to 2074 are expected to experience more intense hydrological droughts. Generally, the findings underscore the critical need for timely interventions to mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with drought, particularly in areas like Borana that depend heavily on water resources availability.
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
Uganda’s yellow star to launch nutritious bean-based flour to tackle malnutrition
(Blog Post, 2025-01-29) Munthali, Justice; Birachi, Eliud; Rubyogo, Jean Claude
Malnutrition 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.
Participatory scenario development on the future of maize - mixed systems in East and Southern Africa
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nkanyani, S.; Mwamakamba, S.; Zimba, N.
Recognizing the escalating pressures on the maize-mixed farming system in East and Southern Africa (ESA), the CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa convened a Regional Participatory Scenario Development Workshop through the collaborative efforts of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). This strategic initiative brought together key stakeholders to cocreate plausible future scenarios, exploring pathways towards a more diversified and resilient agricultural landscape. The workshop facilitated a multi-stakeholder dialogue, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges facing the region. Participants identified a range of predictable trends, including socio-economic shifts, evolving environmental governance, technological advancements, and changing dietary patterns. Critically, the discussions moved beyond simply recognizing these trends to identifying key uncertainties that could profoundly reshape the future of the maize-mixed system. Through a dynamic group process, stakeholders developed detailed narratives for each scenario, weaving together potential future contexts shaped by climate change, technological innovation, policy decisions, economic forces, and societal values as well as other factors that shape the food systems as outlined in (Matchaya et al., 2023). IFPRI enriched these narratives by modeling the potential consequences of various choices and decisions within each scenario, providing valuable quantitative insights. The outputs of this scenario development process will form part of the comprehensive State of Region Report and a targeted Policy Brief. These publications will serve as crucial tools for raising awareness and stimulating dialogue among policymakers, decision-makers, and stakeholders across the ESA region. By providing a robust, evidence-based foundation for understanding potential future pathways, this initiative empowers stakeholders to develop proactive and adaptive strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure future for the region.
CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator: agri-innovation report for East and Southern Africa - cohort 2
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nkosi, Mahlatse; Dlamini, Jerry; Birachi, E.; Dirwai, Tinashe; Giombini, V.; Ires, Idil; Mhlanga, B.; Munthali, J.; Njiru, A.; Nortje, Karen; Nowak, A.; Peterson, N.; Sewe, L.; Kamanda, Josey
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator Agri-Innovation Report for East and Southern Africa: Cohort 2 presents the outcomes of an initiative aimed at transforming agrifood systems across the region. This report documents the journey of ten agribusinesses selected for support under the Ukama Ustawi initiative, which promotes sustainable, climate-smart, and investment-ready agricultural innovations. Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (ESA) is at a crossroads, requiring scalable innovations to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability. Recognizing this need, the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator provides targeted technical assistance to agribusinesses, focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Impact Measurement and Management (IMM), and Investment Readiness (IR). The initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture to adopt sustainable practices, access financing, and expand their operations, ensuring long-term resilience and food security.
A smart—and smartly delivered—advisory service for Rwanda's small-scale farmers
(Blog Post, 2025-01-25) Mudereri, Bester
CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator: bootcamp report – Kenya
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nyauncho, E.; Mabele, Thato; Nguvi, C.; Kirimi, P.; Njiru-Mugo, A.; Nkosi, Mahlatse; Petersen, N.; Mugo, P.; Sewe, L.
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA) Bootcamp, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 2–4, 2024, convened 40 agribusiness SMEs from Nairobi and surrounding counties, investors, and technical experts to equip businesses with tools for scaling climate-smart agriculture solutions. Organized under the Ukama Ustawi Initiative, the bootcamp aimed to bridge the gap between innovation, investment readiness, and sustainable food systems through a structured, three-day program. The bootcamp underscored the critical role of targeted support for agribusiness SMEs in East and Southern Africa, which often lack access to capital, expertise, and markets. By fostering collaborations between businesses, technical experts, and investors, the program positioned SMEs to drive climate resilience, food security, and economic growth. Unlike traditional accelerator programs, CFSA’s science-driven, climate-resilient, and gender-inclusive approach uniquely addresses the region’s challenges, ensuring agribusinesses are not just investment-ready but also equipped for long-term sustainability. Given the high demand for capacity-building initiatives of this nature, expanding the bootcamp model to additional African regions could provide more SMEs with the knowledge, networks, and financial linkages needed to scale impact-driven innovations. Ultimately, Africa’s agricultural transformation depends on empowering its agribusinesses with the resources necessary to build resilient, climate-smart, and socially inclusive food systems. The CFSA Bootcamp demonstrated how strategic investment in SMEs can catalyse sustainable agricultural development, positioning these enterprises as key players in tackling food insecurity and climate challenges. Looking ahead, scaling similar programs will be vital in ensuring a more robust and equitable agrifood system across the continent.
Diagnostic study of the maize-based system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Balaka and Nkhotakota districts in Malawi
(Report, 2024-12-30) Chavula, G.; Moses, P.
Diagnostic study of the maize-based farming system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Makonde, Masvingo and Murehwa districts in Zimbabwe
(Report, 2024-12-30) Mugiyo, H.
Zimbabwean rainfed agriculture is vulnerable to climate change and rainfall variability shocks. Zimbabwe is vulnerable to supply disruptions and food shortages due to its heavy reliance on rainfed maize cultivation and its growing focus on maize, groundnuts, and horticulture. Zimbabwe's irrigation and rainfed maize production demonstrate the importance of irrigation infrastructure. Small-scale agriculture is the main occupation in Makonde, Masvingo, and Murehwa, Zimbabwe. An ideal smallholder farmer development policy should consider small-scale farming's socio-economic conditions and focus on efficiency, productivity, and transformation. Growing crops on marginal land with little rainfall requires irrigation technology. Nevertheless, comprehensive technologies must prioritise sustainability. Therefore, irrigated agriculture needs particular interventions. This study tested rainfed and irrigation systems for maize cultivation for longevity. It also identified intervention areas based on farmers' priorities, opportunities, and preferences. The study focused on Masvingo district, Murehwa, and Makonde in Mashonaland East and West to collect accurate agricultural production and intervention data. A comprehensive survey collected data on all irrigation projects in the three districts. Stratified random sampling included all small-scale farmers in selected districts. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with district farmers and key informants were structured. A group of knowledgeable farmers participated in focus group discussions. In all, 169 farmers from three districts were interviewed. Most farmers surveyed were from Masvingo (60), followed by Murehwa (58) and Makonde (51). Results showed mean land ownership size differences between the three districts. Murehwa and Masvingo have a maximum land ownership of 10 hectares (ha), while the minimum is 0.5 ha. Groundwater irrigation is done by 31% of farmers in the three districts using motor pumps. Manual pumps are used 10% in all three districts like other water-lifting methods. Farmers are adopting solar pumps as they switch to renewable energy due to electricity shortages. All three districts' farmers used sprinkler irrigation to apply water, with an average adoption rate of 39%. Many farmers interviewed were unhappy with water productivity for various reasons. These factors include high irrigation system costs, low crop prices, pump and transformer failures, and better irrigation equipment. Enhancing service maintenance and provision is a crucial productivity intervention. All districts' farmers use crop rotation and intercropping to adapt to climate change. AU-IDAWM pathways 1 and 2 must be implemented in the three districts for sustainable agricultural water management. Pathway 1 improves rain-fed farming water control and watershed management, while pathway 2 develops farmer-led irrigation systems. Zimbabwe's irrigation and rainfed maize production demonstrate the importance of irrigation infrastructure. Makonde, Masvingo, and Murehwa, Zimbabwe, rely on smallscale agriculture for subsistence. An ideal rural development policy should match small-scale farming's socio-economic conditions to boost efficiency, productivity, and transformation. Effective input supply systems, technology, infrastructure, and produce markets can boost small-scale agriculture productivity. In Zimbabwe's irrigated drylands, irrigation outperforms rainfed crop production, nitrogen use, and water efficiency. The irrigated drylands of Makonde, Masvingo, and Murehwa should adopt climate-smart practices because they boost crop productivity and economic benefits. High-efficiency water use can also achieve sustainable agricultural intensification. Masvingo, Murehwa, and Makonde have partially operational water user associations. The Water Users Association's internal regulations were disliked by 70% of Makonde farmers, 69% of Masvingo farmers, and 69% of Murehwa farmers. These regulations seemed ineffective and unresponsive to their needs. Effective input supply systems, technological advances, infrastructure development, and efficient produce markets can boost Zimbabwean small-scale agriculture productivity. In Zimbabwe's irrigated drylands, irrigation outperforms rainfed crop production, soil nutrient use, and water efficiency. The irrigated drylands of Makonde, Masvingo, and Murehwa should adopt climate-smart practices because they boost crop productivity and economic benefits. Sustainable agricultural intensification requires efficient water use and management.
Diagnostic study of the maize-based system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Chipata and Monze districts in Zambia
(Report, 2024-12-30) Mwale, M.
Efficient agricultural water management is key to improving crop-water productivity. Very few smallholder farmers in Zambia use irrigation as it is largely informal and applied to fruits and vegetables grown close to the water sources. Only 1% of the small holder farmers use irrigation for field crops and about 16% of them use it for fruits and vegetables (Ngoma, et.al, 2017). The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) conducted a household survey to understand agricultural water management practices used by smallholder farmers. The survey forms part of a larger initiative, Ukama Ustawi (UU), which seeks to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods and agribusiness ecosystems in 12 East and Southern African countries, Zambia inclusive to help millions of vulnerable smallholders’ transition from maize-mixed systems to sustainably intensified, diversified, and de-risked agrifood systems with a strong maize base. In Zambia, the survey was conducted in two districts, Chipata District of Eastern Province and Monze District of Southern Province. The study’s main objectives were to understand the sustainability of the maize-based rainfed and irrigation systems and to identify areas of intervention in the context of the key problems, opportunities, and farmers’ preferences.
Nature-based solutions for river restoration and flow management: the case of Kitwe City, Zambia
(Book Chapter, 2025-01-30) Umer, Yakob; Debele, S. E.; Mvula, C.; Amarnath, Giriraj; Chisola, M. N.; Marti-Cardona, B.
River systems worldwide are under significant anthropogenic pressures and climate-related challenges, leading to ecosystem degradation and increased flood risk. This chapter demonstrates how Nature Based Solutions (NbS) can contribute to river restoration while reducing flood risk, supporting wider sustainable goals. To this end, this chapter evaluates the effectiveness of NbS interventions in river restoration and flood risk management in the Kitwe City, Zambia. The methodology involves using a hydraulic model to simulate river flow under different NbS scenarios (retention ponds and woodland reforestation), and to compare the simulated flood depth and flow velocity in pre- and post-intervention conditions. The findings indicate that the presence of NbS significantly reduces flood risks, with retention ponds and woodlands leading to flood depth reductions ranging from 0.09 m to 0.18 m and 0.06 m to 0.11 m, respectively. Regarding flow velocities, retention ponds reduced them by an average of 0.11m/s, and woodlands, by 0.07 m/s. These results indicate that both NbS types reduce flood depth and velocity, with ponds being slightly more effective than woodland in the particular setting of the Kitwe District. The findings suggest that integrating NbS into river restoration can mitigate flood risks, improve ecosystem resilience, and contribute to long-term sustainability. These results inform risk management policies and emphasise the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to upscale NbS for maximum ecological and societal benefits.
Pathways to resilient dryland food systems in Africa: Strategic and tactical choices for accelerated impacts
(Report, 2024) Marenya, Paswel P.; Narmandakh, Davaatseren; Kirui, Leonard; Odhong, Jonathan A.; Sanni Abdulrahman; Aboudoulaye, Soule B.; Adam, Mamadou; Alex, Gerald; Belko, Marème N.; Bett, Charles; Dembele, Bandiougou; Derik, Sakatali P.; De Pee, Eric; Diatta, Cyril; Faye, Ndeye F.; Gichuru, Lilian; Kone, Bouréma; Kazombo, Samson F.M.; Kisilu, Rachael; Mchau, Devotha; Martey, Edward; Mbulwe, Lloyd; Ndubi, Jerika M.; Templer, Noel A.; Ouédraogo, Nofou; Opie, Hellen; Puozaa, Doris K.; Reoungel, Djinodji; Salegua, Venancio; Sawadogo-Compaoré, Eveline; Sime, Mekonnen; Zemedu, Lemma
Africa’s drylands form vital food systems, supporting a significant portion of its population and agricultural activity. However, they face persistent challenges with low productivity, limited market integration, and acute vulnerability to climate shocks. These issues contribute to structural poverty and high rates of undernourishment, highlighting the need for investments to improve rural incomes, enhance resilience, and foster economic growth.
Farmer to farmer knowledge sharing to strengthen preparedness to prevent introduction and spread of Banana Bunchy Top Virus disease in Uganda
(Report, 2024-10) Mahuku, G.; Awori, M.; Amony, B.; Apio, G.; Kutunga, D.
Assessment of Forage Early Generation Seed Production and Supply in Ethiopia
(Report, 2025-01) Dejene, Mesfin; Gebreyes, Million; Mekonnen, Kindu; Derseh, Melkamu
Diagnostic study of the maize-based system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Nakuru and Makueni counties in Kenya
(Report, 2024-12-30) Kanda, E.
In Kenya, agriculture is mostly rainfed despite about 85% of the country being arid and semi-arid. The poor spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall makes rainfed agriculture a risky venture and makes the country susceptible to climate change and variability induced shocks. Furthermore, Kenya’s reliance on rainfed maize production in meeting its food needs and growing consolidation of production toward maize and dry beans has rendered the country increasingly vulnerable to supply disruptions and food shortages. Expansion of crop production to marginal lands that receive lower than normal rainfall requires investment in irrigation technologies. However, blanket one-size fits all technologies are not sustainable and therefore there is a need to design appropriate and fit-for purpose interventions in irrigated agriculture. This study aimed understanding the sustainability of the maize-based rainfed and irrigation system and identifying areas of intervention in the context of the key problems, opportunities, and farmers' preference. The counties considered were two contrasting agro-ecological zones i.e. Nakuru County (humid) and Makueni (Semi-arid) in order to obtain representative findings on agricultural production and range of interventions. Five out of six sub-counties were selected in Makueni County. In Nakuru, 23 wards out of 55 were eligible (based on irrigation suitability mapping and salinity levels) for selection and 8 wards were finally selected which covered 8 out of 11 sub-counties. 161 and 150 households in Makueni and Nakuru respectively were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaires were and Key informant interviews were adopted in the study. The findings indicated that most of the farmers use traditional irrigation methods (furrow, flood and basin) with only 38% and 23% in Nakuru and Makueni respectively using sprinkler and drip systems. Food security was ranked as the main driver for irrigation practise in the two counties. Most respondents (80%) were dissatisfied with their land productivity under a rainfed system in Makueni, while most (53%) were satisfied in Nakuru County. Although rainfed farmers are interested in starting irrigation, water scarcity is a limiting factor. Lack of extension services and training is another factor hindering irrigation practise. The assessment of the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of the major crops indicated that only tomatoes in Makueni County are profitable in irrigated conditions. Kales (under irrigation) and beans (under rainfed) were profitable in Nakuru. The low profitability of major crops includes high input costs and low yields. Profit margins drive agribusiness and therefore sustainability of farming systems. Maize farming was not profitable in the two counties though the BCR value is closer to 1.0 in Nakuru implying that minimal interventions can be introduced to enhance profitability of maize farming in Nakuru. These interventions can include subsidies on farm inputs, and extension support and training. Profitability of farming enterprises in Makueni seems to favour high-value crops (vegetables) under irrigated conditions. Diversification of food systems is important practise for sustainable agricultural production. Sustainable diversification and intensification is determined by diversity of farm characteristics such as farm size and land tenure. Most farmers in both Makueni and Nakuru own less than 5 ha of land. This affects the selection of crops to be grown. Farmers who own large tracts of land (>10 ha) prefer maize or other cereals to vegetables and vice versa. Most farmers have private land ownership and thus secure land tenure although some farmers are in communal land, especially in Makueni County. Most farmers in the two counties practise crop rotation and intercropping as climate change adaptation strategies. Adoption of AU-IDAWM pathways 1 (Improved water control and watershed management in rain-fed farming, and pathway 2 is to better understand the informal FLID systems (farmer-led irrigation development (FLID) and contextually support and expand the sector are two important aspects that need to be adopted in the two counties to realize sustainable agricultural water management.
Announcing the winners of a first round of funding to take agricultural innovations to scale in Africa
(Blog Post, 2024-02-28) MacMillan, Susan
A ‘Scaling Fund’ was launched late last year by the CGIAR Regional Research Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa, an initiative known also by its Shona-Swahili name, ‘Ukama Ustawi’ (denoting ‘partnership’ and ‘well-being’). This initiative supports climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods in a dozen countries in East and Southern Africa. It helps millions of smallholders to intensify and diversify their maize-based farming while reducing their risks. It does this by improving extension services and governance frameworks, supporting small and medium enterprises, and adopting a gender and social inclusion lens. This initiative’s Scaling Fund was established specifically to help the region’s farmers to mitigate, and adapt to, climate change. Following a rigorous evaluation process by a committee composed of Ukama Ustawi staff and external scaling experts, 3 applications out of total of 28 submissions from within CGIAR were selected for taking agricultural innovations in this region to scale. The Scaling Fund enables high-impact CGIAR innovations to reach broader markets, serve more customers, and drive impactful change. The concepts underlying the Scaling Fund were developed and tested under previous CGIAR programs, including the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Banana (2017–2020). The Fund helps early-stage innovators to think through and effectively plan their ‘last-mile’ efforts to reach as many people as possible, removing discernible bottlenecks to adoption of innovations and exploring new opportunities.
Using a share fair approach to unravel what needs to change to drive agricultural transformation in Ethiopia
(Blog Post, 2025-01-29) Hussien, Shahida; Victor, Michael
'ShambaShield'—Delivering inclusive finance and climate-smart solutions to Kenyan farmer
(Blog Post, 2025-01-06) Vyas, Shalika
Millions of resource-poor smallholder farmers feed and nourish the people of Kenya. Yet they face an ever-more unpredictable and extreme climate. ShambaShield is developing solutions that will integrate financial protection, edutianment and information services to equip half a million Kenyan farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a changing climate.
Munda make over series II
(Report, 2024-09) Chilambe, Pedro Anglaze; Ghosh, Aniruddha
MMO Series II KAP & Audience Measurement data show a continued strong shift to preference for agricultural information on TV. • MMO amplified viewership grew from 1.9 million in Series I to 2.3 million in Series II. • A third of MMO viewers said that they found TV to be the most useful source of farming and agricultural information. • Valued topics in MMO Series II were: pest & disease management, climate information, improved seed varieties, financial literacy, good agricultural practice and gender considerations.
On scaling agricultural innovations: Insights from 2024 Scaling Fund winners
(Blog Post, 2025-01-15) CGIAR

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