Alliance Bioversity CIAT Conference Papers, Abstracts, and Proceedings

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/106986

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CGIAR submission on the draft action plan for the implementation of the capacity development strategy of the international treaty 2023-2030
(Conference Paper, 2025-04-25) CGIAR Genebank Accelerator
Submitted in response to Notification NCP GB11-11. This submission is divided in two parts: The first part includes comments and suggestions on the Draft Action Plan for the Capacity Development Strategy of the International Treaty 2023-2030. The second part provides an overview of relevant CGIAR capacity development plans in its 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, focusing on particularly relevant activities of the Capacity Sharing for Development Accelerator, Genebanks Accelerator, and Breeding for Tomorrow Programme. By sharing this information, we aim to facilitate coordinated efforts and synergies among the International Treaty’s Capacity Development Strategy and the CGIAR capacity sharing plans.
Perceptions of teachers and experts regarding school gardening practices to enhance agriculture and food literacy among school children
(Abstract, 2025-01-18) Indramali, O.S.; Karunanayaka, M.M.S.; Perera, T.; Dissanayake, U.; Kudagammana, T.; Mohotti, A. J.; Hunter, Danny; Silva, K.D.R.R.
Presented at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka,18th and 19th of January 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka. School garden provides opportunities for shaping children's food choices through hands-on learning that promotes healthy eating habits. This qualitative study aimed to identify current agronomic practices, explore challenges in school gardening and suggest improvements for a model garden to enhance students' knowledge, and attitudes toward agriculture, and nutrition. The present study involved in-depth interviews with 10 agriculture teachers from 18 schools across two districts (Kurunegala and Gampaha) in Sri Lanka, and 10 agriculture experts. Information on agronomic practices, challenges in school gardening, and best strategies for implementing model garden to positively impact students' knowledge, attitudes toward agriculture, and nutrition were gathered through interviews.
Tools, models, and databases for making digital sequence information on genetic resources publicly available and accessible: A submission from CGIAR Genebank Accelerator
(Conference Paper, 2025-04-04) CGIAR Genebank Accelerator
This short submission from CGIAR is in response to the call for submissions issued by the CBD Secretariat through Notification 2024-115 (Ref.: SCBD/OES/DC/TS/CGA/KB/91971). CGIAR is developing tools and practices to promote sharing DSI in a transparent and accountable manner. Our observations and recommendations in this paper are based on our experiences and knowledge concerning the use of DSI in agricultural research and development, with a particular focus in this submission on conservation of crop genetic diversity and crop improvement.
CGIAR Genebank Accelerator’s ‘submission of views on possible additional modalities of the multilateral mechanism’
(Conference Paper, 2025-03-21) CGIAR Genebank Accelerator
This short submission from CGIAR’s Genebank Accelerator is in response to the call for submissions issued by the CBD Secretariat (SCBD/OES/DC/TS/CGA/KB/91971)
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
Tropical home gardens: Biodiverse, climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive forms of agriculture: A compilation of abstracts
(Abstract, 2025-02-12) Reyes-Sacdalan, N.B.; Gonsalves, Julian; Hunter, Danny; Monville-Oro, Emilita; Anunciado, M.S.S.
This compilation features 67 abstracts of publications on tropical home gardens, primarily in Asia. It highlights key findings and recommendations on traditional home gardening practices and programs, providing guidance for designing effective interventions. Additionally, it offers insights for policymakers on leveraging home gardens as a strategy to enhance nutrition, education, agriculture, and land use planning.
CGIAR Report to the Twentieth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
(Report, 2025-02-03) CGIAR
This report was prepared by CGIAR in response to an invitation from the Secretariat of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It is structured to correspond, in general, to agenda items 2-10 of the Twentieth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20). Some sections of this report were previously included in the CGIAR submission to the Twelfth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources (ITWG-PGRFA-12), in December 2024.
Enhancing climate resilience in Africa through the scaling and bundling of adaptation solutions
(Conference Paper, 2024-12-18) Kagabo, Desire M.; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Girvetz, Evan
Innovative agroecology practices improve maize and bean yields in nutrient-deficient sandy soils of Makueni, Kenya
(Abstract, 2024-09-18) Bolo, Peter; Korir, Hezekiah; Adoyo, Beatrice; Kuria, Anne; Fuchs, Lisa Elena
Agroecology has been highlighted as a sustainable approach with the potential to support food system transformation in both low and middle-income countries. Its potential to improve soil and crop productivity is unmatched. Implementation of innovative agroecology practices is key in promoting soil quality and health, improving agrobiodiversity and enhancing crop productivity. We assessed the influences of select agroecology practices on maize and bean crop performance in nutrient deficient sandy soils in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was conducted on 30 resource-constrained smallholder farms during the short rains season of the year 2023. The innovative agroecology practices tested involved; i) use of biopesticides (IPM); ii) terracing, and iii) use of organic inputs (manure). The three agroecology practices geared towards pest (IPM), water (terraces) and soil (manure) management. We present the results of one cropping season. Preliminary results show that agroecological practices involving combined use of biopesticides and organic inputs increased maize and bean yields relative to the rest of the practices. Across the three agroecology practices implemented, maize yields increased by at least 40 kilograms. Relative to control plots, maize yields increased by 109, 78 and 40 kilograms per acre respectively under terraces, manure and IPM practices, respectively. This was consistent to monetary gains averaging USD$ 50.26, 63.14 and 18.28 per acre in one season under terraces, manure and IPM, respectively. Similarly, increased by 20.7, 33.3 and 19.8 kilograms per acre per season, respectively under IPM, Manure and terraces. These were equivalent to monetary gains of USD$ 25.48, 40.98 and 24.37, respectively under IPM, manure and terraces. These results provide preliminary evidence to support the promotion of agroecological practices among farmers and policy makers. In addition, the outcomes indicate that agroecological practices are effective in boosting crop performance, underpinning the possibility to attain improved productivity and sustainability through integration of agroecology practices. Finally, farmers can effectively and cheaply manage crop pests through the use of biopesticides that reduces dependence on harmful and expensive chemical pesticides.
Examining food environments in Sri Lanka: Gaps in research and implications for diet and health
(Abstract, 2024-12-03) Perera, Thushanthi; Sanjeewani, Madusha; Silva, Renuka; Hunter, Danny; Borelli, Teresa; Mendonce, Sharon
Funded by the CGIAR Initiave on Fruits and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) this review provides an in-depth analysis of food environments aiming to enhance an understanding of their characteristics and interactions, with a particular focus on F&V supply and demand. F&V are critical for addressing malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the rising non-communicable diseases burden. The review concentrates on publications (n-30) related to food environments in Sri Lanka including their characterization, components, regulations, and enabling factors.
From Afterthought to Forefront: Transforming Agricultural Resilience through CoDesigned Socio-Technical Innovations
(Conference Paper, 2024-09) Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia; Dessalegn Molla Ketema; Eileen Bogweh Nchanji
Although social innovations are recognized as important to enabling technology use, when implemented, they are often considered as an afterthought or rarely co-designed with beneficiaries. The study used data collected from 783 farmers in three counties of Kenya to assess effectiveness co-designed socio-technical innovation bundles (conservation agriculture practices and inclusive, gender-sensitive, and policy-supported innovations) in enhancing climate resilience and productivity. Results indicate significantly higher resilience capacities among users of sociotechnical innovation bundles than non-users. Significant differences in agricultural output were reported, with users demonstrating higher productivity in maize (545 kg/acre vs. 398 kg/acre) and beans (237 kg/acre vs 187 kg/acre) under climate change. The effect of bundles on productivity was higher when co-designed for both crops – maize (556 kg/acre vs 520 kg/acre) and beans (240 kg/acre vs. 231 kg/acre). However, no significant differences were reported regarding the effect of co-designed socio-technical innovation bundles on farming households’ capacity to obtain support from community/local groups in times of climate-related shocks. These findings underscore the importance of co-designing and integrating socio-technical innovations into agricultural programs.
Tank cascade system: A nature-based solution for achieving climate resilience in Sri Lanka’s dry zone
(Conference Paper, 2024-10-31) Ratnayake, Sujith S.; Mendonce, Sharon; Borelli, Teresa; Hunter, Danny; Silva, Ajith; Dissanayake, Thushani
The Tank Cascade System (TCS) is an ancient, man-made rainwater harvesting and irrigation system unique to Sri Lanka’s dry zone. An ecosystem in itself, the TCS consists of an intricate network of small to large ‘tanks’ positioned along a gradient and connected through a series of canals. Within the system, paddy fields and dense forests coexist providing habitats for socio-ecologically significant species. Historically, the system has been crucial in drought and flood mitigation. Furthermore, fully functioning TCSs harvest copious amounts of rainwater, which is primarily used for irrigation to enable year-round crop production by the farming communities of the cascade landscape. The system’s important role in food security, rural livelihoods and local culture led to its designation as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2017. Despite the TCS’s significance, the system has been deteriorating, and its sustainability is threatened by widespread tank neglect, rapid land use changes and biodiversity loss –the impacts of which are exacerbated by the effects of climate variability. There is national interest in safeguarding the TCS, though. The system has been recognized in Sri Lanka’s 2016-2025 National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change Impacts and within the 2021 Nationally Determined Contributions as an important Nature-based Solution (NbS) for strengthening national climate resilience. However, there is little evidence of this national support translating into on the ground action and of effective solutions to the challenges threatening TCS sustainability. This case study aims to fill these evidence gaps by sharing findings from research and project activities carried out under the Healthy Landscapes project. With a special focus on mainstreaming biodiversity and strengthening cascade ecology, the project rehabilitated and promoted the sustainable management of the TCS. This case study will highlight pathways for TCS rehabilitation to strengthen its function as a NbS, including associated challenges and further opportunities. As the cascade landscape community plays an important role in climate adaptation and resilience within the country's dry zone, we also emphasize the importance of investigating their perceptions of current national policy and formulating localized adaptation strategies that benefit climate resilience, food security and rural livelihoods.
The impact of translocation mechanisms and plant architecture on the success or failure of propagation, a thidiazuron case study
(Abstract, 2024-04-22) Wilms, Hannes; Panis, Bartholomeus
While developing a propagation method for coconut (Cocos nucifera), we observed that the addition of thidiazuron (TDZ), a phenylurea based cytokinin, to the medium, did not elicit a reaction. We hypothesized that the apical dominance was too strong, preventing the TDZ from initiating shoot proliferation. To test this, we broke the apical dominance by cutting the plantlets vertically in two, removing the apical meristem from one piece. Both pieces were then placed in a medium containing TDZ. While this resulted in proliferation, more questions arose as it was the apical meristem that reacted. In other plants such as banana, this cut was not necessary, as there the axillary meristems on the outside of the explant proliferated. These observations lead us to hypothesize that TDZ might not be translocated through the plant the same way as adenine type cytokinins. To test this hypothesis, we placed a stem cutting of cactus fig containing many meristem along the stem, vertically in a medium containing BAP or TDZ. In the BAP medium this resulted in shoot formation of meristems on top of the plant, whilst in the case of the TDZ medium, the shoot formation originated from meristems submerged in the medium. With these observations, we can conclude that not all cytokinins are translocated in the same way. When developing proliferation protocols, both plant architecture and translocation of the PGR thus need to be taken into account, as these parameters can determine success or failure
Aspiration adaptation, poverty, and agricultural management: An agent-based modelling study
(Conference Paper, 2024-07-21) Teeuwen, Aleid Sunniva; Dou, Yue; Meyer, Markus A.; Mekonnen, Daniel Ayalew; Teferi, Ermias Tesfaye; Wassie, Solomon Bizayehu; Nelson, Andrew
Initiative de recherche du CGIAR sur l’Agroécologie Rapport Technique Annuel 2023
(Report, 2024-07) CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology
En 2023, l’initiative a amplement démontré la valeur des bases qu’elle a établies en 2022 afin de développer et évaluer les innovations en matière d’agroécologie dans diverses conditions. Sur 11 territoires distincts, appelés paysages agroécologiques vivants (PAV), situés dans huit pays, l’analyse des conditions existantes et le processus d’engagement mené auprès de 6 159 acteurs du système alimentaire ont permis de sélectionner, de manière participative, des points de départ pour une transition vers l’agroécologie. Aujourd’hui, tous ces territoires font partie du Réseau international des PAV (RIPAV) lancé lors d’une visite d’échange dans l’Andhra Pradesh, en Inde. Pour évaluer les performances de l’agroécologie en fonction du contexte, l’initiative a mis au point un cadre global permettant de recueillir des données à différentes échelles et à différents stades de la transition agroécologique. Une collecte et une analyse complète de ces données sont en cours. Ces recherches portent également sur les pratiques agricoles, les modèles d’entreprise et les mécanismes financiers relatifs aux chaînes de valeur agroécologiques, les innovations politiques et institutionnelles, ainsi que sur les changements de comportement. Les résultats des analyses rapides des chaînes de valeur ont permis d’identifier les possibilités d’intégration des principes agroécologiques dans huit chaînes de valeur à travers six pays. Des partenariats visant à codévelopper des modèles commerciaux agroécologiques ont été établis au Pérou (cacao), en Tunisie (semences fourragères) et au Zimbabwe (sorgo et volaille). L’initiative s’est engagée avec les acteurs politiques de chaque secteur et a considérablement amélioré la base de connaissances concernant les questions politiques. Une analyse réalisée dans cinq pays a permis d’identifier les premières possibilités de renforcement des politiques et institutions au Kenya, en Tunisie, au Burkina Faso et au Pérou. Cinq pays (Burkina Faso, Pérou, Kenya, Tunisie et Zimbabwe) ont entrepris des recherches approfondies sur le changement de comportement en ce qui concerne les catalyseurs et les obstacles, ce qui a permis d’élaborer des stratégies et des plans d’action spécifiques à chaque contexte.
A multi-platform framework for nowcasting social phenomena: A case study for food insecurity
(Conference Paper, 2024-07) Carneiro, Bia; Resce, Giuliano; Tucci, Giulia; Ruscica, Giosue; Caravaggio, Nicola; Fanelli, Laura; Santangelo, Agapito Emanuele; Cruciata, Pietro
Given the growing significance of internet-based information flows, this research proposes a conceptual framework that integrates digital platforms to nowcast social phenomena, applied to the context of food security monitoring in the Global South. Building on the foundations of Digital Methods and online issue mapping, our research objective is to establish a multi-modal, multi-media model that monitors events from different perspectives to identify potential early warning signals arising from the data, ultimately informing policy actors and supporting early action. We apply three analytical processes: social listening, media monitoring and search interest analysis. Exploratory analysis on data from Zimbabwe point to the feasibility of the models applied to identify food security dimensions in text and search engine data. Further analysis is needed to interpret converging and diverging trends across the data streams, and their implications to food insecurity early warning.
Nowcasting food insecurity interest with google trends data
(Conference Paper, 2024-07-15) Caravaggio, Nicola; Carneiro, Bia; Resce, Giuliano
This research explores the potential of Google Trends (GT) data as a tool for generating a daily index of food insecurity at the national level, focusing on regions monitored by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and the Global Fragility Act (GFA). Drawing inspiration from previous studies on GT's predictive capabilities, the authors employ Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyse food security reporting from FEWS NET documents. We identify key predictors of food insecurity using a LASSO regression approach and construct a daily economic sentiment index (DESI) for each country. Unlike traditional methods, the study considers multiple languages and weights search terms based on LASSO coefficients. The resulting Synthetic Search Interest (SSI) index for food insecurity demonstrates a statistically significant correlation with FAO's share of the population in severe food insecurity, affirming GT's potential as a monitoring tool. The research contributes a novel methodology and insights into leveraging real-time data for early warnings in food security.
Proceedings of the National Workshop on Experience Sharing in Landscape Restoration Research implemented by Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Ethiopia
(Conference Proceedings, 2024-07-10) Adimassu, Zenebe; Belay, Berhanu; Tamene, Lulseged D.; Tibebe, Degefie; Abera, Wuletawu
Ethiopian public universities and research organizations are actively engaging in landscape restoration efforts to fulfill their community engagement responsibilities. However, challenges exist as restoration practices are not coordinated, data collection and monitoring are inconsistent, and research findings are not effectively shared or documented. There is a lack of advocacy for landscape restoration among stakeholders, necessitating the establishment of a platform for knowledge exchange. The Alliance of Bioversity International, CIAT, and AICCRA organized a workshop to facilitate experience sharing among higher learning institutions, aiming to synergize efforts and scale up successful practices to contribute to national restoration initiatives. Ethiopian higher learning institutions have made significant progress in land restoration projects, showcasing their commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity enhancement. The preliminary results and achievements highlighted during the workshop demonstrate the impactful work being done by these institutions. By analyzing and publishing these results, valuable insights can be shared with end users, contributing to broader knowledge dissemination and potentially inspiring further landscape restoration initiatives in the country. Landscape restoration in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Ethiopia presents a unique opportunity to address environmental challenges while enhancing educational experiences. In Ethiopia, HLIs can play a pivotal role in restoring degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices. By integrating native plant species, water-efficient landscaping, and eco-friendly infrastructure development, these institutions can create green spaces that serve as outdoor classrooms for students and research hubs for faculty. Engaging the community in restoration initiatives can also foster environmental awareness and contribute to broader conservation efforts in the country. Overall, landscape restoration in Ethiopian HLIs offers a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the academic community and beyond.
Exploring school food provision programs and links to local foods in Pacific Island countries
(Abstract, 2024-04-01) Perry, J.; Horsey, B.; Raneri, Jessica; Hunter, Danny; O’Connor, S.; Hyland-Wood, M.; Casey, E.; Burkhart, S.
Providing access to food in schools can serve as a platform for food system transformation, while simultaneously improving educational outcomes and livelihoods. Locally grown and procured food is a nutritious, healthy, and efficient way to provide schoolchildren with a daily meal while, at the same time, improving opportunities for smallholder farmers (1) . While there is significant potential for school food provision activities to support healthy dietary behaviours in the Pacific Islands region, there is limited evidence of these types of activities (2) , including scope and links to local food production in the region. Therefore, the aim of this scoping study was to understand the current state of school food activities (school feeding, gardening and other food provision activities) and any current, and potential links to local agriculture in the Pacific Islands. A regional mapping activity was undertaken, initially covering 22 Pacific Island countries. The mapping included two steps: 1) a desk based scoping review including peer-reviewed and grey literature (2007-2022) and 2) One-hour semi-structured online Zoom interviews with key country stakeholders. Twelve sources were identified, predominately grey literature (n = 9). Thirty interviews were completed with at least 1 key stakeholder from 15 countries. A variety of school food provision activities were identified, including school feeding programs (n = 16, of varying scale), programs covering both school feeding and school gardens (n = 2), school garden programs (n = 12), and other school food provision activities (n = 4, including taste/sensory education, food waste reduction, increasing canteen capacity for local foods, supply chain distribution between local agriculture and schools). Existing links to local agriculture varied for the different programs. Of the 16 school feeding programs, 8 had a requirement for the use of local produce (policy requirement n = 6, traditional requirement from leaders n = 2). Of the 12 school garden programs, 6 used local or traditional produce in the garden and 5 involved local farmers in varying capacities. Challenges to linking local agriculture into school food provision programs were reported for 17 activities and were context dependent. Common challenges included limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, inadequate produce supply for the scale of program, limited farmer capacity, limited institutional support for local produce, low produce storage life, climatic conditions and disasters, water security, delayed procurement process, and limited professional development and upskilling opportunities. Modernisation and colonisation of food systems resulting in a preference for hyperpalatable foods and challenges in incorporating local produce in a way that is accepted by students was also identified as a challenge. This evidence can be used to develop a pathway to piloting and implementing models of school food provision programs and promoting opportunities for shared learning and collaboration with key stakeholders across the Pacific Islands region.
GeoTree: A participatory digital tool for forest landscape restoration in the tropics
(Conference Paper, 2023-09) Eitzinger, Anton; Feil, Christian; Ekue, Marius; Oduor, Francis; Kettle, Christopher
Forest landscape restoration (FLR) in the tropics is often undertaken by smallholders and communities whose livelihoods rely on agriculture and forestry. While digital technologies can improve efficiency in FLR efforts, socio-technical barriers often impede the participation of these key actors in the restoration process. The main barriers are lack of technical infrastructure, access to digital tools and services, lack of ease of use for non-tech-savvy farmers, and lack of design targeted for low-literate and marginal groups. Moreover, precisely because of the transformative momentum of digitalization, there is a risk for smallholders to enter the digital divide and power asymmetry gap. The platform has been piloted in Kenya and Cameroon and tracks and monitors activities along the entire restoration chain, from seed collection to on-farm tree planting and monitoring of management activities and payouts to farmers. GeoTree offers participatory functionalities, including interactive forms, polls, geospatial features and maps, and community-driven data collection, which can be integrated into community channels. While other digital tools focus on monitoring tree planting for the purpose of carbon offsetting, GeoTree addresses the digital barriers facing smallholders and communities and enables them to participate fully in FLR efforts. GeoTree leverages blockchain technology to provide an integrated planting management process. The system allows gathering ground-level data with offline encryption and supporting low-internet environments and tracing the restoration process to provide transparency, facilitate real-time monitoring, evaluation, and verification, and support mobilization of sponsors.

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