As staple foods, maize and wheat provide vital nutrients and health benefits, making up close to two-thirds of the world’s food energy intake, and contributing 55 to 70 percent of the total calories in the diets of people living in developing countries, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. CIMMYT scientists tackle food insecurity through improved nutrient-rich, high-yielding varieties and sustainable agronomic practices, ensuring that those who most depend on agriculture have enough to make a living and feed their families. The U.N. projects that the global population will increase to more than 9 billion people by 2050, which means that the successes and failures of wheat and maize farmers will continue to have a crucial impact on food security. Findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which show heat waves could occur more often and mean global surface temperatures could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius throughout the century, indicate that increasing yield alone will be insufficient to meet future demand for food.
Achieving widespread food and nutritional security for the world’s poorest people is more complex than simply boosting production. Biofortification of maize and wheat helps increase the vitamins and minerals in these key crops. CIMMYT helps families grow and eat provitamin A enriched maize, zinc-enhanced maize and wheat varieties, and quality protein maize. CIMMYT also works on improving food health and safety, by reducing mycotoxin levels in the global food chain. Mycotoxins are produced by fungi that colonize in food crops, and cause health problems or even death in humans or animals. Worldwide, CIMMYT helps train food processors to reduce fungal contamination in maize, and promotes affordable technologies and training to detect mycotoxins and reduce exposure.
The first leaves of a crop emerging through crop residue. (Photo: CIMMYT)
“The conventional way we used to prepare the land involved heavy soil disturbance, and now we see that’s not necessary. We used pesticides that were, let’s say, not kind to the soil. Now, we are becoming increasingly mindful of the environment — and it turns out to be more profitable. Today, I wouldn’t dare use a pesticide or any polluting product that could harm people or the environment.”
Leopoldo is a farmer from Sinaloa participating in the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project — a collaboration between Kellogg Company and CIMMYT. For him, ceasing the practice of burning crop residues and instead using them to cover and protect the soil from erosion signifies a shift in values and a better way of practicing agriculture — one that actively contributes to regenerating the Earth.
The agronomic innovations adopted by farmers involved in the project promote a more balanced relationship with nature, aiming to strengthen a responsible sourcing model that ensures equilibrium between the economic, social, and environmental needs of both current and future generations. This contributes to a more sustainable production and consumption model, capable of feeding a growing global population within planetary boundaries.
If current patterns of production and consumption persist, it is estimated that in less than 30 years we would require the resources of three Earths to meet global needs. The rising scarcity of water and the reduction in arable land—driven by urban expansion and soil degradation—are clear reminders that our planet’s natural resources are finite. These facts underline the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agrifood systems.
Within the observance of International Mother Earth Day, efforts like the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project serve as a reminder of the importance of forging a new relationship with the planet. Above all, they emphasize recognizing the Earth and its ecosystems as the shared home of all humanity. Failing to care for this home could lead us into further crises — in health, socioeconomic stability, and food security — and agriculture offers powerful solutions to safeguard this common home.
Globally, the agriculture sector is responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions — which contribute to climate change — and 70% of freshwater withdrawals from rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Additionally, for every 1°C increase in global temperature, cereal yields are estimated to decrease by about 5%. Therefore, a new model of sustainable production and consumption must aim for reduced environmental impact, while increasing productivity and delivering benefits for farmers.
The Conservation Agriculture practices promoted by the Kellogg-CIMMYT project are advancing these goals: in just three years of work in Sinaloa and Guanajuato, nearly 7,000 hectares have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, leading to a 36% increase in average maize productivity. In 2021 alone, more than 350 farmers were engaged across over 2,400 hectares, producing nearly 26,000 tons of yellow maize through sustainable intensification technologies.
Looking ahead, the initiative aims to impact around 20,000 hectares to produce close to 180,000 tons of maize with a reduced carbon footprint. Already, farmers have achieved reductions in fuel use for grain production and improved water-use efficiency in irrigation.
“We save on machinery, on fuel, on agrochemicals, and on fertilizers. Now we produce with higher quality and at a lower cost because we practice minimal tillage. They also teach us integrated pest management and even how to optimize fertilizer use,” says Leopoldo, highlighting a system that also eliminates crop burning, one of the leading causes of wildfires.
By providing farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to integrate sustainable production methods, we benefit not only the Earth — but all of humanity.
The One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly shaping agricultural research to address global health and food security challenges. During CGIAR Science Week, experts highlighted the need for cross sector collaboration and evidence based policy. CIMMYT’s Dr. Jordon Chamberlin shared how research on livestock health and sustainable farming aligns with this approach, supporting integrated solutions for resilient agrifood systems.
In February 2025, leading voices in the global food and agricultural system came together on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference to discuss how to achieve food security in an increasingly insecure world.
Biological diversity is key to food and nutritional security, but all too often neglected. The loss of agricultural biodiversity (which includes crop diversity) threatens not just the resilience of global food systems but also their productivity. This in turn undermines rural livelihoods and economic activity, increasing the likelihood of migration. It also heightens the risk of price spikes and restricts the availability of staple food products, which may hamper trade in important commodities as governments seek to shore up sufficient stockpiles for domestic markets.
Compromised food systems and agricultural biodiversity loss destabilize and damage communities, potentially to an existential level, while preserving agricultural biodiversity and investing in resilient farms are the foundations for peace and prosperity. Stakeholders across the international community, including the security community, civilian agencies, civil society and businesses, should act to preserve and use agricultural biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture by putting farmers first.
As the ultimate providers of life-sustaining nutrition, farmers are indispensable global security partners. Farmers provide a steadying economic force, but only if they have adequate safety, and access to land, investment, innovation, and functioning markets. It is imperative to provide farmers with the support, investment, and opportunities for innovation to adapt to changing global environmental conditions and persevere through social unrest and conflict. Farmers must be able to employ agricultural practices that concurrently promote nutrition, water security, human health, and biodiversity preservation. Prioritizing the delivery of nutrient-rich foods and bio-based products in ways that respond to water and weather stress is essential.
Crucially, for farmers to be successful, they need continued access to agricultural biodiversity. To ensure that, genebanks must be seen as a shared strategic strength.
Reliable, sufficient, and nutritious food for the current and future population depends on the crop diversity that underpins critical research and breeding efforts. Despite its increasing importance in light of a changing climate, the conservation and availability of crop diversity is increasingly at risk: it is declining in farmers’ fields and in the wild, and genebanks are chronically underfunded. Growing food demands, land degradation, and geopolitical tensions threaten crop diversity, and more generally agricultural economies.
Given their essential role in food security, genebanks should be strategically protected and funded. Sufficient attention and resources should be available to ensure an effective and efficient global system of genebanks under the policy umbrella of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.In addition, the security community should incorporate food security and agricultural biodiversity into national and international security risk assessments and strategies.
Call to Action
It is our duty to alert the world to the threats to security and state stability posed by compromised food production systems and the loss of agricultural biodiversity. We wish to highlight the need for greater attention and investment from all stakeholders across governance, including the security sector, as well as civil society and the private sector.
Leading international organizations in agricultural biodiversity conservation and agricultural research, philanthropies, multinational corporations, and representatives from governments share this concern and endorse this statement arising from discussions at the 2025 Munich Security Conference.
Munich Statement on Agriculture, Biodiversity and Security: there is no security without food security
Away Hamza, a young and ambitious farmer in Arsi Zone, Oromia region, proudly tends to his wheat field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Wheat plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. As the country’s second most important staple crop, it is crucial to national food security. Traditionally, wheat cultivation has been concentrated in Ethiopia’s highlands, but this has changed with the introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project—an initiative designed to address the production challenges faced by Ethiopia’s irrigated lowland areas. Led by CIMMYT in partnership with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the project aims to tackle key issues such as the lack of stress-tolerant wheat varieties and limited access to reliable seed sources.
Transforming wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands
The Adaptation, Demonstration, and Piloting of Wheat Technologies for Irrigated Lowlands of Ethiopia (ADAPT-Wheat) project focuses on bridging critical wheat production gaps and introducing innovative solutions for smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. By improving wheat production through new varieties and modern technologies, the project is not only increasing agricultural productivity but also transforming farmers’ livelihoods. The initiative aims to directly benefit 1,000 households, with a much wider impact expected across the two regions.
Financially supported by BMZ, the project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. Researchers and national partners have witnessed a significant shift in wheat production practices, demonstrating the success of innovative agricultural technologies and improved collaboration among stakeholders.
Insights from researchers and partners
Bekele Abeyo, CIMMYT-Ethiopia Country Representative and project leader:
“The ADAPT-Wheat project marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s wheat production journey. It introduces viable wheat technologies that are well-suited for the irrigated lowlands, enhancing both production and productivity in the pursuit of food and nutritional security.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR–DG representative:
“For years, CIMMYT has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s wheat production system by introducing germplasm, improving varieties, and offering financial, equipment &technical support and training for both researchers and farmers. With the ADAPT-Wheat project, we’ve seen another tangible difference in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. The project’s support, including the introduction of modern farm machinery, has not only enhanced mechanization at the farm level but has also contributed significantly to the broader objectives of national agricultural development.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR-DG representative (Photo: CIMMYT)
Major milestones and achievements
1. Building capacity for sustainable change
One of the project’s most significant accomplishments has been its strong emphasis on capacity building—both human and physical—to empower local communities in wheat farming. Key capacity-building initiatives include:
Training for researchers: Software and scientific writing training to enhance technical skills and scientific contributions.
Training of trainers (TOT) for agricultural experts: Development agents and district-level subject matter specialists were trained to share knowledge with farmers.
The project also included seed distribution, experience-sharing visits, and field days to disseminate knowledge and encourage peer learning. A notable outcome has been informal seed exchange among farmers, amplifying the project’s impact.
Through these efforts, the project successfully reached approximately 4,300 households and engaged a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to human capacity development, seed production and distribution, technology diffusion, and sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, infrastructure development—such as the construction of a quarantine facility and installation of air conditioning units at the Werer Research Center—has strengthened research capacity and maintained high standards for agricultural innovation. The procurement of essential farm machinery has also set the stage for more sustainable wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands.
2. Introducing elite wheat lines
The project introduced 505 elite bread wheat lines and 235 durum wheat lines. From these, 111 bread wheat and 49 durum wheat genotypes were identified for their promising traits, including heat stress tolerance, early maturity, and superior yield components. These lines were rigorously tested across diverse agroecological zones to ensure adaptability.
3. Demonstrating modern irrigation technology and mechanization
The project didn’t stop at improving wheat varieties—it also introduced modern mechanization practices to enhance efficiency and yield. In the Afar and Oromia regions, pilot farms demonstrated advanced machinery such as:
Subsoilers
Bailers
Land levelers
Planters
Ridge makers
Multi-crop threshers
These technologies have been showcased at various farm sites to facilitate adaptation and scaling.
4. Releasing and adapting wheat varieties
The project identified eight wheat varieties (four bread wheat and four durum wheat) suited for Ethiopia’s lowland irrigated conditions.
Additionally, two new wheat varieties—one bread wheat and one durum wheat—were officially registered and released for large-scale production. These releases mark a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen wheat production systems.
5. Seed production and distribution
Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds has been another key priority. Through partnerships with research centers, early-generation seeds were provided to private seed producers and farmers’ cooperative unions. Field monitoring ensured seed quality at harvest, resulting in the production of 430 quintals of certified seed.
Women and youth empowerment strategy
The ADAPT-Wheat project has made a deliberate effort to empower women and youth by ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds, training, and technical support. Notably, women comprised 32% of seed distribution beneficiaries, strengthening their role in improving food security and livelihoods.
Voices from the field: Farmers share their stories
Damma Yami from Jeju district, Alaga Dore village
Farmer Damma Yami, has carefully monitors her thriving wheat crop as it nears harvest (Photo: CIMMYT)
Damma Yami’s story is a powerful example of how innovative agricultural initiatives can transform communities, especially in regions facing harsh environmental conditions.
“For many years, we have lived in arid conditions where livestock farming was our primary livelihood. However, with the challenges posed by weather trends, our traditional systems were no longer sufficient to maintain our livelihoods. The introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project in recent years has reversed this trend. The project brought us wheat cultivation, as a new and golden opportunity for the farming community. We received high-yielding seeds, training, and technical support on farming practices, and soon we began to see impressive results. The benefits of the project are clear: it provides food for our families, generates income to send children to school, and helps meet other basic needs. As a farmer who engaged in this project, I can confidently say that the project has reshaped our future livelihood.”
Yeshiwas Worku from Oromia region, Arsi Zone, Merti district, Woticha Dole village
Farmer Yeshiwas Worku actively monitoring the growth and performance of his wheat crop on his plot, ensuring optimal results through the support of the ADAPT project (Photo: CIMMYT)
Yeshiwas Worku, a 40-year-old farmer was among those who benefited from the project.
Yeshiwas explains that before the project, wheat cultivation was not traditionally practiced in his area, but it has now become a game-changer for the community. The introduction of modern farming tools, machinery, and access to improved crop varieties has been key to their success. With the help of the project, wheat production has not only become their main source of income but has also helped farmers gain confidence in their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
“We are now familiar with modern farming tools, machines, and practices thanks to the implementing partners of the ADAPT project. We also have access to improved crop varieties, which are crucial for better production and increased income. Now, wheat production has become the main source of our livelihood. This alternative farming opportunity has not only boosted our confidence but has also allowed us to secure a more sustainable livelihood for my family and me. I am deeply grateful to the project implementing partners for playing such a crucial role in transforming our lives. The impact has truly been transformative.”
A transformative impact on wheat production
The ADAPT-Wheat project, alongside CIMMYT’s ongoing work in Ethiopia, has significantly improved wheat production systems and enhanced the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the lowland regions. More than just a This project is technological intervention, the project serves as a lifeline for smallholder farmers. By introducing innovative wheat technologies, improving seed availability, and empowering local communities, it directly contributes to Ethiopia’s food security goals while fostering economic growth and resilience in rural areas.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency, the success of the ADAPT-Wheat project serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation and Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center research team in the field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Soil health is fundamental to agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience. In Ethiopia and Nepal, deteriorating soil conditions—driven by acidity, nutrient depletion, and land degradation—pose a significant challenge to farmers and policymakers alike. Addressing these issues is not just a technical necessity but a pathway to ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and economic stability.
Recognizing these shared challenges, CIMMYT facilitated a South-South exchange between Ethiopia and Nepal to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions for improving soil health.
Shared challenges, shared solutions
Both Ethiopia and Nepal face persistent soil health challenges that hinder agricultural productivity. In Ethiopia, soil degradation—stemming from issues like soil acidity, salinity, and nutrient depletion—has become a barrier to achieving higher agricultural productivity. Similarly, Nepal is navigating soil health concerns amidst small landholdings, urban migration, and climate impacts.
For both nations, sustainable soil management is critical to strengthening their agricultural sectors. This exchange provided an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural experts to learn from each other’s experiences, leveraging successful approaches to improve soil quality and boost productivity.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation listening to explanations by Experts and technicians about the various activities taking place at the soil and plan analysis laboratory (Photo: CIMMYT)
A unique exchange of knowledge
From November 25–28, a Nepalese delegation—including CIMMYT scientists and representatives from Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)—visited Ethiopia to gain insights into its soil health initiatives.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in soil management through collaborations between government agencies, research institutions, and international partners. With CIMMYT’s support, the country has developed a National Soil Information System (NSIS), a comprehensive data-driven approach that guides interventions to improve soil health, increase productivity, and enhance food security.
During the visit, the Nepalese delegation met with leading Ethiopian institutions, including:
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI)
The Holeta Agricultural Research Center
The National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center
Through site visits and discussions, the delegation explored Ethiopia’s Vertisol management strategies, sub-soil acidity solutions, and data-driven soil health policies—areas that could be adapted to Nepal’s agricultural landscape.
A shared commitment to agricultural innovation
Beyond knowledge exchange, the visit served as a catalyst for long-term collaboration between the two countries. CIMMYT has been working in Ethiopia for over three decades, supporting research and technology development to enhance soil health and food security. In Nepal, CIMMYT scientists collaborate with national partners to strengthen agricultural commercialization and climate resilience.
During their visit, Nepalese delegates expressed particular interest in Ethiopia’s Geo-Nutrition approach, which connects soil quality to human health by analyzing how soil nutrients influence the nutritional value of crops. Nepal sees great potential in adopting this model to enhance both agricultural and public health outcomes.
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Photo: CIMMYT)
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, reflected on the visit: “The insights we gained in Ethiopia will be instrumental in improving our soil health strategies.
We see great potential for collaboration between Ethiopia and Nepal in tackling common challenges like soil acidity and water management.” She added that another key area of learning was Geo-Nutrition, an innovative field that connects soil health to human health.
The concept, which Ethiopia has been actively exploring, looks at how soil quality influences the nutritional value of crops and ultimately the health of the populations that depend on them. The Nepalese delegation saw this as an opportunity to further develop their own approach to improving soil and human health simultaneously.
Looking Ahead: Building stronger partnerships
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoA), presents a token of appreciation to Dr. Samuel Gameda, Senior Soil Scientist at CIMMYT-Ethiopia, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen partnerships between Nepal and Ethiopia in the framework of improving soil health (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
As CIMMYT continues to facilitate South-South exchanges, the goal is to adapt successful models from Ethiopia to Nepal while drawing lessons from Nepal’s unique agricultural landscape. The delegation left Ethiopia with renewed motivation to enhance soil health, not just for the benefit of farmers but for broader food security and economic resilience.
Narayan Prasad Khanal, Business Development Manager at CIMMYT Nepal, emphasized the importance of such exchanges. “The lessons learned here, particularly on sub-soil acidity management and Geo-Nutrition, will be crucial for enhancing our regulatory systems and addressing challenges in Nepal’s agriculture. This experience has shown us how important it is to adapt successful models from other countries and incorporate them into our own agricultural practices.
Dr. Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), shares his reflections and lessons learned during the experience-sharing visit (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), was particularly fascinated by Ethiopia’s innovative work on Vertisol management and soil acidity. He remarked, “The insights we gained from CIMMYT, particularly on Geo-Nutrition and soil acidity, will help enhance our agricultural practices and regulatory systems in Nepal.”
A Path toward collaborative solutions
As Ethiopia and Nepal continue to navigate similar agricultural challenges, the knowledge gained from this exchange will play a crucial role in shaping future soil health strategies. By learning from each other’s successes, both countries are positioning themselves to implement sustainable, climate-resilient soil management practices tailored to their unique context.
This exchange stands as a powerful example of how international collaboration fosters innovation, resilience, and food security. Through shared expertise and collective action, Ethiopia and Nepal are laying the foundation for stronger agricultural systems that will benefit future generations.
Cosmas Chachi’s demo fishpond – one of the nine ponds where he trains locals in fish farming (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)
Cosmas Chachi, a 46-year-old businessman, owns Triple Blessing Supermarket in Zambia’s Luwingu District. In 2000, Cosmas identified an opportunity to address the growing demand for fresh fish in his community and started selling the product in his local area. Like many rural entrepreneurs, Cosmas faced initial challenges such as unreliable supply chains, insufficient cold storage, and limited access to financing, all of which prevented him from meeting the rising demand from local customers. Undeterred, Cosmas embarked on a transformative journey into aquaculture.
The turning point for Cosmas occurred in April 2023 when he participated in a training program on integrated aquaculture under the aegis of the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) Rapid Delivery Hub, led by CIMMYT. The training implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), one of the key implementing partners of the project, emphasized sustainable intensification and equipped Cosmas with advanced skills in sustainable feed management, water quality control, efficient harvesting methods, and business management, among other areas.
A view of Cosmas Chachi’s Triple Blessings Supermarket, a thriving hub where he sells fish from his fishponds and manages his off-taking business (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)
“The training equipped me with expert knowledge in aquaculture management and skills to design and operate efficient fishponds,” Cosmas said.
With his new-found expertise, Cosmas upgraded three of his existing fishponds and built six more, each measuring 13×15 meters. To meet customer demand, he introduced a strategic stocking system, staggering the placement of 1,000 fingerlings across his nine ponds. This innovation ensured consistent fish supply even during Zambia’s annual fish ban. “By stocking and harvesting my ponds, I can maintain a steady supply even during the national fish ban when local supply decreases because some other farmers who supply my supermarket depend on fish from natural water bodies,” Cosmas shared.
Creating livelihoods and building resilience
Cosmas’ aquaculture enterprise has become an economic engine in his community, employing 25 permanent workers, primarily local youth, and offering seasonal jobs to 12 more. For Emmanuel Makumba, a shop attendant at Triple Blessing supermarket for the last eight years, the opportunity has been life changing. “The job at the supermarket helped me relocate from my village, build my own house, and send my children to a private school,” said Emmanuel.
In June 2024, his business received a significant boost with the installation of a 15-ton cold storage facility, funded by IWMI through the AID-I project. The upgrade significantly reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced Cosmas’ fish storage capacity. It ensures a steady supply for his business and the farmers he supports, strengthening the local aquaculture value chain.
“In the past, we could only purchase 50 to 100 kilograms (kg) of fish at a time, selling it at US$ 2.50 per kg,” Cosmas shared. With the new cold storage facility, Cosmas can now buy and store up to 700 kg of fish per harvest without the risk of spoilage. The effort not only secures a reliable supply for his business but also creates a dependable market for local consumers, fostering growth and sustainability in the region’s aquaculture sector.
A ripple effect of progress: Expanding aquaculture for community impact
Today, Cosmas’ success goes beyond his supermarket. He owns a thriving restaurant, offering customers a unique dining experience with fresh fish from his ponds. “The training I received during the AID-I workshops helped me transform my passion for aquaculture into a successful business. Now, in addition to the supermarket, I own a popular restaurant and outdoor fishponds, offering customers a unique dining experience,” he said.
Fish from local fish farmers before being stocked at Triple Blessings Supermarket (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)
Building on his business success, Cosmas has further expanded his impact by transforming his fishponds into practical classrooms, offering free, hands-on training to aspiring fish farmers. Over the past year, he has trained 50 farmers in sustainable aquaculture best practices.
As more farmers in Luwingu adopt these practices, local food security improves, and income streams diversify. Cosmas’ leadership is stabilizing the community’s food supply and improving diets with nutrient-rich fish. This aligns with AID-I’s broader goal to promote sustainable and scalable agricultural models.
By September 2024, the AID-I project, through IWMI’s efforts, had supported 297 fish farmers with training, market linkages, and tools for success across Northern and Luapula Provinces: creating a ripple effect of progress and also addressing Zambia’s fish supply and demand gap.The project empowers communities to adopt innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices, driving growth in fish production and ensuring a more reliable supply to meet the needs of a growing population. As fish is a critical source of protein and essential nutrients, fostering a sustainable aquaculture sector is vital for supporting Zambia’s food security and nutritional goals.
Cosmas’ journey exemplifies the power of partnerships, innovation, and resilience in driving community progress. It underscores the potential for a robust aquaculture sector in Zambia, where challenges spur solutions and success benefit entire communities. Through AID-I’s comprehensive interventions, Cosmas’ story of transformation offers a vision for sustainable development in rural Zambia, led by innovation and community empowerment.
The first harvest from the fish demonstration was attended by Mr. Sakala, District Livestock Coordinator, who was invited to observe the progress and assess the impact of the initiative (Photo : Cosmas Chachi)
Uganda’s Dr. Godfrey Asea of NaCRRI was recognized for developing over 20 maize varieties, including drought-tolerant hybrids that support food security. His work has earned multiple breeding and technology awards from CIMMYT, reflecting CIMMYT’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient maize in Africa. As Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture warns against counterfeit seeds, CIMMYT’s efforts in supporting national research institutions remain crucial in ensuring farmers have access to high-quality, stress-tolerant seeds.
Agriculture lies at the core of rural livelihoods, yet longstanding social inequities havestifled the potential of marginalized groups– particularly women and youth– to fully benefit. The CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) recognizes gender and social inclusion as critical pillars in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation. By embedding these aspects within its framework, AE-I ensures that marginalized groups—especially women and youth—play a meaningful role in agroecology transitions.
Current realities on women and youth in agriculture
Women and youth are central to Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, yet they remain underrepresented or excluded in decision-making processes and face barriers to accessing critical resources. Globally, women make up about 48% of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa (World Bank, 2024), yet they consistently face challenges in accessing land, credit, and markets. In Zimbabwe, these disparities are even more pronounced. In Mbire and Murehwa districts, rural economic activities, including agriculture, rely heavily on women and youth. Women make up approximately 70% of the agricultural labor force (UNDP, 2024) in these regions, but they often lack control over resources needed to enhance productivity and economic stability such as land, credit, and markets.
Agroecology Living Landscapes and Gender and Social Inclusion Matter
Embedding gender and social inclusion (GESI) into agroecology is not just a moral imperative but a foundational requirement for achieving lasting and transformative impact. Traditional top-down development approaches have often neglected marginalized groups’ unique needs and contributions, resulting in unsustainable outcomes. In contrast, the AE-I prioritizes inclusive and participatory processes, exemplified by its Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs), which serve as collaborative spaces where community members actively co-create locally relevant solutions.
Central to the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) is a commitment to “do no harm—say no harm,” ensuring that the inclusion of women, youth, and other marginalized groups is safe, meaningful, and impactful. Including marginalized groups can disrupt existing power structures and opportunity hierarchies, so it must be done with contextual sensitivity. Young and old women are provided equal opportunities to participate in and contribute to the co-creation of innovations. However, systemic barriers-such as limited agency or entrenched gender norms-continue to hinder meaningful engagement. To address these challenges, AE-I collaborates with key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), to advocate for gender mainstreaming. Concrete actions have included training programs, documentation of gender norms and their impacts, elevating women and youth role models, and ensuring equal participation in ALL activities. MWACSMED has evolved into a proactive stakeholder in this process. Initially a passive participant in ALL discussions, the ministry now plays a leadership role in addressing gender and social inclusion issues within the landscapes. This deliberate attention to GESI within ALLs has illuminated systemic barriers such as unequal access to resources, rigid cultural norms, and the exclusion of certain social groups.
Conversations with farmers during ALLs meetings (Photo: CIMMYT)
Agroecology recognizes that inclusion is not merely about representation but about fostering environments where meaningful transformation can happen. For instance, cultural norms often limit the participation of women and youth in mixed-group activities. To address this, the AE-I initiated monthly “dialogues with elders,” engaging traditional authorities and community leaders to reconcile cultural traditions with transformative gender and social inclusion goals. These dialogues have yielded positive shifts in such perspectives. As one elder participant noted, “We value inputs from women and acknowledge their critical role in our community.”
The transformative impacts of AE-I’s inclusive approach are increasingly visible. Across Murehwa and Mbire districts, Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs) are reshaping community dynamics by empowering previously marginalized groups, such as elderly women, to contribute to agricultural innovation. Within some of the activities of the Initiative, women and youth engagement is quite impressive, with over 60% of participants in seed fairs and field days. These figures highlight the significant potential for expanding women’s and youth’s opportunities to advance agroecological goals through gender- and youth-focused interventions. It also demonstrates their eagerness to engage in knowledge-sharing opportunities. Such initiatives improve livelihoods and build women’s and youths’ agency as active contributors to agricultural innovations.
Inclusivity within ALLs is further is reinforced by low barriers to entry, emphasizing a willingness to learn and transform their crop and livestock production rather than asset ownership. This approach has expanded participation among resource-poor farmers, breaking down traditional exclusionary practices brought by other Donor programs.
As one farmer remarked, “In the past, only those with cattle or fenced homesteads could join such programs on transformative change. Now, even those of us without such assets can participate.”
Such practices have strengthened the confidence of marginalized farmers, enabling them to navigate complex production dynamics collectively.
Building Economic Independence and Transforming Food Systems
The AE-I’s focus on inclusive value chains has begun to yield tangible economic benefits. In Mbire and Murehwa, women are transitioning from subsistence farming to economic independence by engaging in agroecological business models. For example, Sasso poultry farming has become a viable income-generating activity, allowing women to reinvest in their farm-level activities. Youth are also leveraging their involvement in agriculture to build assets, diversify income and nutritional sources, and secure a more stable future.
A critical challenge remains exploitative market dynamics that limit farmers profitability. Farmers have raised concerns about the informal urban markets, where asymmetric power dynamics and a lack of competitive pricing mechanisms enable buyers to dictate unfavorable prices. Middlemen in the poultry markets suppress prices by 40%, while unstructured sorghum buyers pay 20–30% below market rates, eroding farmers’ profitability.
Addressing these bottlenecks through cooperative-led marketing, digital trading platforms (e.g., Hamara App), and guaranteed off-take agreements ensures equitable economic participation and a resilient food system.
Drudgery and Women in Agri-Food Systems
The transition to agroecology offers both opportunities and challenges, particularly for women, who bear the brunt of agricultural labor. In many rural communities, women are responsible for labor-intensive activities, including land preparation, weeding, and post-harvest handling.
While agroecological practices promote sustainability and resilience, some approaches—such as conservation agriculture—can initially increase women’s workload, exacerbating drudgery and limiting their time for other economic or social activities.
To ensure that agroecology transitions are both equitable and scalable, it is essential to integrate appropriate-scale mechanization that reduces labor burdens while maintaining ecological integrity. By embedding gender-responsive technologies into agroecological systems, AE-I can foster inclusive, productive and sustainable farming solutions.
Women in Murehwa receiving training on how to use the basin digger (Photo: CIMMYT)
To address this, the Initiative has facilitated the adoption of labor-saving technologies, improving access to mechanized solutions that ease women’s workload. In Mbire and Murehwa districts, 43 out of 95 women farmers now have access to basin diggers, significantly reducing the effort required to establish planting basins in conservation agriculture. Additionally, four multigrain threshers have been introduced in each district, enabling women to process small grain cereals more efficiently, cutting down the time spent on post-harvest handling.
These innovations not only alleviate physical strain but also increase productivity, allowing women to participate in value-added activities and play a greater role in decision-making processes within the food system.
By prioritizing appropriate-scale mechanization, the AE-I ensures that agroecology transitions foster inclusivity, sustainability, and economic empowerment for women farmers.
Wrap up
The CGIAR Agroecology Initiative’s work in Mbire and Murehwa provides a step forward for centering gender and social inclusion into agricultural development. Through participatory methods, inclusive partnerships, and a focus on actor agency and opportunity for behavior change, the Initiative has redefined what it means to build sustainable and equitable food systems. For donors, partners, and other stakeholders, the AE-I offers a compelling case for investing in inclusive approaches that transform agriculture and uplift entire communities. As agroecology continues to evolve, centering gender and social inclusion will remain vital for achieving sustainable, impactful outcomes.
Time is of the essence, but we are not making the most of it in the fight against hunger. In 2015, world leaders agreed to set ambitious targets for addressing humanity’s most pressing concerns, which shaped the 2030 Agenda and became widely known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are only five years from 2030, but SDG 2 Zero Hunger has completely slipped through our fingers. In 2023, there were between 713 million and 757 million undernourished people in the world. The latest estimates point to an uncomfortable truth: hunger is on the rise, and we will not meet SDG 2 by the end of this decade.
The outlook is so bleak that 153 Nobel and World Food Prize recipients signed an open letter published on Jan. 14 calling on political and business leaders worldwide to seriously fund “moonshot” efforts to change our current trajectory and meet the food requirements of a global population of 9.7 billion people by 2050. The renowned signatories are sounding the alarm at the dawn of 2025 because it takes decades to reap the rewards of agricultural research and development programs, but also because yields of staple crops are stagnating or even declining around the world at a time when food production should increase between 50% to 70% over the next two decades to meet expected demand.
Joint 2024 World Food Prize Laureate and former U.S. Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler coordinated the global appeal, which was discussed during a hearing with the US Senate Committee on Agriculture in Washington, D.C. The open letter published afterward listed the most promising scientific breakthroughs that should be prioritized to sustainably increase food production, including “improving photosynthesis in staple crops such as wheat and rice to optimize growth; developing cereals that can source nitrogen biologically and grow without fertilizer; as well as boosting research into hardy, nutrition-rich indigenous crops that have been largely overlooked for improvements.”
The good news is that we already have the platform of cutting-edge science to develop and scale up these innovations where they are most needed in Mexico and in nearly 90 countries where CIMMYT works with the support of an unrivalled network of international donors and local partners.
Increasing Wheat’s Ability to Capture, Use Sunlight
Varieties of wheat plants differ in their capacity to use sunlight to produce grain. The main goal of breeders is to increase wheat’s yield potential to harvest more grain sustainably and from the same area of arable land. At present, current breeding can increase wheat’s average yield potential by 1% annually, but it would be necessary to achieve average yield increases of at least 1.7% year after year to meet the expected demand by 2050. Research is focusing on photosynthesis in wheat spikes to boost yield potential. Spike photosynthesis adds on average 30% to grain yield of elite wheat lines developed at CIMMYT, but these gains can go as high as 60% in wheat’s wild relatives and landraces. The strategy is to tap into this underutilized potential to boost yields of modern wheat varieties that are also better adapted to a warming and drier world, and resistant to known and new pests and diseases. We wish to accelerate this research and are seeking a US$100 million investment in the platform.
Boosting Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat
Wheat is the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer consumer, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation. Groundbreaking research led by CIMMYT is increasing wheat’s ability to use nitrogen more efficiently, thereby reducing its dependency on nitrogen fertilizer by between 15% to 20%, depending on regional farming systems. Increased nitrogen use efficiency has been achieved after successfully transferring a natural ability to inhibit biological nitrification from wheat’s wild relatives to modern wheat varieties. Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) is a natural process that provides wheat plants with a more sustained source of nitrogen available in the soil, thereby increasing their nitrogen use efficiency. BNI wheat is a game-changing innovation that will contribute to significantly reducing agriculture’s nitrogen footprint sustainably without compromising yields or grain quality. While the BNI research platform has received its first investment for wheat, an additional investment of US$30 million per crop would expand the platform to maize, millet, and sorghum.
Improving and Scaling Up ‘Opportunity Crops’
CIMMYT recently partnered with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to advance the global Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) endorsed by the G7, which aims to sustainably increase the production of diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted indigenous and traditional food crops grown on healthy soils. We have identified seven “opportunity crops,” including pearl millet, finger millet, pigeon pea, cowpea, mung bean, and amaranth, that can be grown sustainably and significantly improve nutrition and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. At present, the VACS partner network is working hard to develop new varieties of these opportunity crops and to build pathways for African farmers to access improved seeds and markets for their produce. The soil component of the VACS movement is underfunded, so we are looking for a US$500 million investment to launch a strong VACS Soils initiative.
A Parting Shot
Improved photosynthesis and increased nitrogen use efficiency in wheat, and nutrient-dense indigenous crops are exciting “moonshot” efforts already building resilient food systems that may help humanity avert a global food catastrophe in two decades’ time. But political will and available funding for agricultural research and development will ultimately determine if these and many more urgently needed scientific breakthroughs will reach their full potential in the fight against hunger in a more food insecure and unstable world.
Bram Govaerts is CIMMYT’s director general. He is an international authority in maize, wheat and associated cropping systems who works for a successful transformation of small-scale farming in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Govaerts advises public, private and social organizations worldwide and is an active member of research groups and associations, including the American Society of Agronomy and Cornell University’s Andrew D. White Professors-at-Large Program.
For Malawian farmers Monica Levison and Liden Mbengo, the 2023-24 cropping season posed distinct challenges compared to prior years. Like many of their fellow smallholders, they grappled with the El Niño-induced drought, which severely impacted agricultural production across Southern Africa.
A smallholder farmer in Malawi, proudly showcases the high-quality bean seeds he harvested after adopting AID-I’s climate-smart farming techniques. (Photos: CIAT and CIMMYT)
Connecting Farmers to Innovative Tools and Information
At the core of AID-I’s approach lies the delivery of innovative advisory services and proven agricultural technologies—strategies that have transformed the lives of farmers like Monica and Liden.
The AID-I project is transforming agriculture in targeted regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
By providing smallholder farmers with critical information and innovative solutions, AID-I empowers them to enhance food production. The project focuses on strengthening legume and maize seed systems to enhance the availability and access to multi-stress-tolerant and nutritious crops. It also emphasizes delivering agricultural advisories to the last mile and improving soil health and fertilizer efficiency. These efforts are compounded withextensive training conducted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA).
Seed Multiplication: A Key Entry Point for AID-I in Malawi
In Malawi, seed multiplication is a critical entry point for AID-I interventions. This approach ensures that farmers have access to high-quality, locally adapted seeds, reinforcing seed systems while supporting food security and resilience among smallholders. Through a network of demonstration plots, the initiative introduced high-demand bean varieties while showcasing modern agronomic practices, including proper planting techniques, precise fertilizer application, and effective pest and disease control strategies. These hands-on demonstrations equipped Malawian farmers with practical and sustainable methods to optimize bean cultivation, even during challenging conditions.
Monica’s Journey: From Small Harvests to Realizing Her Dreams
In Thambolagwa village, Monica had spent more than two decades growing beans only for her family’s consumption. After attending AID-I’s bean production training and receiving 2 kilograms (kg) of NUA35 seed from the demonstrations, she harvested 25 kg, significantly increasing her yield.
Building on this success, Monica planted the harvested seeds on one acre of land during the 2023-24 growing season and harvested 15 bags, each weighing 50 kg. She then sold part of her produce to Milele Agro Processing, earning over US$577.
“The training was incredibly valuable,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the 2024-25 season, during which I plan to expand my business by cultivating two acres of land. With the profits, I aim to make future investments in farming and save money to build a modern house for my family.”
AID-I Demonstrates the Power of Knowledge Through Mbengo’s Transformation
Liden, from Kang’oma Village, spent years planting four bean seeds in a single hole, unaware that this practice limited his agricultural potential. AID-I’s training introduced him to effective agronomic practices such as planting techniques, crop rotation, soil fertility improvement, and pest management as guided by PABRA.
“Following these guidelines, I harvested 15 kg of VTTT 924/4-4 and 18 kg of NUA35 from just half a kilogram of seed. In the previous year, I harvested only 3 kg after planting the same number of seeds and then nearly gave up on bean farming. The knowledge I have gained is priceless. It has reinforced my interest in bean farming and will stay with me forever,” said Mbengo.
Liden Mbengo, a farmer from Kang’oma Village, displays his impressive bean harvest, demonstrating the impact of AID-I training on improving yields and resilience.
A New Era for Malawian Bean Farmers
For extension workers such as Chrissy Minjale in Ntcheu district, the AID-I program has been transformative.
“The trainings were eye-opening for both us and the farmers,” she said. “Smallholder bean farmers in Malawi are likely to experience a significant increase in bean seed and grain production in the long run.”
Farmers and extension workers, inspect newly planted bean crops during a field visit, highlighting the hands-on learning provided by AID-I advisory services.
Field Learning and Adoption of Climate-Smart Practices
The program’s emphasis on linking farmers to off-takers, understanding climatic conditions, and adopting modern agronomic practices has sparked interest in bean farming across Malawi. As Yohane Nkhoma, a field extension officer in Ntchisi, observed:
“We now understand the importance of timing the first rains for beans and other crops. I’m committed to sharing this knowledge with hundreds of farmers in my area and helping them pay closer attention to the climatic conditions crucial for bean production. The results we have witnessed will encourage more farmers to engage in bean cultivation as a serious business.”
Scaling Impact: Training Thousands of Farmers
With over 11,007 farmers trained, 6,786 of whom are women, AID-I is not only improving yields but also empowering communities, building resilience, and igniting a wave of agricultural innovation.
The ripple effect of these interventions is clear. Beyond feeding their families, smallholder farmers are also paving the way for a more secure and sustainable future.
These individuals are more than beneficiaries. They are change agents whose successes inspire their communities and beyond.
As AID-I continues to amplify its impact, it is reshaping the trajectory of smallholder farming in Malawi and setting a precedent for resilience and food security across the region.
The future of farming here is thriving, innovative, and full of promise—as illustrated by Monica, Mbengo, and many more.
In Nepal, hope is slowly taking root in the mid-hills as communities and farmers transform traditional systems into productive, diversified, nutritious and market-oriented farming systems. Through the CGIAR Mixed Farming Systems (MFS) Initiative, farmers like Ms. Birma Sunar and communities like Gurbhakot in Surkhet are building a transformative pathway. Since 2022, CIMMYT and IWMI have been supporting communities in planning and engaging stakeholders in identifying organizational and technical solutions. The initiative aims to increase milk production through improved forages, improve nutrition and income diversification through high-value fruit trees, and improve water efficiency in vegetable production through micro-irrigation.
Birma Sunar, 49, a determined farmer from Surkhet, represents the aspirations of countless smallholder farmers struggling to survive on limited means. A Dalit woman and an amputee, her small plot of land was once dedicated to subsistence farming, leaving her family struggling to make ends meet. The maize and wheat she grew barely lasted a year, and her family of seven was struggling for food. With her husband earning meager wages as a day laborer, the family often faced food insecurity.
Her perspective on farming began to change when she became involved with the Mixed Farming Initiative. Birma received training in the cultivation of high-value fruit trees and the planting of Napier grass to feed dairy cattle, as well as micro-irrigation techniques. With her new skills and the eight mango saplings and one lychee tree she received from the Initiative as part of action research, she hopes to increase her family’s income..
“I was unaware of commercial farming,” says Birma. “I have a lime tree and a banana tree in my field however, it used to be for home consumption. But now, once my mango and lychee trees start giving fruits, I hope to sell the produce in local markets and earn enough to buy essential household items and feed my family.”
Last year, she planted high-value fruit saplings that are now growing into healthy plants, giving her hope for stability and food security in the future.
Birma Sunar intercultivating a mango plant (Photo: Lokendra Chalise/CIMMYT)
After working abroad for a few years in the hope of a brighter future, Santosh KC, 25, returned home, disheartened yet determined. Equipped with the knowledge gained from his agricultural education and a passion for change, he started a nursery for high value fruit trees and improved forages and ventured into dairy farming with Napier grass.
The journey was not easy. In the first year, Santosh faced losses, and his family doubted the viability of his efforts. But with unwavering dedication, he turned his fortunes around. Today, Santosh cultivates 45 ropanis (2.29 hectares) of land, raises 22 goats, and earns a steady income. He also participates in the Mixed Farming Initiative training organized jointly with the Gurbhakot municipality and mentors farmers on the benefits of mixed farming.
“For many youths, farming doesn’t seem like a viable option. However, with support for modern agricultural techniques and market integration, we can build livelihoods that are not just sustainable but rewarding,” shares Santosh.
A Municipal Vision: Building Resilient Communities
The Initiative has been jointly implemented by CIMMYT and IWMI in the local municipality of the working district. With the support of the initiative, the Gurbhakot municipality is playing a critical role in scaling up the benefits of mixed farming. Recognizing the value of the crops, the municipality has embraced Napier grass and high-value fruits as key components of its agricultural strategy. By prioritizing mangoes, lychees, oranges, and lemons, the municipality aims to improve household nutrition and create commercial opportunities for farmers.
“We distributed high-value fruit trees to farmers last year under the theme ‘One Home, Two Fruit Plants’. This year, we’re planning a study to identify the best topography for different fruits. This knowledge will allow us to scale our goal to integrate these practices into larger public programs, creating decent livelihoods for farmers,” said Mr. Hasta Pun, Mayor of Gurbhakot Municipality.
Mayor Hasta Pun (Photo: Lokendra Chalise/CIMMYT)
A Vision for the Future
The Mixed Farming Initiative has been critical in identifying solutions to bring tangible improvements to smallholder farmers like Birma and Santosh, but it has also strengthened local governance and resilience. In the three years of implementation, the pilot program in Gurbhakot in Surkhet and Halesi-Tuwachung in Khotang has set the stage for scaling up these efforts in more municipalities. By 2030, the initiative aims to impact 13 million people and ensure equitable opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
By nurturing the saplings of high-value fruits and integrating forages, local leaders and farmers in the mid-hills of Nepal remain motivated and committed to rewriting their story —One of hope, resilience, and the promise of a food-secure future.
CIMMYT collaborated with Tecnologico de Monterrey’s FEMSA Biotechnology Center in the development and validation of nutraceutical corn. By leveraging Mexico’s maize diversity through the world’s largest germplasm bank, CIMMYT contributed expertise in crossbreeding to help incorporate traits such as higher protein, fatty acids, and antioxidants, supporting advancements in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Senior representatives from CIMMYT visited the John Innes Centre to strengthen their strategic partnership focused on advancing global wheat research. Key collaborative efforts include the Wheat Disease Early Warning Advisory System (DEWAS) and research on genetic resistance to wheat blast. CIMMYT’s Director General, Dr. Bram Govaerts, emphasized the long-standing partnership’s global impact, noting that around 70% of the world’s wheat is linked to CIMMYT’s network. Dr. Sarah Hearne, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, highlighted the shared commitment to providing sustainable solutions that enhance farmers’ resilience and productivity worldwide.
CIMMYT-ICAR Workshop on Long-Term Agricultural Experiments (Photo: CIMMYT)
CIMMYT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, co-hosted a one-day workshop on Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) in agriculture, focusing on Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Regenerative Agriculture (RA) practices. The workshop aimed to explore strategies for researchers from the national systems to come together with CIMMYT colleagues and identify ways to increase productivity, improve food security, strengthen climate resilience of agricultural systems, and enable Indian farmers and researchers to take advantage of innovations and new research in LTEs.
The event was chaired by Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General for Natural Resource Management at ICAR. In his remarks, Dr Chaudhari highlighted the critical role of LTEs in understanding evolving agri-food systems. He emphasized the value of revisiting past research with fresh perspectives, taking into account new knowledge, and taking a long-term, strategic view of our agricultural research portfolios.
Dr. Prasanna Boddupalli, Regional Director for South Asia – CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of LTEs in generating knowledge for sustainable practices. He expressed hope that the workshop would inspire innovative ideas, such as the use of climate-resilient crop varieties like drought- and heat-tolerant maize, and the use of predictive analytics and machine learning to identify emerging trends
Dr Alison Laing chaired the workshop. She outlined the objectives of the workshop and emphasize the importance of collaborative discussions in formulating guidelines and recommendations for ongoing and future experiments on CA and RA. She also highlighted the need for resource mobilization and contributions from the participating institutions.
The opening session featured presentations by senior scientists, including Dr M.L. Jat (ICRISAT), Dr Rajbir Singh (ICAR-NRM ADG), Dr Rakesh Kumar (ICAR-RCER), Dr Madhu Choudhary (ICAR-CSSRI), Dr H.S. Jat (ICAR-IIMR) and Dr C.M. Parihar (ICAR-IARI). They provided insights into ongoing LTEs on CA and RA at their research institutions, including key research foci, discussed challenges and opportunities, and stressed the importance of ensuring the continuity of LTEs in the face of shifting priorities and donor fatigue.
All participants then engaged in group discussions to address emerging priorities, funding challenges and barriers to implementation, and to identify ways in which LTEs can generate data to demonstrate the long-term impacts of agricultural practices and the performance of different cropping systems. These breakout sessions culminated in a plenary session where participants consolidated key issues and reached consensus on actionable recommendations.
Dr Laing concluded the workshop by announcing that the recommendations would be compiled into a joint document to be submitted to ICAR-NRM, providing a roadmap for strengthening LTEs in India.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Mahesh Gathala (CIMMYT) commended the participants for their valuable contributions to the objectives of the workshop’s. He expressed confidence in the collective commitment of scientists and institutions – public and private – to the advancement of LTEs and their critical role in strengthening agricultural and food system science and research.
Sundhani Tharu, a 44-year-old farmer from Pattharbojhi, Madhuwan-1 in the Bardiya district, in the mid-west of Kathmandu, is a leading example of how sustainable agricultural practices not only enhance crop production but also contribute to human and environmental health. Her dedication to a balanced approach to farming, which includes crop-livestock integration and the principles of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship, has had a significant impact on her farm and the wider community.
Sundhani lives in a joint family of 58 members, with farming as the primary source of income. On their 8.13 hectares of land, they grow staple crops like rice, maize, mustard, and lentils, while also raising 26 cows, 17 buffaloes, and 45 sheep. Through this integration of crop production and livestock, Sundhani has built a closed-loop farming system where farmyard manure (FYM) from the livestock nourishes the crops, and crop residues feed the animals, ensuring minimal waste and promoting a natural balance between animals, crops, and soil health.
Sundhani with her family (Photo: Sirish Shrestha)
Central to her success is her application of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship, which involves applying the right source of nutrients at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. This approach ensures that her crops receive the essential nutrients they need while minimizing environmental impact. With support from the USAID-supported Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) Project, implemented by CIMMYT, Sundhani has been trained in nutrient management techniques, including the 4R principles. These practices have helped her optimize fertilizer use and significantly improve her crop yields, doubling her maize production from 30 to 60 quintals per hectare.
Sundhani also prioritizes the use of farmyard manure, which plays a vital role in her farming system. The manure from her livestock is carefully composted and used as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients. This reduces her reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment and deplete soil health over time. By using farmyard manure, Sundhani is not only improving soil fertility but also promoting a healthier ecosystem for future generations.
Similarly, the importance of a healthy diet is another key focus of Sundhani’s farming journey. Her farm provides her family with a diverse range of crops, including rice, maize, mustard, and vegetables like cauliflower, tomatoes, and potatoes. These crops contribute to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for her large family, ensuring that they receive essential nutrients from fresh, organic produce. Sundhani’s vegetable farming is further enhanced through climate-smart practices like intercropping and mulching, which protect the soil, conserve water, and increase the variety of crops she can grow.
In addition to her focus on nutrient management and healthy diets, Sundhani has embraced Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), a holistic approach to soil health. ISFM combines organic and inorganic fertilizers, along with improved crop varieties and efficient nutrient management techniques, to enhance soil fertility and ensure long-term agricultural productivity. Through ISFM, Sundhani has achieved sustainable growth in her farming operations while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Sundhani Tharu (Photo: Sirish Shrestha)
Though Sundhani can hardly read or write, she is contributing to the “One Health” movement—a global initiative that connects the health of people, animals, and the environment through best management practices in agriculture. By integrating crops and livestock, using farmyard manure, and applying the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship, she promotes a sustainable, eco-friendly system that enhances food security, improves soil health, and protects natural resources.
Looking ahead, Sundhani is determined to expand her farming ventures. She plans to venture into seed production for rice and mustard and hopes to increase her earnings from NPR 5 lakh (USD 3,740) to NPR 8 lakh (USD 5,987). By continuing to inspire her community and advocate for local vegetable markets, Sundhani envisions a future where farming is not only a source of livelihood but a cornerstone for a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
Sundhani Tharu’s story highlights the power of nutrient stewardship and sustainable farming to create healthier soils, crops, and communities. Through her dedication to the 4Rs, ISFM, and promoting farmyard manure use, she is paving the way for a future where agriculture is in harmony with nature—benefiting both people and the planet.
