Enhancing Food Security for Smallholder Farmers in Africa
Food security is a pressing concern for many African countries, and it’s an issue that requires a multifaceted approach to solve. One of the key areas of focus is on smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural sector in many low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya and across Africa, these farmers will benefit from a research portfolio aimed at enhancing food security. A Five-Year Portfolio: Transforming Food Systems
The CGIAR Research Portfolio is a five-year initiative that runs from 2025 to 2030. This portfolio is designed to transform food systems, including food, land, and water, to achieve sustainable food security. The portfolio is not just about adapting to today’s pressing needs but is actively shaping a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. Building on 50 Years of Science Expertise
The portfolio is built on 50 years of science expertise and its extensive partner networks. It reflects the company’s renewed commitment to improving productivity, nutrition security, livelihoods, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, gender, and social equity. The portfolio is anchored in frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the 2025 Paris Agreement, and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Collaborative Design
A key strength of the portfolio is its collaborative design developed alongside key stakeholders such as national agricultural research institutions and farmers themselves. Through global “Listening Sessions” and consultations with governments, regional bodies, national research institutions, and local farming communities, CGIAR ensures that the portfolio reflects real-world needs and responds to priorities at national, regional, and global levels. Innovative and Impact-Driven
The portfolio is established around Science Programs focused on critical needs, a Scaling for Impact Program to ensure innovation is widely adopted, and accelerators to boost both research and technology adoption. Combined, these components aggregate expertise and partnerships around high-priority targets to collectively deliver scalable solutions that tackle the most pressing global agricultural challenges. Global Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
CGIAR’s 2025-30 Portfolio benefits from a global workforce of over 10,000 staff across 80+ countries and a wide network of partnerships. The company is uniquely positioned to coordinate a global response powered by pioneering agricultural science. The stakeholders involved in the portfolio’s design include national agricultural research institutions, governments, regional bodies, and local farming communities. Addressing Emerging Challenges
The portfolio is established to address emerging challenges in agriculture, such as shifting diets and demographics, climate volatility, and geopolitical shocks. The design also builds on analysis of CGIAR’s cutting-edge innovations and technologies that factor in current discourse on global agricultural needs and challenges. The result is a forward-looking research and innovation agenda that integrates science, policy, and partnerships to achieve lasting impact. Transforming Food Systems for Sustainable Food Security
CGIAR’s 2025-30 Portfolio will benefit food, land, and water systems across low- and middle-income countries by accelerating agricultural productivity growth, leading to better-functioning markets, strengthened livelihoods, and new job and income opportunities for workers in the agrifood system, especially women. The portfolio will help lift hundreds of millions of people out of hunger and poverty while supporting low-income producers and consumers. The portfolio is built on a solid foundation of existing work while expanding into emerging areas of science with potential for impact. By enhancing food security for smallholder farmers in Africa, CGIAR is playing a critical role in addressing the region’s pressing agricultural challenges. The portfolio’s collaborative design, innovative approaches, and global partnerships make it an effective tool for driving sustainable food security and improving the lives of millions of people in Africa. Table 1: Key Components of the Research Portfolio
| Component | Description |
| — | — |
| Science Programs | Focus on critical needs, including productivity, nutrition, and climate resilience |
| Scaling for Impact Program | Ensures innovation is widely adopted and applied |
| Accelerators | Boosts research and technology adoption, focusing on high-priority targets |
Figure 1: CGIAR’s Research Portfolio
In conclusion, CGIAR’s 2025-30 Research Portfolio is a comprehensive initiative that aims to transform food systems in Africa and beyond. By leveraging its 50 years of science expertise, collaborative design, and global partnerships, the portfolio is well-equipped to address the region’s pressing agricultural challenges and enhance food security for smallholder farmers. As the world continues to face complex and interconnected challenges, the portfolio’s focus on sustainable food security, equity, and social justice is more critical than ever.
