Blog posts
Transformation through inclusive innovation – validated strategies for an evolving system
In support of partnership-based innovation that is at the heart of the 2030 CGIAR Research and Innovation Strategy, the Independent Science for Development Council commissioned a literature-based analysis of strategies for more inclusive research practices. Read more
Support smallholders for sustainable rice value chains
Promotes a study of funding needs and opportunities for a transition to sustainable rice landscapes, focused on innovative finance mechanisms for promoting adoption of improved rice production practices. Read more
Climate change and food security
Food security is inextricably linked to a predictable climate and healthy ecosystems. Climate change and associated severe weather, droughts, fires, pests, and diseases are already threatening the production of food around the world. Ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, the United Nations Foundation highlights solutions for creating more climate-resilient food systems and a healthier planet. Read more
To encourage increased SDG-related agriculture investments, Clarmondial and Versant Vision have published “Blended finance for agriculture: exploring the constraints and possibilities of combining financial instruments for sustainable transitions” in the journal Agriculture and Human Values. In surveying the current landscape, this paper describes the pros and cons of diverse blended finance modalities and clarifies the roles and limitations of public and private funders. Read more
Blended finance for agriculture: constraints and possibilities for sustainable transitions
Collaborative investment in agricultural impact information: Needed now more than ever
In April 2019, the report “Environmental Impact Reporting in Agriculture (EIRA): Creating a link between agricultural investments and environmental impact” put forward a collaborative roadmap toward dynamic, globally-relevant benchmarking of environmental impacts in agriculture. Appropriate information would allow investors, asset managers, and corporate decision makers to direct capital toward agricultural operations with better environmental performance and lower risks. Yet, we are not seeing meaningful efforts to build the data and information systems that are necessary to deliver on risk management and ESG reporting. Read more
When it comes to global investment in renewable energy, wind and solar are the big stars on the stage, but several ‘understudy’ technologies are waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight. Indeed, the renewable energy revolution will depend on the full ensemble cast. Well-designed and appropriately sited marine renewable energy facilities contribute to the transformation of the global energy economy by displacing fossil fuel sources. There are many ways to extract energy from the ocean and over 250 companies are operating hundreds of projects around the world. Read more.
Sustainable investments in the Blue Economy
In 2017, the world lost an important champion of productivity for African soils. Professor Tekalign Mamo leaves behind a rich legacy of achievement in soil fertility, natural resources conservation, and community engagement that has benefited some 11 million small-scale farmers. Read more.
A rich legacy of soil productivity
Agricultural supply chains create financial value as traders, processors, and distributors move products toward consumers. There is an emerging opportunity to leverage non-financial information captured in supply chains to mobilize new capital flows in support of sustainable agricultural practices through standard -- and innovative -- financial structures. Read more.
Environmental data create value in supply chains
Pulses are heavy hitters for SDGs
Victory will be a lot easier to achieve for the UN Sustainable Development Goals in a world where people grow and eat more chickpeas, lentils, beans, and other pulse crops. High-protein, low-fat, high-fiber pulse grains are heavy hitters for human health and nutrition and these plants are real team players when it comes to boosting soil fertility. Read more.
Pulses celebrated internationally as a ‘super crop’ for sustainability
When it comes to eating sustainably, beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and other pulses are hard to beat. A staple of many traditional diets around the globe, high-protein, low-fat, high-fiber pulse grains have been shown to fight disease and malnutrition. In farming systems, pulses ‘fix’ atmospheric nitrogen, adding it to the soil. Many pulse varieties tolerate drought and break pest cycles that afflict cereal crops. Read more.
To mobilize agriculture against climate change, leave no pulse behind
Farming systems around the world are incredibly diverse so there will be many different pathways to achieving mitigation, adaptation, and food security goals. The tremendous diversity among pulse crops means that this nutritious food can be grown in most agricultural regions and be part of national efforts to deliver on climate change commitments. Read more.
Are we just buying time?
The question came up at the end of a day spent learning about twenty supply chain projects that accomplished targeted objectives for three commodities in seven countries, prompting reflection at a higher level: are we just buying time for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes or are we truly building a new foundation for biodiversity-friendly agriculture? Read more.
National policy for climate-smart agriculture: insights from Brazil, Ethiopia & New Zealand
The concept of “climate-smart agriculture” is gaining greater visibility in international policy circles. Policy makers in Brazil, Ethiopia, and New Zealand are taking an integrated approach to the linked challenges of climate change, unsustainable agriculture, and food insecurity. But what does it mean for CSA to become embedded in a country’s policy framework? Read more.
Scientists can help tackle food insecurity as climate changes. Here’s how.
The scientific community can, and must, solidify the knowledge base on food security in a changing climate. There are key areas where scientific knowledge is needed to help pave the way for strategic, sustainable investments in climate-resilient agricultural production systems and low-waste supply chains that also deliver adequate nutrition. Read more.