Stakeholders bet on Science Week to push action towards sustainable food systems

Stakeholders are now banking on a five-day science week to push action towards sustainable food action.

The event happening in Nairobi between April 7-12 will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders at the intersection of agriculture, climate, and health to drive action toward a sustainable global food system.

The event is hosted by a global research firm CGIAR in partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

Under the theme of ‘Uniting Science and Innovation to Build Resilient Food Systems’, the week will focus on the current rising of global temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and increasing food insecurity underscoring the need for scientific breakthroughs that can safeguard food, land, and water systems while supporting smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities.

Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR in a press statement said with nearly 350 million people worldwide facing extreme hunger, and climate change posing an increasing threat to food production, the urgency for transformative agricultural innovations has never been greater.

"Science and innovation have always been the backbone of human progress. Today, as we navigate a complex web of global challenges—from climate change to food insecurity—we need bold, collective action," said Dr Elouafi.

She said the science week is a landmark event bringing together the world's leading scientists, decision-makers, and advocates in agriculture, climate and health.

According to her, the gathering aims to realize a shared vision of enhancing food production through science and innovation, reducing malnutrition, and protecting biodiversity in land, water, and food systems.

She said the firm will take advantage of the event to officially launch a six-year research portfolio program of work aimed at tackling some of the most pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

“The portfolio is designed to boost innovation by integrating cutting-edge research from CGIAR’s global network of research centres and enhancing climate resilience by developing climate-smart agricultural solutions that protect farmers from extreme weather conditions.

Her sentiments were stressed by Dr Eliud Kireger, Director General KALRO who said the portfolio will play a key role in improving food security and nutrition through advancements in sustainable crop production and food systems.

“It is designed to empower rural farmers with technologies and strategies to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact while strengthening global partnerships by promoting collaboration among governments, research institutions, and the private sector,” said Dr Kireger.

He said the initiative is expected to mobilize between $6 billion and $12 billion, will support research efforts in over 100 countries and engage 3,000 local partners, with a strong emphasis on Africa’s agricultural transformation.

"Kenya is honoured to host this key event, a platform that will not only unveil groundbreaking scientific innovations but also promote strategic collaborations to drive meaningful and lasting impact," he said.