•The Report Comes Amid Climate and Hunger Crises
Nairobi, Kenya| The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has launched a groundbreaking flagship report offering decision-makers actionable, science-based strategies to strengthen food systems that are under mounting pressure from climate change, conflict, biodiversity loss, and global hunger.
The report, titled Insight to Impact: A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Navigating Food System Science, was officially unveiled during Science Week 2025 at the United Nations Campus in Nairobi.
It seeks to bridge the persistent gap between scientific research and real-world decision-making, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Described as a practical guidebook, the report translates decades of agricultural and climate research into 20 tangible solutions aimed at reshaping food production and nutrition outcomes.
These solutions are rooted in rigorous science, field-tested, and tailored for policymakers, investors, and leaders across agriculture, climate, finance, and health sectors.
Turning Scientific Insight into Action
“This report is not just about science; it’s about enabling action,” said Ismahane Elouafi, CGIAR’s Executive Managing Director.
“Policy is influenceable, but what I hear from many decision-makers is that they are often missing the right data, the clarity, and the pragmatism needed to shape impactful policies. This report addresses that gap.”
The document is the culmination of contributions from over 70 decision-makers spanning governments, regional organizations, and the private sector.
It identifies seven key areas of need, including clearer science communication, better alignment with national development strategies, and tools for more effective implementation on the ground.
Real-World Case Studies with Tangible Outcomes
Among the standout case studies featured is EnviroCow, a genetic index that enables dairy farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce feed costs and emissions—improving both environmental outcomes and farmer incomes.
In Pakistan, the introduction of zinc-rich wheat has reached more than 100 million people annually, increasing zinc intake by 21%, particularly addressing nutritional deficiencies in women and children.
Another example from Ethiopia showcases how site-specific fertilizer recommendations—based on slope, soil health, and local climate—have boosted crop yields by up to 29% and increased farmer incomes by as much as USD 270 per hectare.
Vietnam’s smart water management for rice production is also featured, demonstrating how climate-smart practices like alternate wetting and drying have been incorporated into the country’s national climate policy.
Over 33,000 Vietnamese farmers have been trained in these methods, successfully reducing methane emissions and water use without compromising yields.
Each case study in the report includes a suite of supporting materials such as how-to guides, expert contacts, scaling tools, and impact assessments, making it easier for governments and organizations to replicate and adapt these innovations.
Building a Global Network for Change
To accelerate its science-to-policy agenda, CGIAR has also launched the Insight to Impact Policy Champions Network—a coalition of partners, thought leaders, and policy influencers dedicated to translating evidence-based insights into on-the-ground action.
“We have ongoing global challenges: poverty, inequality, unemployment. Our ability to apply the best available science and innovation to guide decision-making is absolutely paramount,” said Dhesigen Naidoo, Chair of CGIAR’s Integrated Partnership Board.
“Future editions of this report will continue to help us navigate emerging global and regional challenges.”
Kenya’s own Lusike Wasilwa, a leader from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), echoed the report’s urgency and relevance.
“The future of farming is here,” Wasilwa said. “We must work together to ensure we are reaching smallholder farmers and generating data that informs policy. This is how we build sustainable, resilient food systems.”
Global Support for Local Impact
The flagship report was made possible with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), facilitated through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
In an era marked by intersecting crises affecting food and agriculture globally, CGIAR’s Insight to Impact stands out as a vital, timely intervention—one that empowers leaders to make smarter, evidence-based decisions that will shape the food systems of the future.
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