Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program led by IITA

East and Central Africa is Ready for the Next Cropping Season

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Aligning research activities with nature’s cycles is an important reality in Agricultural Research for Development (R4D). With that in mind, Humidtropics’ R4D Platforms members in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi Action Sites gathered over the dry season to determine the R4D activities they will conduct in the upcoming crop season starting in September. Participants discussed and identified best-fit options for integrated systems research addressing productivity, natural resource management, nutrition, market, and institutional issues, and finalized actions … [Read more...]

Humidtropics is Spreading its Wings in West Africa

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Developing the Capacity to Innovate in Cameroon and Nigeria. R4D Platform members in Cameroon and Nigeria received a special capacity building training on how best to set up Innovation Platforms and work in an interactive fashion with the stakeholders involved. The two workshops were organized by FARA and IITA: the first was held in May at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and the second in June at Centre Touristique de Nkolandom, Ebolowa, Cameroon. Dr. Wole Fatunbi, Program Officer, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at FARA, facilitated the … [Read more...]

Beyond the (Agricultural) Field of Vision in Vietnam

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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in collaboration with CGIAR and national partners, and as part of the Humidtropics CGIAR Research Program, has released ‘A situational analysis of agricultural production and marketing, and natural resources management systems in northwest Vietnam’. Its primary objectives were to provide evidence that will guide Humidtropics’ future activities in the northwest Vietnam Action Site and to establish a common understanding among partners/stakeholders on critical issues and possible Program interventions. This situational analysis is … [Read more...]

Legumes: a Unified Solution to Food, Fodder and Soil Fertility

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Humans love them, herbivorous animals thrive on them, the earth benefits from their presence, but not enough are being grown. From the vegetarian platters of Ethiopia, to Githeri in Kenya, Saka Madesu in the Congo, and the ubiquitous groundnut, Legumes continue to sustain people across the African continent. The paradox, however, is their extremely low coverage, especially in African farming systems, where they could play a pivotal role in the lives and livelihoods of farmers, their families, and the continent at large. This is precisely what LegumeCHOICE, a participatory research … [Read more...]

CGIAR Solutions to Realize the SDGs and Global Climate Agenda

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The year 2014 marks an historic opportunity to communicate the importance of research on sustainable agriculture to stakeholders involved in the climate change and development policy processes. The first CGIAR Development Dialogues event, organized with participation and support from all CGIAR Research Centers and Programs, will focus global attention on the vital role of research on agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, landscapes, and food systems in achieving sustainable development. The event will take place on September 25, 2014 in New York City at the Faculty House at … [Read more...]