profile
Alejandra Gil-Ordóñez
Research Associate
Alejandra Gil-Ordóñez is a Research Associate in the Virology and Crop Protection team of the Cassava Program. Her research focuses on molecular biology and bioinformatics, with particular interests in population genetics, microbiology, ecology, and the evolution of pathogenic microorganisms. She has experience in biotechnology, Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, and bioinformatics processing of first-, second-, and third-generation microbial sequences applied to diagnosis…
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The Alliance at Rome Nutrition Week 2026
Hosted by Rome-based UN agencies (FAO, IFAD, and WFP), Rome Nutrition Week will take place from 25 to 28 May 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome and online. Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Joint Nutrition Action in a Changing World,” the event will identify practical pathways to accelerate nutrition progress in a rapidly evolving global context.
FAO HQ, Rome (Italy…
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Photo with a story contest - Agrobiodiversity as roots of resilience
Silvia Martinez, Roseline Remans, Silvia Araujo de Lima, Natalia Estrada, Sarah Jones
Agrobiodiversity - the variety of animals, plants, and microbes used for food and agriculture (FAO definition, 1999) is essential for food production, food security, and resilient food systems. Yet, it is difficult to capture: not only…
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3 school lunches decisions that can benefit future generations
Chiara Ferraboschi, Gina Kennedy
School meals can deliver benefits for health, livelihoods, and the environment. This can be accomplished by procurement decisions that diversify the ingredients, source from nearby, and engage communities and coalitions.
School meals have the power to influence…
profile
Johanna Mazabel
Research Coordinator II
Johanna Mazabel is a Chemist and Chemical Technologist holding a master’s degree in Agro-industrial Engineering, with 20 years of extensive experience spanning chemical and instrumental analysis, academic teaching, and scientific research.
Throughout her career, she has developed advanced proficiency in sample analysis utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), backed by specialized training and practical expertise in…
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Consultation workshop for AgriTech4Egypt: Presenting a strategic Egypt–Italy Initiative connecting research, entrepreneurship, and industry
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, together with partners, will host the High-Level Consultation Workshop for AgriTech4Egypt: Technological Innovation in Agri-food Sector in Egypt on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 in Cairo.
Cairo, Egypt
09 Jun 2026…
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Agent Networks: The missing link in food systems last-mile delivery
Kiogora Joseline Kanja , Nathanial Peterson, Millicent Omala
EMBE is working with agribusinesses across Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia to strengthen last-mile delivery systems by improving agent networks, data visibility, and farmer engagement through practical tools, training, and behavioral insights…
profile
Leonardo Medina
Research Specialist on Climate Change and Security
Leonardo is a Climate, Peace and Security Specialist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, where he supports research and policy engagement on conflict-sensitive climate governance, environmental peacebuilding, and adaptation in fragile and conflict-affected settings. His work focuses on understanding how climate change, environmental pressures, and governance systems interact to shape risks of conflict and opportunities for…
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Supporting women’s leadership in agrifood systems in India
Miranda Morgan, Meghajit Sharma Shijagurumayum
Women’s effective leadership and representation are key to achieving just and resilient agrifood systems.
Women are key actors in agrifood systems, playing leadership roles in agricultural…
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Non-market approaches at the crossroads: Expectations for the Bonn Climate Conference
Maria Eliza Villarino
Stephen Leonard
In June 2026, the next climate meeting (SB64) will take place in Bonn, where discussions on Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement and Non-Market Approaches (NMAs) will enter a decisive phase.
This year marks the formal…
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AgriTech4Egypt: A strategic Egypt–Italy partnership translating research into market-ready solutions for farmers and value-chain actors
Cairo, 9 March 2026 — The AgriTech4Egypt: Technological Innovation in the Agri-Food Sector in Egypt is a flagship Egypt–Italy initiative designed to accelerate the translation of research products into market-ready agritech solutions across Egypt’s…
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Latin America leads global agricultural innovation at CGIAR’s Americas-based centers
The CGIAR was born in Latin America and is returning to its roots to generate agricultural solutions for a green transition. An exciting event at the 2020 World Food Prize will discuss innovative ideas at the forefront of this movement
Nearly 50 years ago, Norman Borlaug, the Rockefeller…
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New herbicide-resistant rice variety launched in Colombia
Joint research between the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, Semillas del Huila, and the agricultural company BASF led to the development of Sicalis SH CL, a new herbicide-resistant rice variety that facilitates more efficient control of the weed known as red rice, thereby improving crop productivity.
The Alliance of…
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Launch of the Report: Latin American and Caribbean Landscape Report of Food Security and Healthy Diets
The new Latin American and Caribbean landscape report of food security and healthy diets, developed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT together with the Instituto de Nutrición de Centroamérica y Panamá (INCAP), offers an updated look at the challenges facing the region in ensuring adequate and equitable…
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Women-led seed innovation: PABRA boosts Emma’s high-iron bean expansion in Rwanda
Yohane Chideya, Dennis Ong'or, Keta Mwangala, Yvonne Munyangeri, Eliud Birachi, Jean Claude Rubyogo
Driven by passion, Rwandan entrepreneur Emma Uwera has grown her high-iron bean business in Eastern Province and beyond, with Sall Foundation and Global Affairs Canada support, improving farmer access,…
