article
The Alliance and CIHEAM Bari formalize a strategic partnership to scale impact on sustainable agri-food systems
The Italian headquarters of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (Alliance) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in advancing food security, nutrition, and sustainable agri-food…
article
Connecting the dots: Turning evidence into action for finger millet and amaranth
Owen Kimani, Consolata Nolega Musita, Céline Termote
In Kisumu, stakeholders convened by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT explored how stronger coordination across finger millet and amaranth value chains can improve nutrition, resilience, and livelihoods in Kenya…
profile
Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg
Managing Director, Africa, and Trustee, Bioversity International USA
Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg is a distinguished leader in the fields of food systems and social inclusion, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role as Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and as Trustee in the Board of Bioversity UK/USA.
Dr. Kamau-Rutenberg joined the Alliance from the Ford Foundation where she was a Senior Fellow. She has also…
article
What works in gender-transformative innovation bundling? Evidence from learning labs in Ethiopia
Dessalegn Molla Ketema, Eileen Bogweh Nchanji
Lutomia Cosmas
In Ethiopia, researchers and partners tested a new way to scale agricultural innovation. By bundling technology, skills, and social change, they show how farming systems can work better for women and build resilience…
article
Kenya’s frontier in nature-based solutions monitoring and evaluation
Esther Nzuki, Brenda Binge, Tessie Akoko, Chris Mwangi Ngige, Dorcas Jalang’o
From February 24th to 26th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya, in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, hosted a workshop at the KALRO Headquarters, Kiboko, to validate and refine a…
article
Surviving drought with better data: Ethiopian pastoralists use a digital monitoring system to avoid crisis
Anastacia Wanjiru, Sintayehu Workeneh Dejene, Sintayehu Alemayehu
Liyuneh Gebre, Olika Dessalegn
Can better data help pastoralists stay ahead of drought? In Ethiopia’s rangelands, a digital monitoring system is helping communities, researchers, and local authorities track…
article
What five grams of durum wheat seed can become
José Luis Urrea-Benítez
In 2014, the beginning fit in the palm of a hand. Five grams of durum wheat seed, the weight of a few paperclips, poured into a small packet after a visit to the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute genebank. Starting from five grams poses a multiplication problem. Seed has to become more seed before it can become bread. That meant seasons of…
article
Pathways towards sustainable food systems in Africa: Insights from the Launch of the EAT–Lancet Commission 2.0 Report in Nairobi
Rachel Kibui
Special thanks to Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Christine Chege, Celine Termote
As global food systems face escalating pressures from climate change, economic instability, and demographic shifts, the need for systemic transformation has become increasingly…
article
The journey of RAMP: Learning the gas and brakes to accelerate
Megan Steele
A window into the experience behind the conception, launch, and execution of RAMP – Research and Market Pathways at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and CGIAR .
Download the report summary on CGSpace, below…
profile
Sarah K. Jones
Scientist
Sarah’s research focuses on understanding the role of agrobiodiversity in creating farms and landscapes that provide for both people and nature. She is particularly interested in exploring synergies and trade-offs between food production and biodiversity conservation goals and strategies for achieving these goals in tandem. Sarah is a geographer and mathematician by training. Her work is grounded in systems thinking – recognizing that interactions across space and time influence outcomes…
profile
Wilmer Cuellar
Senior Scientist
Wilmer is a Senior Scientist focused on the study of microbiomes and plant diseases that impact food security, livelihoods and the environment in the tropics. He has pioneered the application of our knowledge of the plant immune system for virus discovery and the use of nanotechnology and microbiome information for the rapid identification of resistance-breaking pathogens. His research extends to identify factors that drive the emergence of transboundary diseases affecting clonally…
article
Growing resilience from the ground up: Kisumu launches Pap Kadundo Integrated Community Seedbank
Gloria Otieno, Rachel Kibui
Special thanks to Carlo Fadda and Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and its partners continue to play a critical role in shaping sustainable agri-food systems across Africa and beyond. Through the CGIAR Multifunctional…
article
Kisumu County and the Alliance join forces to advance resilient food systems and multi-functional landscapes
Gloria Otieno
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the County Government of Kisumu have formalized a strategic partnership to advance climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation in Kenya. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on scaling…
article
From food waste to nutrition: Feeding people, not landfills
Rachel Kibui
Special thanks to Christine Chege, Kevin Onyango, Rosinah Wanyama
Every day, tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables arrive in Nairobi’s informal markets. Yet, before much of this food reaches consumers, a significant portion goes to waste due to poor storage, transport challenges, market gluts, and inadequate infrastructure…
article
Uniting Tanzania’s seed sector: Accelerating demand-driven transformation through public -private partnerships
Maria Michieka (CIMMYT), Yohane Chideya (Alliance/PABRA), Gerald Usiri (TARI)
Tanzania’s ACCELERATE Initiative is transforming the seed sector by linking research, markets, and farmers through public–private partnerships, boosting improved seed adoption, strengthening systems, and driving demand…
