Andrea Castellanos

Andrea works at the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and sustainable development, connecting research, policy, and practice to help build more resilient and inclusive food systems. As a Research Specialist in the Climate Action team at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, she contributes to evidence-based approaches that support climate action and inform decision-making.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Social Policy from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali. Over the past eight years, she has worked in Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D), with a particular focus on science–policy engagement, climate finance and investment, and scaling innovations for climate-smart agriculture.

She has extensive experience designing and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects and building strategic partnerships across Latin America. Working closely with communities, regional organizations, policymakers, and development partners, she strives to ensure that research efforts are aligned with stakeholders' priorities and needs while generating practical, policy-relevant solutions.

Her recent research explores the socio-economic drivers of food insecurity in Colombia, using national survey data (ENSIN) to generate evidence that supports public policy and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

She enjoys working across disciplines and institutions to connect people, ideas, and evidence, helping turn research into meaningful action for more resilient and sustainable food systems.