Last month, we attended CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi – a gathering of over 1,500 scientists, policymakers and partners exploring bold solutions to transform food, land and water systems.
Some key takeaways that emerged were:
- Gender Lens: Agricultural innovation is increasingly informed by gender-responsive approaches, acknowledging the critical role of women in food production.
- Youth Engagement: With agriculture in Africa cited as a $1 trillion-dollar industry, stakeholders are actively developing pathways for youth employment and innovation in the sector.
- From Research to Product: Innovations are evolving from lab to shelf — with tangible products like multi-harvest rice varieties offering sustainable benefits for smallholder farmers.
- Data & Tech Integration: The integration of research, agriculture, and technology is a key lever for scaling impact across the continent — particularly through the energy and innovation of Africa’s youth.
Shared Challenges:
Sector leaders called attention to persistent barriers:
- Gaps in access to nutritious food
- Climate vulnerability
- Limited access to finance and technology
- Inadequate infrastructure for market access
As the conversations wrapped, one message was clear: lasting change will come not just from innovation, but from inclusive action that ensures solutions reach those who need them most.
Alisha Muchemi
Alisha joined Oxford HR in 2022. Previously, she spent a couple of years working as an Executive Search Researcher for clients in the social enterprise ecosystem. Before this, she worked on research projects for East African based NGOs and Canadian academic institutions that focused on education, psychology and human development.
