By Aoma Keziah,
Hundreds of scientists, policymakers, and development leaders from across the globe have gathered at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), for the opening of Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Science Week 2025, an event aimed at shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and food systems in the face of climate change and global insecurity.
Co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the event brings together leading voices in agricultural science to explore how partnerships can be forged in more effective ways to harness and scale pioneering science and innovation that can deliver food and nutritional security and strengthened livelihoods for all.
In his opening remarks, chief guest Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary, representing president William Ruto, noted that Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, providing over 60% of employment in Kenya, affirming support for agricultural research and innovation.
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, however, the Sector faces a perfect storm of challenges in climate change, loss of biodiversity, and rapid population Growth. The only way forward lies in science-driven solutions generated through robust partnerships among stakeholders. Kenya is fully committed to supporting agricultural research and innovation. Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda prioritizes the agri-food system as a key pillar of economic transformation and we believe that transforming this sector will drive poverty reduction and job creation, improved livelihoods and food security, gender equality and inclusion, and climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability,” he remarked.
Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, stated that CGIAR has been a longstanding and strategic Partner in agricultural development and innovation in Africa.
“Kenya is honored to co-host this important gathering. CGIAR has been a longstanding and strategic partner in agricultural development and innovation not only here in Kenya but across the African Continent. The partnership between CGIAR and our national institutions, particularly the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), continues to bear fruit in research, capacity building, and the dissemination of innovations that uplift our farmers and communities,” he stated .
Over 8,000 delegates have gathered for a week of events, workshops, exhibitions, and field trips, also it builds on CGIAR’s 50-year legacy of driving impact through partnerships that develop and scale innovations to tackle the most pressing agricultural challenges facing our planet’s food, land, and water systems.
“This week marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards transforming global agriculture and food systems. CGIAR is unwavering in our commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that research, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to overcoming the complex challenges facing agri-food systems today,” said Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR
The conference also serves as a platform for stakeholders to investigate new investment pathways that accelerate agricultural research in the face of mounting global agricultural challenges.
A special panel titled Council of the Wise, the Opening Ceremony proved a unique opportunity for global leaders and science experts to share knowledge and insights, alongside farmer community members who offered inside knowledge from the frontline of agricultural challenges.
Women feed Africa as they make up a high proportion of smallholder farmers. Yet where are the technology and tools that empower women and girls? When looking at the science to address challenges facing Africa, it is essential to do this through the gender lens to ensure innovations are equitable and inclusive,” said Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former Prime Minister of Mauritius.
A key topic will be the impact of climate change on global agriculture and how mission-driven collaborations, particularly through South-South cooperation, can ensure that agricultural advancements reach those who need them most especially marginalized and underserved farming communities. By welcoming diverse perspectives and leveraging cutting-edge research, Science Week can guide the transformation of food systems for a sustainable and resilient future for people and Planet.
“We have made considerable progress over the last decades in science and productivity, but demographic pressures have eroded the gains. We need to do more with less, combining political solutions with scientific solutions,” said Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and Former Prime Minister of Niger.
The event continues through April 11, culminating in a policy roundtable aimed at scaling science-based solutions through global and regional frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
