The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented the Nigeria Value Chain Development Program (VCDP) across six Nigerian states with the objective to improve farmer organizations’ collective efficacy, and alleviate poverty via improving rice and cassava production, farmers’ incomes, and value chain integration. The VCDP incorporated a gender-sensitive design to target women beneficiaries and improve empowerment by expanding access to training, opportunities, and resources. The VCDP also aimed to improve local infrastructure.

Nigeria’s agrifood system (AFS) diagnostic results
Nigeria’s AFS lacked transformation between 2009 and 2019
• Primary agriculture is larger than off-farm AFS and its share in total GDP did not fall
• Off-farm share of AgDP+ barely changed over time AFS growth has been mainly driven by domestic-market-oriented value chains
• Less-traded value chains dominated the AFS both in terms their size and contribution to AFS GDP growth
• Domestic consumption patterns (and changing diets) are therefore important drivers of agricultural transformation

There is an important gap in the literature regarding evidence about the emergence of outsource agrifood services. We contend that there are few studies on outsource services for differentiated product value chains, particularly in developing countries. To some extent, also, there is a knowledge gap regarding the use and effectiveness of eco-certification and labeling compliance-assisting services in developed countries.

The 2023 efforts of ISDC, SPIA, and IAES/Evaluation Function, underpinned by IAES operational support, reflect a productive year providing independent advising and evaluative and impact evidence in CGIAR's research and innovation landscape. These entities’ dedication to inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and effective governance helps to position them for continued success in the coming years.

While climate services for small-scale farmers are gaining recognition for contributing to adaptation and resilience to climate variability and change, their provision in developing countries remains a critical challenge. Effective climate services consider why and how farmers of varied socioeconomic background make relevant decisions avoiding the traditional prescriptive forms of transfer that merely focus on delivering climate information.

Solar-powered groundwater irrigation is expanding exponentially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), creating opportunities and risks. In South Asia, more than 500,000 small stand-alone pumps have already been installed (see the figure). In Sub-Saharan Africa, solar pumps are gaining traction to expand food production and alleviate poverty.

Sustainable land management (SLM) entails the judicious use of land resources, incorporating soils, water, animals, and plants, to meet dynamic human needs, while concurrently safeguarding the sustained use of these resources and preserving their environmental functions. SLM serves as a guiding framework for sustainable agriculture, aligning its goals with environmental stewardship, efficient resource use, and long-term productivity. Adopting SLM practices promotes soil health,

This scoping study delves into the critical aspects of the coffee industry in Honduras, a major global coffee producer. It explores the significant growth in Honduran coffee production and productivity, while contrasting these achievements with rising environmental and social sustainability concerns. Key issues include the impact of climate change on coffee suitability, increasing rural poverty despite growing export values, and the challenges in maintaining consistent coffee quality and fair profit distribution along the supply chain.

This Theory of Change Narrative is for one such Learning Lab (LL) set up by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with one of the institutions within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), namely ICAR - Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI). The Learning Lab will have various partners to support activities including research and operations.