Kenya is set to become the epicenter of global agricultural research and innovation as it prepares to host the CGIAR Science Week 2025 from April 7-12. This high-profile event will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to drive progress in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security.

The conference, organized in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), will serve as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking scientific advancements that address the pressing challenges of climate change and food insecurity. With rising global temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasing pressure on food systems, the need for transformative agricultural solutions has never been more urgent.

Speaking at a media briefing in Nairobi, Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, highlighted the crucial role of science and innovation in tackling these global challenges. “Science and innovation have always been the backbone of human progress. Today, as we navigate a complex web of global challenges, from climate change to food insecurity, we need bold, collective action,” she said.

A key highlight of CGIAR Science Week 2025 will be the launch of the CGIAR 2025-2030 Research Portfolio—a six-year initiative designed to drive agricultural transformation through cutting-edge research and cross-sector collaboration. The portfolio will focus on four strategic objectives: boosting innovation, enhancing climate resilience, empowering smallholder farmers, and strengthening global partnerships.

The initiative is expected to mobilize between $6 billion and $12 billion in funding and support research efforts across more than 100 countries, engaging over 3,000 local partners. Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director General of KALRO, expressed Kenya’s excitement about hosting the event, emphasizing its potential to catalyze agricultural advancements across Africa and beyond.

“Hosting CGIAR Science Week 2025 is a tremendous opportunity for Kenya and the region. It will spotlight Africa’s agricultural innovations while fostering global collaboration to build resilient food systems,” Dr Kireger noted.

The conference is expected to draw approximately 3,000 participants from over 100 nationalities, featuring high-level discussions, expert panels, and interactive showcases. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with leading scientists, policymakers, private sector leaders, and farmer organizations to explore solutions that bridge the gap between scientific research and practical agricultural applications.

As Kenya gears up for this landmark event, the focus will not only be on sharing scientific breakthroughs but also on forging global partnerships and scaling up innovations to address food security and climate adaptation challenges. CGIAR Science Week 2025 promises to be a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development, with Kenya taking centre stage in the global effort to build a more resilient and food-secure future.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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https://africasciencenews.org/nairobi-to-host-a-science-week-2025-on-agricultural-innovation/