Annual Technical Report 2025: Sustainable Farming Science Program

The Sustainable Farming Program addresses critical demographic, environmental, economic, and social challenges facing smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries. Building on three CGIAR Research Initiatives (Excellence in Agronomy, Plant Health, and Sustainable Mixed Farming Systems), Sustainable Farming helps farmers transform their farming systems to achieve agronomic gain — boosting productivity, resource use efficiency, soil and crop health, and climate resilience. Working through strategic partnerships across prioritized farming systems, the Program delivers integrated agronomic, plant health, and farm management solutions with a focus on women and youth. As part of the broader CGIAR Portfolio, Sustainable Farming contributes directly to food systems transformation across South Asia, Africa, and beyond. In 2025, Sustainable Farming reorganized the Program’s Areas of Work (AoWs), reducing them from eight — used during 2025 — to five to guide the 2026- 2030 work plan. This change will enhance coherence and operational efficiency, and strengthen national and regional partnerships, ultimately leading to more targeted and impactful delivery.