ANNUAL REPORT 20 24 Sowing Today, �Thriving Tomorrow: �Accelerating Impact �Toward 2030 ANNUAL RREEPPOORRTT 20 24 Sowing Today, �Thriving Tomorrow: � Accelerating Impact �Toward 2030 International Potato Center | Annual Report 2024 © 2025, International Potato Center DOI: 10.416/02566311/2025 Hecho el Depósito Legal en la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú N° 2005-9640 Readers are encouraged to quote or reproduce material from this report. As copyright holder, CIP requests acknowledgement and a copy of the publication where the citation or material appears. Please send this to the Communications Department at the address below. International Potato Center Av. La Molina 1895, La Molina, Peru Apartado 1558, Lima 12, Peru cip@cgiar.org www.cipotato.org Production coordinator Joel Ranck Stories Writing Stefan Möhl Design and layout José Enrique Torres Illustrations José Enrique Torres Photos Stefan Möhl, David Suasti Web and mobile version Andrea Prado June 2025 CIP thanks all donors and organizations that globally support its work through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders ©2025. This publication is copyrighted by the International Potato Center (CIP). It is licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License C on te nt 13 21 27 33 STORIES URBAN FOOD SYSTEMS As Cities Expand, Agripreneurs Turn Waste Into Opportunity BIODIVERSITY Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future: The Young Guardians of Native Potatoes CROP IMPROVEMENT In for the Long Game: How Iron Potatoes Are Changing the Future of Nutrition REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE Zero Tillage, Full Impact: A New Approach to an Old Problem FOREWORD | 08 WHERE CIP WORKS | 10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE | 38 SCIENCE THAT CONNECTS | 39 DONORS | 40 GOVERNANCE | 41 | 12 C on te nt 13 21 27 33 STORIES URBAN FOOD SYSTEMS As Cities Expand, Agripreneurs Turn Waste Into Opportunity BIODIVERSITY Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future: The Young Guardians of Native Potatoes CROP IMPROVEMENT In for the Long Game: How Iron Potatoes Are Changing the Future of Nutrition REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE Zero Tillage, Full Impact: A New Approach to an Old Problem FOREWORD | 08 WHERE CIP WORKS | 10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE | 38 SCIENCE THAT CONNECTS | 39 DONORS | 40 GOVERNANCE | 41 | 12 Foreword The year 2024 was a landmark year for the International Potato Center (CIP), marked by global recognition, strategic engagement, and groundbreaking advancements in agricultural research. Reflecting on the past year, we celebrate the significant milestones that have reinforced CIP’s role as a leader in sustainable food systems and crop conservation, guided by the CIP 2030 strategic plan. One of the most momentous occasions was the first International Day of Potato, designated by the United Nations and celebrated worldwide. This underscored the potato’s vital role in global food security and nutrition. Commemorations spanned from the FAO headquarters in Rome to CIP offices in 11 countries, with special celebrations in Lima, Peru, in collaboration with the Peruvian government. The global enthusiasm for this day demonstrated the universal appreciation for potatoes and their contribution to food resilience. CIP also played a key role in shaping global agricultural discussions through participation in high-profile international forums. At the APEC negotiations in Trujillo, Peru, we contributed our expertise to food security and sustainable agriculture Annual Report International Potato Center 20248 discussions, reinforcing the importance of root and tuber crops in climate-smart solutions. The World Food Prize provided a platform to showcase our leadership in the Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB) Breeding Program, highlighting innovations that enhance productivity and resilience. At the UN COP Conference on Biodiversity in Cali, Colombia, we demonstrated our pioneering in situ and in vitro conservation strategies, reaffirming CIP’s commitment to safeguarding agrobiodiversity for future generations. A defining achievement of the year was the official launch of the CIP 2030 Strategic Plan at the Africa Food Summit in Rwanda. This bold vision prioritizes four science goals: Biodiversity, Crop Improvement, Regenerative Agriculture, and Urban Food Systems. With this framework, CIP continues to innovate and scale solutions that address global food security and climate resilience. Initiatives such as potato zero till mulching, rooted apical cuttings, and the promising iron biofortified potato exemplify the transformative approaches CIP is pioneering to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability. Another landmark event was the launch of the CIP Cryo Vault at our Lima headquarters. This state-of-the-art facility pioneers the cryopreservation of recalcitrant clonal crops such as potato and sweetpotato that are not easily stored in seedbanks like Svalbard, ensuring their long-term conservation and availability for research and breeding. The dedication of the Cryo Vault in honor of Dr. Barbara Wells, in the presence of her family, was a moment of profound significance, reflecting our commitment to scientific excellence and the preservation of genetic diversity. Beyond these milestones, CIP actively contributed to shaping the future of agricultural science within CGIAR. Our scientists were critical in developing CGIAR’s Science Programs, taking on leadership or co-leadership in eight transformative initiatives. This engagement underscores CIP’s commitment to advancing innovative research that supports farmers, enhances food security, and builds resilience in the face of climate change. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of our global team, partners, stakeholders, and donors’ generosity and commitment. Their commitment to our mission drives our impact, from cutting-edge research to real- world solutions that benefit millions worldwide. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in pursuing a more sustainable and food-secure future, where root and tuber crops are crucial in nourishing people and sustaining livelihoods. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported and collaborated with CIP in 2024. Together, we will continue to innovate, lead, and transform the future of agriculture. Helen Hambly Odame Chair, Board of Trustees Simon Heck Director General Annual Report International Potato Center 20249 WHERE CIP HEADQUARTERS PERU REGIONAL OFFICE KENYA REGIONAL OFFICE INDIA CENTER FOR ASIA PACIFIC CIP-CHINA Cameroon Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Madagascar Malawi Mozambique Nigeria Rwanda Tanzania Uganda Bangladesh China Georgia India Philippines Vietnam 19 COUNTRY OFFICES Ecuador Peru AFRICA ASIA LATIN AMERICA 38 548 116 48 CIP STAFF NATIONALITIES FUNDERS PROJECTS WORKS WHERE CIP HEADQUARTERS PERU REGIONAL OFFICE KENYA REGIONAL OFFICE INDIA CENTER FOR ASIA PACIFIC CIP-CHINA Cameroon Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Madagascar Malawi Mozambique Nigeria Rwanda Tanzania Uganda Bangladesh China Georgia India Philippines Vietnam 19 COUNTRY OFFICES Ecuador Peru AFRICA ASIA LATIN AMERICA 38 548 116 48 CIP STAFF NATIONALITIES FUNDERS PROJECTS WORKS CIP STORIES ANNUAL REPORT 20 24 Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future: The Young Guardians of Native Potatoes In the high Andes, where thousands of native potato varieties have been cultivated for generations, young people are stepping up to protect their agricultural heritage. Through digital tools, storytelling and a nationwide competition, they ensure that biodiversity remains a living legacy. COCHACOCHAYOCC, Peru After hours of ascending a winding gravel road, the journey comes to a halt. At an altitude of about 4,000 meters, a herd of llamas blocks the way. Javier Ochoa waits patiently until the last animal clears the road before accelerating again. The journey has become much faster compared to a few years ago. “This region is a hotspot of potato megadiversity,” he explains. “At CIP, we collaborate with Andean communities to conserve native potato varieties. But young people here face significant challenges. Our goal is to engage them in various ways—one of them being education.” However, Ochoa isn’t here to simply give a lecture. Instead, he introduces the students to a nationwide competition: the Concurso Nacional: Guardianes de las Papas Nativas (National Contest: Guardians of Native Potatoes). He explains how they can participate by using VarScout, a user-friendly app developed by CIP to collect crop data worldwide. Through the app, students will document and categorise the many different potato varieties they encounter. In a nearby field, Ochoa demonstrates how it works. Holding a potato in his hand, he places it against a white background, takes a photo, names the variety and describes it in a few words. Then he moves on to the next one. The competition rewards those who contribute the most high-quality entries. “This region, especially Cochacochamba, is the birthplace of thousands of native and wild potato varieties,” he explains. “Understanding and monitoring this diversity is crucial, and the youth helps us do just that.” “You could only reach this place with donkeys and horses back then—it took an entire day,” he recalls. Ochoa and his three-person team from the International Potato Center (CIP) are heading to a small school in the village of Cochacochamba to meet with children and teenagers. Annual Report International Potato Center 202414 “Understanding and monitoring this diversity is crucial, and the youth helps us do just that.” Annual Report International Potato Center 202415 Annual Report International Potato Center 202416 Peru: The Birthplace of the Potato Peru is the ancestral home of the potato. Over thousands of years, smallholder farmers have cultivated a vast array of native varieties from wild species. These varieties form the foundation of modern potatoes, a staple crop feeding a third of the world’s population. Today, native potatoes are an essential resource for breeding new, climate-resilient varieties. Conserving biodiversity is central to CIP’s mission. So is its genebank in Lima, which safeguards the world’s most extensive collection of potato germplasm. Yet for CIP, conservation is not simply about preserving the past—it’s about expanding the future. This approach is rooted in a positive vision of biodiversity conservation—one that enables rather than restricts. Instead of imposing limitations, CIP’s conservation work seeks to empower communities and create opportunities. “For us, biodiversity must exist in the fields and markets— consumers need to want it and be willing to pay for it. CIP’s role is to support this with scientific research,” says Simon Heck, CIP’s director general. This work is increasingly centered around cultural identity and young people. “In many parts of the world, younger generations are no longer directly involved in agriculture. One of the risks we see is that traditional knowledge could be lost or that farming may no longer be an attractive or financially viable way to maintain agrobiodiversity,” Heck says. “The question is, how do we prepare today’s generation for this future?” Engaging the Next Generation One answer comes from Soledad Secca, better known as Solischa, a young Peruvian social media influencer who uses her platform to promote indigenous heritage, the Quechua language and native potatoes. In her videos, she shares practical knowledge—how to protect crops from hail and frost, or which medicinal herbs help with headaches and digestion. The 23-year-old anthropology student grew up in a small mountain village where potato farming shaped daily life. Her parents and grandparents were all smallholder farmers, and to this day, local festivals, rituals and deities revolve around their crops. Solischa became an influencer almost by accident when she moved to Cusco for university at 18. Annual Report International Potato Center 202417 “I wanted to learn Quechua and took a class at university. To practice, I started making Quechua-learning videos,” she says. Her posts quickly went viral—not just because of the language, but because they offered a deeper connection to Andean culture. “This strengthened my identity. As a teenager, I was often ashamed of my background and language. But when I moved to the city, that changed. I wanted to learn more about where I came from,” she says. “I think a lot of young people who leave the mountains feel the same way. But they also have so much insecurity. I think my videos about this identity hit a nerve.” Despite her life in the city, Solischa never abandoned village life. She wears traditional clothing and cultivates a small field where she grows native potatoes, often using it as a backdrop for her videos. Moving seamlessly between urban and rural worlds, she understands the challenge of bridging the two. Annual Report International Potato Center 202418 “We too have dreams. Telling us to stay in the villages and farm is not the solution. We also have the right to explore, expand our horizons and learn new languages. But I believe that everything we learn can also be brought back to our communities. That is my hope. Too many who leave never return. We need to create opportunities for young people to apply their skills in their home villages.” Solischa supports CIP’s Concurso Nacional: Guardianes de las Papas Nativas. Through videos and posts on various platforms, she has encouraged participation. She particularly appreciates that, in addition to cataloguing native potato varieties, the competition includes a category focused on “Potatoes and Culture.” Under the hashtag #GuardianesDeLasPapasNativas, participants are invited to create and share videos that highlight the cultural significance of native potatoes—whether through poetry, stories, songs, recipes or personal experiences. The Power of Digital Tools: VarScout and Beyond The youth in Cochacochamba are excited about the competition. After Ochoa explained how it works, youth around the village are taking images, describing varieties and recording stories. To ensure that everybody can participate, Ochoa provides the school with several tablets, which he will pick up after the competition. “I believe digital tools like VarScout can be especially helpful in engaging young people, particularly in schools. In the future, I could also see us supporting teachers with curricula that teach students about their cultural heritage, the natural environment and the diversity of crops and varieties. This not only helps preserve valuable knowledge but also ensures it remains relevant. At the same time, we need economic tools to create opportunities for rural communities.” Before Ochoa and his colleagues from CIP get back in their car to leave, a group of girls gathers to perform a short play. In their story, Pachamama, the Earth Mother, appears before humankind and gifts them with wondrous tubers—potatoes. She bestows each variety with unique qualities to meet the needs of the people. In return, she demands respect for the land and its natural cycles. Just like in the play, this promise is upheld by farmers in the high Andes and other regions of origin, who safeguard our natural heritage still today. While it is about heritage, it is ultimately about our future—and our ability to feed the world in the face of climate change. Annual Report International Potato Center 202421 In for the Long Game: How Iron Potatoes Are Changing the Future of Nutrition Anemia and malnutrition are silent global crises affecting millions, yet solutions are within reach. Among them is the biofortified iron potato, a powerful tool to combat iron deficiency and childhood stunting. Developed through decades of rigorous breeding, this innovation offers a simple yet effective way to improve nutrition worldwide, particularly in communities where potatoes are a staple food. LIMA, Peru Standing in the dim light of a greenhouse, Dr. Hannele Lindquist- Kreuze gestures toward two potato plants—one with purple flowers, the other white. Kallpa and Puca Yawri, named in Quechua, look like any other variety to an untrained eye. Yet they embody a generational effort requiring foresight, patience, and scientific precision. These are the world’s first officially released iron- biofortified potatoes, a breakthrough that could help reduce global rates of stunting and anemia. “These two varieties were released in late 2023 and early 2024, but they are really the result of long-term work,” said Lindquist-Kreuze, head of crop improvement at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima. Her team pioneered this innovation, which features 50% more iron and zinc than common potato varieties, enhanced drought resilience, and resistance to major diseases like late blight. “I am very thankful to those before me who designed these trials and crossings,” she said. “They had the goal of developing an iron-biofortified variety, anticipating that this trait would be important in the future.” Why Iron Matters: Understanding Anemia’s Global Impact Breeding is a complex, uncertain, and costly endeavor— yet it is essential for the future of agriculture and human health. Iron deficiency anemia affects approximately half a billion women worldwide, weakening immune systems, reducing cognitive function, and diminishing economic The Journey of Iron Potatoes: A Long-Term Commitment productivity. Children with anemia suffer from stunted growth, decreased energy, and lower academic performance, perpetuating cycles of poverty and malnutrition. Potatoes play a crucial role in tackling these challenges, thanks to their superior iron absorption rate compared to other iron-rich crops. In collaboration with ETH Zurich, Dr. Gabriela Burgos, a CIP geneticist and member of Lindquist- Kreuze’s team, conducted a study with women in the Peruvian highlands. The findings were striking: nearly 30% of the iron in potatoes is absorbed by the body, compared to just 5% from legumes, making potatoes six times more effective as an iron source. “It’s important to understand bioavailability,” Burgos explained. “It’s not enough for a crop to have high iron content; we need to know how much of that iron can actually be absorbed by the body. Some crops, like beans and cereals, contain compounds such as phytates that inhibit iron absorption. In contrast, potatoes have almost no phytates and are rich in vitamin C, which enhances iron uptake.” From Highland Farms to Global Tables The study also revealed that a single 500-gram serving of iron potatoes can provide 50% of the daily iron requirement for women of reproductive age, making them a game-changer in the fight against anemia. For instance, in Ambato, a village 3800m above the sea level in the Peruvian highlands. Here, CIP introduced iron biofortified test clones to 900 selected farms in communities with high anemia rates in 2019 to assess their impact. Bertha Azor San Clemente, one of the farmers who received these clones, planted them as part of a campaign promoting improved farming practices, iron deficiency awareness, and nutrition education. Her youngest child, who struggled with anemia, showed noticeable improvement. “He was always tired, wouldn’t play, had no appetite. Medicines were too expensive, so we relied on food. With iron potatoes, we saw a change. They filled us up and tasted better. My children preferred them over the other potatoes we had,” she said. Kallpa and Puca Yawri, were developed and bred specifically for highland communities. They are adapted to the harsh Andes climate while meeting local taste preferences. Beyond Peru, CIP is introducing iron potatoes in high-altitude regions with high anemia rates, including Nepal, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Early trials in Madagascar have shown promising results, with some iron potato clones exhibiting up to double the iron and zinc levels of conventional varieties. However, scaling up impact depends on government buy-in and nutrition- focused policies. “Iron and zinc levels are high, and our trials show yields comparable to common varieties here,” said Dr. Placide Rukundo, CIP’s breeder in Madagascar. “But success also depends on governments and partners promoting them. We saw this with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Rwanda, where they significantly raised vitamin A levels. Scaling up iron potatoes will need similar support.” The Future of Crop Improvement CIP has previously demonstrated the success of biofortification through orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which have helped combat vitamin A deficiency in millions of households across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The impact of iron potatoes could be just as significant, particularly in regions where anemia rates are high and potatoes are a dietary staple. The cost-benefit ratio of biofortification is striking: for every dollar invested, there is a $17 return in health and economic benefits. But developing a new potato variety can take decades, requiring careful selection of parent lines, countless crossbreeding attempts, and rigorous field trials to identify and stabilize desirable traits. And the work never stops, Lindquist-Kreuze said. Crops must be continuously improved to keep pace with evolving environmental challenges. “As the climate changes, we can expect higher temperatures and new kinds of stresses—some of which we don’t even know yet,” she said. “But for those we do, we need to start preparing now. Breeding is about forecasting the future. We must anticipate nutrition needs, climate challenges, and disease threats. The varieties we release today were designed by those before us, just as the ones we develop now will benefit future generations. That’s why we’re in it for the long game.” Iron potatoes represent a critical step in ensuring that agriculture contributes to solving global health challenges. As biofortified crops become more widely adopted, they will play an essential role in shaping a healthier, more resilient future for all. Annual Report International Potato Center 202424 Annual Report International Potato Center 202425 “They had the goal of developing an iron-biofortified variety, anticipating that this trait would be important in the future.” Annual Report International Potato Center 202427 Zero Tillage, Full Impact: A New Approach to an Old Problem BIHAR PROVINCE, India In a world grappling with climate change and food insecurity, sustainable farming methods are gaining attention. One such approach, zero tillage, is proving to be a game changer. Instead of plowing the soil, farmers plant potatoes on the surface and cover them with rice straw mulch. This simple yet effective technique is transforming agriculture in Bihar, India, and beyond. The Burden of Traditional Farming Potatoes are a vital crop in Asia, both as a food source and an income generator. However, traditional potato farming is labor-intensive and physically demanding. “We start working at six in the morning under the sun,” says a seasonal farmworker in Bihar. She and two dozen other women methodically pick potatoes from the ground. “It’s hard work, and we don’t get much food from the farmer. But what else can we do?” Beyond the physical toll, disease also threatens potato yields. According to Professor Ahmad, a local agronomist, soilborne fungi and viral infections cause significant crop losses. “This is common scab disease,” Ahmad explains, holding up a blemished potato. “If infected potatoes are replanted, the disease can spread, cutting yields by up to 40%. Year by year, the soil becomes less productive.” A Sustainable Alternative To combat these challenges, the International Potato Center (CIP) is promoting zero tillage in Bihar. Dr. Jan Kreuze, CIP’s lead researcher for regenerative agriculture, highlights the climate benefits. “Temperatures are rising, which isn’t ideal for potato farming. More erratic weather makes it even harder,” he says. Annual Report International Potato Center 202428 Annual Report International Potato Center 202429 “Zero tillage helps. The rice straw mulch cools the soil, keeping temperatures up to 10 degrees lower. This extends the growing season, which is crucial in an unpredictable climate.” Annual Report International Potato Center 202430 The idea of Kreuze’s team is simple: no tilling. Potatoes are simply put on the ground and not covered by soil. Instead, farers use straw mulch as covering, a left over from the annual rice harvest. The mulch retains moisture, prevents disease and weeds from growing and has even more benefits. “Zero tillage helps. The rice straw mulch cools the soil, keeping temperatures up to 10 degrees lower. This extends the growing season, which is crucial in an unpredictable climate.” Dr. David Ramirez, another CIP scientist, emphasizes how this method also mitigates climate change. “We need to stop tilling and return organic matter to the soil,” he explains. “Soil is a major carbon store. When farmers burn rice straw, carbon is released into the atmosphere. By using it as mulch instead, we keep carbon in the soil, improving fertility while reducing emissions.” Breaking the Cycle of Air Pollution Every year, millions of tons of rice straw are burned across Asia, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and contributing to severe air pollution. The health consequences are dire. Farmer Sangeeta Devi stopped burning rice straw four years ago when she adopted zero tillage. With her husband working in the city, she manages the farm alone. For her, the technique has been life-changing. “I must use my earnings wisely—to send my children to school and save for the next planting season,” she says. “Zero tillage helps because I spend less on farming. I use half as much fertilizer as before, maybe two kilograms.” The results speak for themselves. With conventional farming, Devi harvested seven or eight sacks of potatoes. This year, she collected 11. Women Leading the Change Across Bihar, women are driving the adoption of zero tillage. Although they do most of the farming, they often have limited access to education, markets, and financial support. To bridge this gap, the women of Devi’s the village meet weekly to discuss what is happening at home and on the field. Similar groups, supported by the social welfare organization Jeweeca, a key partner of CIP, exist across the province. To promote zero tillage, CIP and extension service provider Digital Green have created videos on how to do zero tillage. Many of the women here adopted the new technique. “We planted zero tillage on one side of the field and conventional potatoes on the other,” says one farmer. “The zero-tillage side produced more and healthier potatoes with less effort. No tilling, no weeding, no digging. We just placed the potatoes and harvested them months later.” Yet challenges remain. Some farmers struggle to obtain enough mulch. Others face resistance at home. “Many women want to switch, but their husbands are skeptical,” Devi says. “They fear losing the harvest. But when they see the results, they change their minds. Now, they want us to teach them.” Scaling Up So far, 2,000 female farmers in India and Bangladesh have embraced zero tillage. The approach not only improves food security but also empowers women. Asmah Virk, who oversees the project for its primary funder, GIZ, sees rapid adoption. “The most important factor is ownership,” she says. “In the first year, we had one lead farmer. By the second year, six. By the third, 10. Now, when I ask who wants to try zero tillage, 20 to 30 women raise their hands. A good innovation spreads on its own.” Dr. Marcel Gatto, CIP’s principal investigator for potato production with zero tillage and mulching, sees even greater potential beyond South Asia. “Another way to scale is to adapt zero tillage to different contexts. We’re currently testing whether it works with alternative mulch sources in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. I look forward to shifting how people think about potato farming.” For Devi, zero tillage is not a new invention but a return to traditional wisdom. Growing up in Hindu philosophy of immortality and spiritual growth, for her the relationship with the natural world is a deeply spiritual one. As the seasons come and go, so are the cycles of life a perpetual chance to make things better. “We must protect nature. Keeping carbon in the soil is part of that,” she says. “Our way is to grow, care, and pray for our crops.” As farmers embrace sustainable methods, zero tillage offers a path toward resilience, productivity, and empowerment. Annual Report International Potato Center 202431 Annual Report International Potato Center 202433 As Cities Expand, Agripreneurs Turn Waste Into Opportunity KAMPALA, Uganda Martha Namabiro Matovu calls herself an agripreneur. Five years ago, the 35-year-old started a business turning sweet potato vines into silage, a nutritious animal feed. She runs her workshop in a garage on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda’s rapidly expanding capital. As the city grows, so does the demand for her product. “Urbanization is happening fast. Where we are now used to be more like a village, but if you compare photos from a few years ago to today, the transformation is incredible. All the land is gone. That’s why feed preservation became so important here. For my business, this is good.” Turning Waste Into Opportunity Sweetpotatoes are a staple crop in Uganda, yet many farmers discard their nutrient-rich vines. Packed with vitamin A and essential minerals, Matovu saw an opportunity. She began collecting vines from markets where they were thrown away. At her workshop, she shreds the vines, mixes them with maize straw, and ferments everything in black bags. After a few days of storage, the silage is ready for sale. Matovu’s customers are dairy farmers. One of them, Frederick Semuyaba, keeps a dozen cattle in a stable behind his house. After losing communal grazing land to housing developments, he had to start buying fodder. For him, sweet potato silage is a no-brainer. “It’s cheaper than conventional fodder and better for my animals,” he said. “The milk yield is higher, the cows love it, and the butterfat content has improved. Plus, it’s easier to source than other feeds.” Urbanization and the Changing Face of Agriculture Like Semuyaba, many smallholders around the city have had to adapt to urban expansion. With an annual growth rate of 9%, Kampala is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in an already rapidly urbanizing continent. This puts pressure on food production as agricultural land disappears. Yet urbanization also increases demand for nutritious food and creates new labor markets. Annual Report International Potato Center 202434 Annual Report International Potato Center 202435 “It’s cheaper than conventional fodder and better for my animals,”...“The milk yield is higher, the cows love it, and the butterfat content has improved. Plus, it’s easier to source than other feeds.” Annual Report International Potato Center 202436 That’s why experts argue that investments in food processing and value addition could turn urban growth into a driver of agricultural innovation and economic development. Dr. Mukani Moyo, head of the Sustainable Urban Food Systems Division at the International Potato Center (CIP), believes urbanization and agriculture must go hand in hand to improve nutrition, livelihoods, and the environment. “Urban areas have limited space for food production, yet populations are booming, and unemployment is high,” she said. “The challenge is making nutritious food accessible, affordable, and desirable. Our urban food systems research and interventions focus on innovations that tackle these issues.” One of these innovations is Matovu’s sweet potato silage. CIP actively supports agripreneurs like her in cities across South America, Asia, and Africa. The organization offers trainings, and gives practical advice how to develop food value chains, reduce waste, extend shelf life, and retain nutrients. Matovu, for instance, received business mentoring and financial help to purchase the first machinery. With success, since her business does more than generate a single income. It strengthens the entire community. As demand increases, farmers who once discarded vines now sell them to her, turning waste into an additional revenue stream. Urban Food Insecurity: A Growing Challenge Why CIP is focusing on urban food systems has to do with the growing number of food-insecure people in cities. According to the latest report from the U.N. Committee on World Food Security, more than three-quarters of the world’s food-insecure population now live in urban and peri-urban areas. That means out of the 2.2 billion people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity worldwide, 1.7 billion reside in cities. In Uganda, CIP’s work extends beyond sweet potatoes. It also explores ways to boost incomes from other crops within the roots, tubers, and bananas (RTB) group. Achieving this requires collaboration with partners like Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Bernard Yada, NARO’s RTB expert, highlights the dual advantage of these crops: their resilience and economic potential. “Many smallholders rely on RTB crops because they require minimal fertilizer and withstand drought well,” he said. “But beyond their role in food security, they hold significant untapped potential for value addition.” Through partnerships with the private sector, CIP and NARO have developed prototypes for various RTB-based products, from cassava and sweet potato flours to bakery and confectionery items. “Farmers often experience bumper harvests, but without processing options, their produce perishes quickly,” Yada said. “By turning these crops into value-added products with a longer shelf life, we can create new market opportunities.” Scaling Up: The Future of Agripreneurship Back in Matovu’s workshop, shelf life is not a concern. As preserved animal feed, her sweet potato silage can be stored for months. She is now planning a larger storage facility with a capacity of 300 tons, which will allow her to buy vines at low prices during harvest season and sell silage at a premium later in the year. Her entrepreneurial mindset, Matovu believes, is key to her success. “This is the way forward,” she said. “In Uganda and across Africa, agriculture is the backbone of the economy, with most people engaged in farming. If we approach agriculture as a business, we can drive production and strengthen food security. In 10 or 20 years, this mindset will take us far as a country.” Innovations like Matovu’s silage business show how agripreneurs can turn food waste into value, making nutritious products more accessible. At the same time, rapid urbanization is reshaping food systems and reducing space for traditional agriculture. Whether this shift becomes an opportunity for sustainable food production depends on integrating business- driven solutions into agriculture—making it both profitable and resilient in the face of urban growth. Annual Report International Potato Center 202437 Revenue Total revenue in 2024 amounted to USD 62.6 million, against a total expenditure of USD 62.0 million, resulting in a surplus of USD 0.06 million. FINANCIAL performance Overhead Rate The indirect cost ratio of the Center was 16% for 2024. The ratio is calculated in line with the CGIAR Cost Principles and Indirect Cost Guidelines (issued in April 2019) and expresses the relationship between direct and indirect costs. CIP’s financial indicators reflect the Center’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial health. The Board remains confident that, based on sound financial and programmatic management, the institution is well-positioned to fulfill its mission. However, no institution is immune to financial or operational risks. To mitigate these risks, the Board’s Audit, Finance, and Risk Committee oversees CIP’s risk management policies and plans. More broadly, the Board supervises Center operations in the interest of funders and stakeholders. USD 62.6 USD 0.06 Surplus Revenue ������� ������� ���� ���� 2022 2023 84 86 75 ���� 2024 2022 2023 2024 15.7% 16% 16% Liquidity and Financial Stability On December 31, 2024, CIP reserves were USD 13.3 million (equal to 75 days of expenditure—within CGIAR norms), compared to USD 13.2 million (86 days) on December 31, 2023. 42.2 49.9 62.6 20 2420 22 20 23 ������� USD 13.3 Reserves Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum L Exhibit I Exhibit !! Exhibit !!! Exhibit I Exhibit II Exhibit III 38 Annual Report International Potato Center 202439Annual Report International Potato Center 202439 DONORS The International Potato Center gratefully acknowledges the countries, organizations, partners and individuals that supported its agricultural research for development in 2024. We also thank all the funders that globally support our work through their contributions to the CGIAR system. • African Development Bank (AfDB) • Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen-Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AGIS-CAAS) • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) • Agriterra Rwanda • American Institutes for Research • Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AAAS) • Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) • Gates Foundation • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) • Cía. Minera Poderosa S.A. • College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University (CAU-FSNE) • CGIAR • Crops Research Institute – Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CRI-LAAS) • Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), UK • Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal • Department of Horticulture, Government of Haryana (DoH) • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) • El Excmo. Cabildo Insular de Tenerife • Embassy of Ireland, Malawi • Embassy of Ireland, Mozambique • European Commission (EC) • Farmworks Farming Services Ltd Kenya • Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations • Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) • Georgetown University • Global Affairs Canada (GAC) • Global Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT) • Government of India • Government of Tripura, India • Government of Odisha, India • Government of the People’s Republic of China • Government of the Union of The Comoros • Hebei North University • Hulunbuir Huasheng Green Ecological Agriculture Development (HHGEAD) • Hulunbuir Institute of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry (HIAAH) • HZPC Research B.V. (HZPC) • Industrial Crops Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences • Inner Mongolia Zhongjia Agricultural Biotechnology Co. Ltd. • Institute of Grain Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) • Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau - KfW • McLaughlin Gormley King Company • Ministere d’Agriculture, des Ressources Naturelles et du Développment Rural d’Haiti • Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario y Riego - Gobierno del Perú • New England Biolabs (Beijing) Ltd. • Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research – Bioforsk • Programa Nacional de Investigación Científica y Estudios Avanzados (PROCIENCIA) • Rockefeller Foundation • Shandong Agricultural University College of Food Science and Engineering • Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences • Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture • The Mcknight Foundation • UK Research and Innovation • United States Agency for International Development (USAID) • University of Notre Dame du Lac • US Department of Agriculture - National Institute for Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) • William and Flora Hewlett Foundation • World Bank • Zhengzhou Perennial Green Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd. Governance Board of Trustees Helen Hambly Odame (Board Chair) Julio Alegre Jorge Ganoza Yaye Kene Gassama Flor Romero (Secretary) Simon Heck Celso Moretti Dhesigen Naidoo Susanne Frueh Esteban Chong Management Vania Azevedo Ria Balbos Jordan Hugo Campos Alessandra Furtado Simon Heck Hannele Lindqvist-Kreuze Jan Kreuze Joyce Maru Mukani Moyo Vivian Polar Jianmin Xie Tania Zuniga Science Leadership Vania Azevedo Hugo Campos Hannele Lindqvist-Kreuze Jan Kreuze Mukani Moyo Vivian Polar ANNUAL REPORT 20 24 CIP is a CGIAR research center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for- development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato and Andean roots and tubers. It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, foster inclusive sustainable business and employment growth, and drive the climate resilience of root and tuber agri-food systems. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP has a research presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. www.cipotato.org w w w .cip otato.org International Potato Center Av. La Molina 1895, La Molina. Apartado 1558, Lima 12, Perú 5-11-3496017 cip-comms@cgiar.org www.cipotato.org @cipotatofacebook.com/cipotato cip_cipotato