CIAT Annual Report 2013–2014 ISSN 1909-5570 Building an Eco-Efficient Future CIAT Annual Report International Center for Tropical Agriculture Since 1967 / Science to cultivate change 2013–2014 1 Planning for Collective Success: Message from the Board Chair and Director General 2 Building an Eco-Efficient Future: CIAT Strategy 2014–2020 4 Climate Smart and Down to Earth: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) 8 Genetic Building Blocks 12 Taking a plunge in the cassava genome 12 Goodbye bottleneck 13 In search of Nike beans 15 Bean impacts: Making sense of 16% 16 Getting to the root of drought tolerance in rice 18 Nutritional Mainstays 20 A standard globalized diet: Risks and remedies 20 HarvestPlus on the march 22 “Gorilla” beans power development in Central Africa 23 Fast-tracking nutrition in cassava 25 System Foundations 26 “Grassroots action” to curb climate change 26 Preserving Kenya’s lifeblood 28 Rethinking yield gaps in Africa 30 Common ground on soil fertility in Africa 31 Clamp-down on cassava pests and diseases in Asia 32 Cassava impacts: Plenty at stake 33 Inside Latin America’s Eco-Efficiency Workshop 34 In Peru, ecosystem health has its rewards 34 A wider window for collaboration in Peru 36 Changing the backstory of smallholder coffee production 37 Climate-smart solutions – Made in Colombia 39 A soil information power tool 41 Soil mapping goes underground in Colombia 42 Colombian partnership platforms 43 Research Publications 44 CIAT’s Corporate Services and Finances 47 Corporate Services highlights 47 Financial results for 2013 47 Financial outlook for 2014 48 Donor support 50 CIAT Today 52 CIAT and the CGIAR Research Programs 53 Board of Trustees 55 Staff 55 Contact details 58 Planning for Collective Success Message from the Board Chair and Director General O ver the last year, CIAT’s collaborative and catalyzes change through strong (page 39) and achieve sustainable management research resulted in major achievements, collaborative ties and networks. of its vast savanna region (page 42). which are delivering tangible benefits for tropical regions today, while also pointing the way to a This is the kind of leadership we hope is evident To derive similar benefits from other major better tomorrow. This annual report describes in CIAT Strategy 2014–2020. It describes a wide partnerships, we signed an agreement to boost some of the most important gains, emphasizing range of innovative approaches through which scientific exchanges with the Brazilian how we and our partners apply advanced the Center’s research will contribute to the Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) knowledge and tools to improve crops, soils, and development goals of the CGIAR Consortium and also consolidated our cooperation with key policies for the good of poor consumers and – the global science partnership of which CIAT is institutions in eastern Africa, Peru (page 36), and farmers across the tropics and subtropics. a member. Our contribution includes four new Vietnam. In addition, CIAT staff engaged with a strategic initiatives (page 6–7) that address wide range of universities – especially in the Leadership from within emerging challenges and opportunities through Americas and Europe – aiming to unite our pioneering efforts that integrate CIAT’s main strengths with theirs in a concerted campaign to Looking to the future, we prepared a new research areas. These new initiatives have the achieve global food security. Alongside these and strategy in 2013 (see the summary on pages potential to significantly influence future CGIAR other initiatives with national organizations, we 4–7), which explains how our growing research research and expand its development impact. also delivered on important commitments to the team and networks will capitalize on past and private sector (page 51) and international current work to help make agriculture more Ties that bind development agencies. eco-efficient in the years to come. CIAT has focused in recent years on cultivating Vigorous engagement with our donors (see the To meet the central development challenges of diverse collaborative arrangements, which are complete list on page 50) resulted in support for our time – hunger and malnutrition, poverty, essential for building an eco-efficient future. The major new projects. These include research to environmental degradation, and climate change Center’s strategic partnership with the promote climate-smart farming and restore – depends not just on individual achievement but Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural degraded land in Africa, strengthen agricultural on collective success. To succeed together, we Development, for example, has yielded valuable value chains in Southeast Asia and Latin need an approach to institutional leadership that results, which better enable our host country’s America, and develop climate-resilient beans for galvanizes commitment, fosters innovation, research organizations and producer smallholder farmers across continents. promotes the development of new capacities, associations to confront climate change 2 Visionary visitors In August, we were honored to receive Kanayo Nwanze, president of the International Three important visits to Center Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He headquarters demonstrated particularly well stressed the critical role of CIAT’s research on how strong collaboration better enables us crops, production systems, and policies in to address the most acute agricultural helping “transform subsistence agriculture challenges of developing countries. into a high-performance sector of developing country economies.” One was the Seventh Meeting of CGIAR’s Independent Science and Partnership The IFAD visit prompted, among other Council (ISPC), held in April 2013, which outcomes, a series of exchanges focused on highlighted CIAT’s close alignment with providing new support for agricultural CGIAR’s global research agenda. Council recovery in Haiti. These contacts culminated members heard progress reports from in the 4-day visit of a 25-member delegation CGIAR leaders, interacted with the directors from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, of the 16 CGIAR research programs, and Natural Resources, and Rural Development to learned about CIAT’s work, which CIAT headquarters, where they identified contributes importantly to 12 of these opportunities for collaboration with the programs (page 53). Center in technology development and Kanayo Nwanze, President, International Fund for capacity strengthening. Agricultural Development. Be part of a global minga! The strategy thoroughly commits us to a We intend for the Center’s new strategy to serve collective global effort to address major as an open invitation for all of our partners and In many parts of Latin America, rural people challenges through inclusive partnerships, donors to join us in the global minga to build an have kept alive the indigenous tradition of resulting in tangible benefits for millions of poor eco-efficient future. convening community members to achieve a people. To help gauge the effectiveness of CIAT’s collective purpose – called minga in the Andean contributions, our strategy sets quantitative Region. This practice conveys pretty well the targets for strengthening food and nutrition collaborative spirit of CIAT’s new strategy, CGIAR security, creating new market links for science as a whole, and especially the CGIAR smallholder farmers, and making agriculture Research Program on Climate Change, more environmentally sustainable and climate Wanda Collins Ruben G. Echeverría Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), which smart. Chair, Board of Trustees Director General CIAT leads (see page 8). 3 Building an Eco-Efficient Future agro-ecologies across the developing world. Foremost among these forces is population growth. Overall, it will slow markedly toward CIAT Strategy 2014–2020 2050, but populations in many developing countries will expand significantly, especially in cities, making food insecurity an increasingly urban phenomenon. I n pursuit of wider development impact, CIAT prepared a new strategy in 2013, which we briefly summarize here. Reaffirming eco- More intense competition between food and efficiency as a guiding principle of our research, non-food uses of land and water could take a the strategy commits us to reaching these heavy toll on these and other natural resources. targets by or before 2020: Climate change will further magnify agriculture’s environmental challenge by diminishing the • Enhanced food and nutrition security for suitability of many tropical areas for the more than 15 million poor consumers production of key staple crops. • Improved market opportunities for at least 3 million rural poor Regional renovation • Technologies for environmentally sustainable crop production in the hands of a million Major trends shaping tropical agriculture will farmers unfold differently in each region where CIAT • Climate-smart policies established in works, requiring carefully crafted responses. 10 countries In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, agriculture Each country and rural community must build its will face a combination of high population own eco-efficient future. To that end, CIAT growth, rapidly degrading farmland, and Strategy 2014–2020 (http://ow.ly/ugcuV) offers emerging climate change impacts. CIAT’s not a detailed blueprint but a call to action on strategic research on crops, soils, and policies many fronts across the diverse panorama of will feed into major initiatives aimed at bolstering tropical agriculture. food and nutrition security, restoring landscapes to ecological health, and fostering economic The new technologies, methods, and knowledge growth, based on a sustainable and climate- that we aim to deliver by or before 2020 will help smart agriculture. farmers respond to growing pressures from powerful forces impacting on economies and 4 For Asia, a key challenge will be to ensure that achieve greater impact through CGIAR’s wide marginalized upland communities gain a greater array of global research programs (page 53). share of the wealth created by rapid economic development. To this end, CIAT will work to put CIAT’s new strategy defines three objectives, the cassava and livestock sectors on a more which are central for creating upward spirals of socially equitable and environmentally sound sustainable growth: basis, while also helping curb land degradation, create more beneficial market links for farmers, 1. Make affordable, high-quality food readily and cope with the impacts of climate change. available to the rural and urban poor by boosting agricultural productivity and Latin America and the Caribbean is a global enhancing the nutritional quality of staple grain basket and provider of environmental crops. goods, with enormous potential for expanding 2. Promote rural income growth by making food exports and putting the management of its smallholder agriculture more competitive natural resources on a sustainable footing. In and market oriented through improvements addition to helping realize these possibilities, in agricultural value chains. CIAT’s research will focus on making major 3. Provide the means to make a more intensive agricultural value chains more competitive in and competitive agriculture both response to challenges and opportunities environmentally sustainable and climate created by trade liberalization. smart. Upward spirals of sustainable growth Pillars of strength Since its inception in 1967, the Center has The research that CIAT will conduct to achieve created a solid array of strengths in research and its objectives aims to put in place eight partnership. These encompass essentially every interlocking pillars of eco-efficient agriculture, aspect of tropical agriculture – including the crop which reinforce the wider CGIAR research varieties that farmers grow, the production agenda. systems they manage, the agricultural landscapes they inhabit, the markets in which High-yielding, resilient crops – Improved they participate, and the policies that influence seeds are a major leverage point for their options and decisions. Moreover, in recent strengthening food security and making years, we have carefully engineered CIAT’s agriculture environmentally sustainable. For that research areas so as to project our strengths and reason, the Center will continue to focus a large Alcides Hincapié, field worker 5 in CIAT’s Bean Program. part of its research effort on the development of organic amendments, based on the use of new has undertaken a major effort to develop and new bean, cassava, rice, and tropical forages diagnostic techniques. implement novel methods for generating germplasm that is high yielding and resilient in information that can guide policies and the face of multiple stresses, taking full Restoration of degraded land – In recent decisions. This work includes the assessment of advantage of recent advances in gene discovery years, major development agencies have taken likely climate change impacts and of specific and genomics. up the call to rebuild agriculture’s natural technological options and policy instruments, resource base. CIAT scientists will contribute by with the aim of informing national adaptation Crop genetic resources – Crop landraces and generating more and better soil information with and mitigation plans. wild relatives offer valuable genes for the national partners, by mapping soil functional development of new varieties that are resilient properties (such as soil organic carbon), and by Bridges to eco-efficiency under stress and use resources efficently. CIAT evaluating ecosystem health. proposes to create a state-of-the-art genebank CIAT’s new strategy calls for a set of forward- that will distribute both physical seeds from the Enhanced ecosystem services – Rural looking strategic initiatives that will boost the collections we safeguard as well as the related landscapes perform a wide array of vital services, development impact of our work and open new digital genetic information that is vital for which include the provision of water and food avenues for future CGIAR research. unlocking their hidden production potential. supplies, maintenance of soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Tropical forages add up to LivestockPlus More nutritious food – Increasing the CIAT researchers will work closely with – Boosting livestock productivity is critical for micronutrient content of crops by means of a policymakers to create new institutional overcoming malnutrition and poverty in breeding approach called biofortification has mechanisms, such as benefit sharing, that better developing countries. But how can we achieve shown great promise for helping overcome protect these services. this growth without also accelerating land malnutrition. CIAT will continue to develop and degradation and raising the livestock sector’s promote biofortified bean and cassava varieties Beneficial market links – Against a already large greenhouse gas emissions? that are agronomically competitive and more background of rapid modernization and nutritious than varieties currently grown. globalization, smallholder agriculture has CIAT scientists are responding to this challenge enormous potential to act as an engine of through an initiative called LivestockPlus. It Sustainable intensification – Improved soil inclusive economic growth. CIAT will develop builds on growing evidence that improved health is critical for optimal expression of crop methods and tools, and conduct research on forage-based livestock feeding systems can genetic potential over the long term. To this end, enabling policies that help build sustained and lower emissions and store large amounts of CIAT research will better enable farmers to beneficial commercial relations between farmer atmospheric carbon deep in the soil. Through manage soil biology appropriately, make better organizations and buyers in diverse markets. vigorous development and promotion of such choices about soil cover and crops, maintain systems, the initiative will help realize the balanced nutrient supplies, and maximize Climate-smart solutions – In response to the environmental benefits of forages on a large formidable challenge of climate change, CIAT 6 scale, while also exploiting their demonstrated economic factors, such as market access and capacity to raise milk and meat production. gender disparities. On this basis, Center scientists and their national partners will use “big data” Sustainable food systems for an urbanizing approaches to develop site-specific world – Rapid urbanization in the developing recommendations for improved crop world is driving profound shifts in human diets, management. which are worsening nutritional problems while also leading to greater food waste in production Ecosystem health for human well-being – A and distribution. new development paradigm is emerging, in which better ecosystem services (such as the provision To help put evolving food systems on a of water, conservation of biodiversity, and climate sustainable path, CIAT will embark on research change mitigation) are viewed both as an aimed at gaining a better grasp of both the environmental imperative and as a key urban as well as rural dimensions of agricultural requirement for enhancing livelihoods in rural value chains. New knowledge resulting from this areas and forests. work will better inform crop improvement strategies as well as efforts to reduce food waste, Through interdisciplinary research with a wide boost the efficiency of key value chains, and array of national and civil society partners, CIAT identify new opportunities for value addition. will focus on identifying new opportunities to translate improved ecosystem health into concrete Minding the yield gaps – Large gaps between benefits for rural people, including greater dietary farmers’ current crop yields and those that are diversity and new sources of income. economically and ecologically feasible offer key opportunities for sustainable intensification of Big data agriculture. While recent years have seen much progress in determining where and how large the CIAT’s work in diverse research areas has given yield gaps are, not enough is known about their rise to a formidable capacity for data collection, causes to ensure that efforts to reduce them will management, and analysis, including an ability to be effective. integrate different types of data across agricultural disciplines. New science and technology will give CIAT is well prepared to address this challenge “big data” an even more prominent role in CIAT’s through research aimed at defining biophysical future research, with a sharp focus on boosting constraints at a high level of spatial resolution, and measuring development impact. while also gauging the influence of socio- Farmer growing improved forages to intensify livestock production in 7 Vietnam’s central highlands. Climate Smart and Down to Earth CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) C IAT is very pleased with the performance of come from credible sources and are supported solutions relevant to Africa’s food security CCAFS over the last year, which saw by solid evidence. challenge. The event provided an excellent forum significant gains at every level – from farmers’ for demonstrating how CCAFS is helping make fields to national policy arenas. Through strong Unlike other reports or websites, which might agriculture more resilient in the face of climate partnerships and adept use of new tools and reference peer-reviewed articles, the Big Facts change through research, partnerships, and information, the program helped bring climate- site is itself peer reviewed, adding a critical capacity building. smart practices within the reach of rural people feedback loop and quality check. We welcome across the developing world, as reported in the you to download and use the infographics in Activities included a well-attended side event following highlights. Women are playing a your reports and presentations, and to contact titled “Climate-Smart Villages in Africa: central role in this transformation because of the us if you have more up-to-date data. Opportunities for Farmers and Communities” concerted efforts CCAFS has made to http://ccafs.cgiar.org/bigfacts2014/ and the widely publicized launch of a new report mainstream gender perspectives throughout its prepared by the International Water Management work. Institute (IWMI) on climate change in West Africa’s Volta River Basin and its implications for Big Facts: Where science meets art farming and food security in the region. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/round-what-we-did-africa- What impact will a changing climate have on the agriculture-science-week food we grow and eat? How do our diets contribute to climate change? And how can we Local action plus global vision make farming climate smart? To get the facts on intricate links between climate change, Climate innovations in West Africa What happens when global thought leaders on agriculture, and food security, see our newly issues like hunger and malnutrition meet with redesigned Big Facts site. It features more than In July 2013, CCAFS scientists and partners experts working at the frontlines of climate 100 stunning infographics, which illustrate the travelled to Ghana to participate in Africa change in developing countries? Just such an most recent and accurate information. The Agriculture Science Week, which brought encounter, held in April 2013 in Dublin, Ireland, open-access site is carefully curated, covering all together researchers, policymakers, and farmer has helped bring lofty theories down to earth and the big issues and referencing only facts that representatives to share experiences and infuse discussions of rights, risks, knowledge, 8 Forests and farms: Better together in the Kenya. One farmer’s account of how he is fight against climate change adapting his production to climate change while reducing greenhouse gas emissions reinforced Agriculture and forestry were hot topics at a the message that climate-smart agriculture can major event held alongside the United Nations work for smallholder farmers. Kyte carried this Climate Change Conference in Poland during message to the Global Landscapes Forum, November 2013. Building on the experience of urging action in Africa and around the world to five Agriculture Days and six Forest Days, the curb the devastating impacts of climate change. first Global Landscapes Forum brought together http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/smart-farming-yields-fruit- the agriculture and forestry communities under nyando one roof, with one agenda and a shared http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/climate-warrior-urges- Al Gore, former vice president of the USA, stressed commitment to addressing global food security collective-action-farmers-now climate risks for farmers at the Dublin conference on in the face of climate change. hunger, nutrition, and climate justice. Tackling climate change drivers in Latin The central objective of the Forum, organized by America and empowerment with inspiring examples from the Center for International Forestry Research around the world. (CIFOR) and CCAFS, was to design a new CCAFS Latin America focused in 2013 on framework for creating sustainable landscapes, raising awareness among key institutions of the Organized by CCAFS, Irish Aid, the Mary which can provide livelihoods for billions of regional program’s potential role as a partner in Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, and people, while still preserving forests and other making agriculture climate smart. The program World Food Programme, the event featured ecosystems. The event attracted more than has outlined a new strategy for tackling drivers of thought-provoking discussions with farmers, 2,000 participants as well as 2,500 online food insecurity and vulnerability to climate youth, community organizers, and leading viewers. Speakers included Marcin Korolec, change, using approaches such as prioritization authorities, including Irish President Michael Poland’s environment minister; Rachel Kyte, toolkits and socio-economic scenarios. Higgins, former US vice president Al Gore, and World Bank vice president and chair of the Frank Rijsberman, chief executive officer of the CGIAR Fund Council; Agnes Kalibata, Rwanda’s Scaling out South Asia’s climate-smart CGIAR Consortium. It also drew attention to the agriculture minister; and Ville Niinistö, Finland’s villages work of CCAFS, particularly on climate-smart environment minister. villages in Kenya and climate services for Climate-smart villages are places where smallholder farmers in Senegal. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/report-back-dublin- Spotlight on climate-smart farming researchers and farmers come together to identify solutions (such as climate information conference-hunger-nutrition-and-climate-justice In December 2013, Rachel Kyte, World Bank vice services and improved production technologies) president and chair of the CGIAR Fund Council, that are suited to local conditions. In South Asia, visited a climate-smart village in Nyando, various organizations have recognized the value 9 of this model and are starting to replicate it. Livelihood diversification for food-secure series also describes a variety of policy options Practical Action Consulting in Nepal, for households in East Africa for countering these impacts. example, won a grant of US$1.5 million from the http://ccafs.cgiar.org/research-highlight/based-what- International Finance Corporation for this Helping rural households diversify their livelihood we-know-can-kenya-plan-its-climate-future purpose. The project includes more than 15,000 options is a promising approach for farmers, with CCAFS giving technical support. strengthening food security and raising incomes. Strengthening capacity for climate To this end, farmers in western Kenya are change research South-South exchange on climate learning about the benefits of mixing the information for smallholder farmers production of trees, crops, and improved In 2012, the Climate, Food and Farming (CLIFF) livestock breeds, with support from CCAFS and Network awarded its first grants to eight doctoral In the Kaffrine region of Senegal, CCAFS and its local partners. students working on climate change and the country’s National Meteorological Agency are http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/smart-farming-yields-fruit- agriculture in developing countries. By 2013, working to provide seasonal agro-climate nyando the CLIFF network had grown to a total of forecasts to smallholder farmers. In a novel 27 students investigating diverse issues at five example of South-South cooperation, CCAFS CGIAR centers. The students have published organized an exchange visit to Senegal for a articles in peer-reviewed journals, made valuable delegation from Latin America that included contacts, and shared their research results, for researchers, meteorology experts, farmer example, with farmers in Indonesia, project leaders, and government representatives, with a managers at NGOs like Oxfam International, and focus on lessons learned in developing and local government in China. disseminating climate forecasts. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/climate-food-and-farming- http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/generating-climate- network conscience-through-south-south-learning http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/investing-next-generation- Crop diversification in Kenya to raise incomes and http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/when-colombia-met- strengthen food security. climate-and-agriculture-scientists senegal-photostory Policy options to counter climate change Future climate scenarios for Southeast Asia A book series developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Planning on the basis of future scenarios with various partners, and funded partly by CCAFS policymakers, researchers, and representatives explores weather-based scenarios for climate of civil society and the private sector is an change impacts on agriculture and food security important part of CCAFS’s work. This is why the in East, West, and Southern Africa. Targeting program’s Scenarios Team, together with the A South-South exchange visit built productive new ties national governments and regional agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United between Latin America and Senegal. 10 gender and climate change research, the event Geo-wiki team to improve their map of global enabled participants to develop gender-specific cropland for uses such as identifying major yield impact pathways for each region. gaps. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/challenging-gender- www.ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/play-new-geo-wiki-game- assumptions-within-farming-and-climate-change- cropland-capture research Scaling up low-emissions agriculture Farmer empowerment through entertainment in Kenya In 2013, CCAFS published a gender strategy aimed at ensuring that efforts to mitigate climate Exploring future scenarios for food security, Shamba Shape-Up is an East African TV show change benefit poor women tangibly. Now, it is environments, and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. designed to help farmers increase their crop and being applied to analyze three action research Nations (FAO) and the World Conservation livestock production sustainably. The CCAFS projects, in which women and men are testing Monitoring Centre of the UN Environment Linking Knowledge to Action Team supports the innovative approaches to low-emissions Programme organized the workshop “Scenarios program by providing information on climate agriculture. In Bangladesh, for example, for Future Food Security, Environments, and change and climate-smart practices that can be university partners are working with agricultural Livelihoods in Southeast Asia” in November communicated to farmers. With an audience of extension to scale out an approach in which 2013. The idea was to explore future changes in 11 million viewers, the program shows how farmers use video to learn about the region’s climate and socio-economic innovative partnerships can link farmers’ vermicomposting and soil carbon storage. conditions and their implications for agriculture concerns with research through social learning. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/new-paper-outlines-gender- and food security as well as future policy http://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/kenyan-farmers-use- strategy-pro-poor-mitigation-research responses based on various scenarios for 2050. climate-entertainment-empowerment http://www.prolinnova.net/gender http://ccafs.cgiar.org/es/blog/decision-makers-debate- climate-threats-southeast-asia Fun and games with global cropland Contact: maps Bruce Campbell Gender research and impact pathways (b.campbell@cgiar.org), Director, CCAFS A new game called Cropland Capture has A 2-day workshop on gender training and resulted from collaboration between the CCAFS strategies held in Kenya during October 2013 Data and Tools Team and the Geo-Wiki Project brought together the newly established Network at the International Institute for Applied Systems of Gender and Climate Change Scientists from Analysis. The game helps scientists identify all five of the regions where CCAFS works: East available cropland by examining Google Earth and West Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and images online or via smartphone. The Latin America. Focused on best practices in information that players provide enables the 11 Genetic Building Blocks Taking a plunge in the cassava genome C IAT molecular biologists and their partners challenges, like increased disease and pest are “swimming” in a river of data – the pressures? result of recent work on genome sequencing of hundreds of cassava varieties. The fact that the Starting with the domestication of cassava scientists are swimming and not drowning in the around 8,000 years ago, human selection for data is due in no small measure to recent specific traits in different geographical niches advances in the field of bioinformatics (see gave rise to a wide variety of landraces, which page 13). collectively show a distinct population genetic structure, explained CIAT molecular biologist By early 2014, genome sequencing had been Luis Augusto Becerra. “A better grasp of how completed for 1,255 cassava varieties. From the and where domestication took place can tell us a immense body of resulting data, CIAT lot about the genetic diversity that resulted from researchers are using advanced bioinformatics this process. Understanding the structure of tools to derive new insights into the crop’s cassava’s diversity in relation to its wild ancestors Ericson Aranzales, research assistant in CIAT’s Genetic origins, domestication, and diversity. The is vital for using targeted molecular breeding to Resources Program, which ultimate aim of this work – part of a larger effort develop traits that enhance crop resilience.” conserves more than 6,500 by the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, samples of cassava and wild Tubers and Bananas – is to channel upstream The origins and evolution of cassava have been plants related to it in vitro. genomics research into genetic improvement, so hotly debated since at least 40 years ago, when that it can deliver more benefits downstream for researchers hypothesized that the crop derived cassava producers and processors. from two different wild ancestors in two distinct regions – Mesoamerica and South America. Controversial origins Subsequent work has reached contradictory conclusions, with some researchers suggesting Cassava is the fourth most important source of that cassava was first domesticated around the calories in the human diet across the tropics. So, southern rim of the Amazon River Basin and why is its past so important for the scientists others arguing that it appeared first in whose job is to address current and future Mesoamerica and then spread to South America. Continued on page 14 12 Goodbye bottleneck CIAT’s bioinformatics team has devised a new software tool that helps molecular geneticists circumvent a major cost bottleneck in the analysis of genomic data. Such analysis is critical for exploring genetic diversity and putting it to better use through gene discovery or the Analyzing data generated through development of molecular markers that can speed crop improvement. cassava genome sequencing. Until now, even the most adept geneticist has needed to have a skilled specialist at her or his elbow when using new analytical tools to navigate the huge amounts of data generated with advanced sequencing technologies. But apparently, CIAT’s bioinformatics experts aren’t much concerned about working themselves out of a job. Their new tool – dubbed the Next-Generation Sequencing Eclipse Plug-in (NGSEP) – offers a fast, accurate, and user-friendly way to analyze data from high-throughput sequencing. In fact, it proved essential for creating the bioinformatics pipeline used to detect differences between sequenced samples and the reference genome in the cassava population genetics study described on page 12. Moreover, as reported in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, NGSEP has shown “superior accuracy and efficiency, compared with currently available packages,” when used to analyze sequencing data from research on yeast, rice, and humans. Based on these results, the authors confidently suggest that “NGSEP will become a strong support tool to empower the analysis of sequencing data in a wide range of research projects on different species.” Contact: Jorge Duitama (j.duitama@cgiar.org) Bioinformatics Specialist, Agrobiodiversity Research Area 13 New currents in crop improvement the Center’s new strategy,” said Joe Tohme, reads”) with a cassava “reference genome” – a director of the Center’s Agrobiodiversity sort of first-draft genome, which US scientists New research at CIAT, using “next-generation Research Area. had completed in 2009. RAD sequencing” (the latest approach to large-scale or “high-throughput” genome For cassava, the shift began in 2012 with a major The next steps included “data filtering” and “SNP sequencing), provides strong molecular evidence new initiative to conduct next-generation RAD and genotype calling,” procedures that measure that cassava was domesticated in central Brazil. sequencing for all of the approximately variation among the sequence reads. With the It further suggests that varieties from the crop’s 6,000 varieties conserved in the CIAT genebank. resulting data, CIAT scientists identified large primeval population then spread north and This collection likely represents most of the numbers of SNPs (single-nucleotide south. crop’s global genetic diversity. Jointly polymorphisms), which can be used for marker- coordinated by CIAT and the Beijing Genomics assisted breeding, gene mapping, and the kind The results of clustering analysis indicate that Institute, the sequencing initiative garnered of population genetics analysis described above. this process gave rise to five relatively well- support from public and private sources in China The sequencing data also enabled our defined subpopulations. Three of them are and Japan. researchers to identify a core set of the “most spread across large areas of South America: the informative SNPs,” which permit rapid and Chaco region, Amazon River Basin, and Brazilian A bioinformatics pipeline accurate identification of cassava samples coast. The others are concentrated in smaller through a process called DNA “fingerprinting” or areas of two zones: the Andean Region and the Once next-generation RAD sequencing was “barcoding.” Caribbean coast of Mesoamerica. underway, CIAT researchers next turned their attention to building a “bioinformatics pipeline.” “In addition to facilitating crop improvement, the “Each of the subpopulations we identified This refers to the combination of software tools SNPs can help advance our aim of building a harbors genetic diversity for traits developed in and procedures required for managing efficiently digital genomic inventory of CIAT’s entire places where cassava was adapted to human massive amounts of sequencing data. collection of cassava genetic resources,” said needs and environmental conditions,” said Tohme. “This is essential for realizing our aim of Becerra. “Our challenge now is to identify links Using the pipeline involved, first, the selection of creating a novel genebank, which shares not between phenotypes possessing useful traits and 292 cassava landraces and experimental varieties only seed but the information that is vital for the underlying genetic structure, so we can make plus 54 samples of wild species related to the unlocking its potential. smarter use of cassava’s global genetic diversity crop. These constitute a geographically in crop improvement.” representative sample of the 1,255 genotypes Contact: from CIAT’s cassava collection that have been Luis Augusto Becerra (l.a.becerra@cgiar.org), “This new study illustrates extremely well how sequenced so far. Researchers then genetically Molecular Biologist, Agrobiodiversity Research Area fast crop improvement at CIAT is moving toward mapped the whole sample of genotypes to align genomics-based precision breeding, in line with the sequenced DNA fragments (or “sequence 14 In search of Nike beans Every 4 years, experts from around the world definitive triumph over drought in tropical bean gather for a meeting of the InterDrought crops requires redoubled efforts to deal with the Consortium, which you might think of as a kind complex interactions between stresses. of drought Olympics. The metaphor seems especially apt when you consider that Olympia, “According to recent on-farm experience in the site of the original games in ancient Greece, Ethiopia and Nicaragua,” Beebe said, “low soil is a pretty dry place. fertility diminishes the expression of drought tolerance, so we need to focus on combining Instead of competing with one another and tolerance to both these stresses plus other key giving out medals, though, InterDrought traits.” participants talk about challenges and progress in alleviating an age-old scourge of food An estimated 80% of bean production in Central production, which is getting much worse now as Africa is subject to soil phosphorus deficiency, a result of climate change. In the 2013 while for Eastern Africa, the figure is 65%. That’s conference – held at Perth, Australia (another dry why African colleagues attending the InterDrought place) – Steve Beebe, who captains the CIAT’s meeting showed a keen interest in Beebe’s bean research team, carried the flag for this message. Modeling studies suggest that in Africa world-class, nutritionally rich grain legume. and other regions where infertile soils are common (and farmers can’t afford to apply much An excellent track record fertilizer), increased drought resulting from climate change will have disastrous effects on bean yields. In their efforts to beat drought, CIAT’s bean scientists and their partners have scored a Training for the biathlon number of major victories in recent years. Two drought-tolerant bean varieties were released Part of what makes the common bean less recently in Rwanda and three in Malawi (following resilient than other staple foods under tough the release of such a variety in Nicaragua several conditions is what Beebe called its “privileged years ago), while others have been proposed for evolutionary background.” The wild ancestor of release in Ethiopia and Kenya. bean originated in a mid-altitude forest environment of tropical America that is But at the meeting in Perth, Beebe suggested characterized by moderate temperatures and that recent, hard-won gains are not enough. A organic soils rich in nutrients. 15 But by tapping the rich genetic diversity of beans, CIAT scientists have succeeded in identifying and using certain traits in the roots Bean impacts: and shoots that contribute to drought tolerance. Making sense of 16% This accounts for the breeding successes presented at the InterDrought Conference. At the A recent formal assessment of the impacts of same time, our scientists have developed bean improved bean varieties amply demonstrates the lines that perform well under low soil development value of these products, which are phosphorus. developed and promoted through the CIAT- coordinated Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance Building on these and other recent advances, (PABRA) with support from the governments of CIAT researchers have helped devise a strategy Canada and Switzerland. The assessment forms for developing tolerance to multiple physical part of a series of studies on various crops, stresses in beans and other grain legumes, like known as the Diffusion and Impact of Improved soybean. They are pursuing this strategy through Varieties in Africa (DIIVA). the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes, which offers the opportunity to Like all impact reports, the bean study provides a compare and share successful approaches lot of cold, hard statistics – some of them across crops. excruciatingly precise – but the gist is essentially this: Years of breeding and dissemination of The new strategy combines a variety of improved bean varieties have resulted in innovative techniques. One involves genomics- seemingly small but actually quite significant based breeding, guided by a thorough impacts in combating hunger, especially in understanding of adaptive mechanisms and their Rwanda, where improved bean varieties were genetic basis. Another consists of crossing linked to a 16% reduction in food insecurity. common bean with related species adapted to desert conditions. The scientists aim to win what amounts to a plant genetic biathlon – finding ways to get the upper hand on drought and at the same time low soil phosphorus. Contact: Steve Beebe (s.beebe@cgiar.org), Bean Program Leader, Agrobiodiversity Research Area Rwandan farmer Olive Nakure. 16 Measuring bean impact is not a math test, in which a score of 16% might result in your prompt ejection from class. Being able to pin a 16% reduction in food insecurity to a single variable – improved beans – is actually a sign of a pretty successful intervention. In fact, the study report describes this particular impact as “substantial,” meaning that for about 500,000 people, the hunger months – those in which food supplies are lowest – have completely vanished thanks to improved beans. Somewhere in those statistics is the ear-to-ear grin of farmer Jean Damascene Bizimana and his star-performing climbing beans in Rwanda and the industrious resilience of Olive Nakure, who with the money from her improved beans, invested in a big sewing machine and trained in Uganda for 2 months to learn how to use it. In the field, the cold stats spring to life. Contact: Ricardo Labarta (r.labarta@cgiar.org), Impact Assessment Officer, Decision and Policy Analysis (DAPA) Research Area Rwandan farmer Jean Damascene Bizimana. 17 Getting to the root of drought tolerance in rice Crop scientists have discovered a gene in rice that could significantly improve its tolerance to drought. The DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene makes the roots of rice plants grow downwards instead of outwards, enabling them to reach water held deeper in the soil. This means that even under conditions of extreme water stress, plants with DRO1 can continue to grow and produce grain. The findings were published in Nature Genetics by an international team1 that is led by Japan’s National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) and includes scientists from CIAT. This work contributes to the CGIAR Research Program on Rice, known as the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP). A better way to deal with stress Rice feeds around half of the global population, and production must increase by around 40% in order to meet expected demand in 2050. Yet, each year drought affects some 23 million hectares of rainfed rice in South and Southeast Asia alone. In parts of India, water scarcity can cut rice yields by more than a third, equal to losses of US$800 million annually. Water scarcity is expected to increase as a result of climate change together with increased demand for water for Vietnamese farmers like Pham Thi industrial and urban use. Thai urgently need rice varieties with tolerance to drought and other 1 The research team includes scientists from NIAS, CIAT, stresses. the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences at Japan’s Nagoya University, and the National Institute of Crop Science in Japan. 18 Scientists crossbred the high-yielding but short- time that deeper roots can buy farmers extra NIAS is evaluating trials of the new rice variety in rooted and drought-prone commercial rice variety, time during periods of drought, but until now we lowland, rainfed conditions with scientists at the IR64, with a deep-rooting upland rice variety from haven’t known which gene in rice is responsible International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the the Philippines, called Kinandang Patong. While for root architecture or how to control it. Since Philippines. IR64 already contains the DRO1 gene, the plant water availability will soon become the most cannot produce the necessary proteins that enable limiting factor in rice production around the Contact: the gene to function effectively. Through world, improving the crop’s water-use efficiency Manabu Ishitani (m.ishitani@cgiar.org), Molecular conventional breeding techniques, the scientists is essential.” Biologist, Agrobiodiversity Research Area combined the high yields of IR64 with the fully functional DRO1 gene in Kinandang Patong. Ishitani hopes that deeper roots might also be able to access additional nutrients deep in the The roots of the resulting plants were able to soil, enabling farmers to use fertilizer more reach more than twice as deep as those of IR64. efficiently. When tested under simulated conditions of moderate drought, IR64 yields slumped by almost Masa Iwanaga, president of the Japan Inside CIAT’s gene 60%, while the crossbreeds suffered only a 10% International Research Center for Agricultural discovery laboratory. yield loss. Under extreme drought, IR64 Science (JIRCAS), welcomed the new findings: completely failed, but the new rice plants “The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s continued to produce grain – about 30% of the was made possible by the introduction of yield of unstressed rice plants growing in normal short-stature, shallow-rooted cereals capable of conditions. producing high yields. The DRO1 gene confers on crops a deeper root system architecture, The scientists also found that the DRO1 gene which will surely mark the start of an appears to only change the angle of root growth ‘underground revolution’ in crop improvement.” and slightly increase the length of the root tips rather than the overall root density, meaning Joe Tohme, director of CIAT’s Agrobiodiversity energy is not diverted away from the production Research Area, said: “The discovery of DRO1 is of grain. a significant breakthrough in research aimed at adapting food crops to water stress, especially as Underground revolution farmers around the world begin to feel the pressure of climate change on water availability. “It’s a very exciting discovery,” said Manabu Technologies like this really can help boost Ishitani, the CIAT molecular biologist who was production of one of the world’s most important part of the research team. “We’ve known for some crops.” 19 Nutritional Mainstays of energy-dense foods that have risen to global prominence more recently, like soybean, sunflower oil, and palm oil. A standard globalized diet: Risks and remedies In contrast, many crops of considerable regional importance – including cereals like sorghum, A comprehensive new study of global food millets, and rye, as well as root crops such as supplies, carried out by CIAT and several sweet potato, cassava, and yam – have lost partners, confirms what experts have long ground globally. Many other locally significant suspected: Over the last 5 decades, human diets grain and vegetable crops – for which globally around the world have grown ever more similar comparable data are not available – have – by a global average of 36% – and the trend suffered the same fate. shows no signs of abating. Massive media coverage of the study worldwide School lunch in Cauca Department, “More people consume more calories, protein, contributed to one of its key aims, which was to Colombia. and fat and rely increasingly on a short list of foster public awareness of the need for healthier major food crops,” said lead author Colin diets, based on better decisions about what and Khoury, who is a specialist in plant genetic how much we eat, and for concerted efforts to resources conservation at CIAT. “Our reliance on reduce the vulnerability of global food supplies these foods, which are critical for combating through skilled use of plant genetic diversity. hunger, obligates us to bolster their nutritional quality, as consumption of other nutritious grains Drivers and dangers and vegetables declines.” The researchers warn that the increasing Winners and losers homogeneity of global food supplies may accelerate the worldwide rise in obesity, heart The new study, published in the Proceedings of disease, and diabetes. These diseases, strongly the National Academy of Sciences of the United affected by dietary change, have become major States of America, reveals that the crops now health problems, even in countries that have yet predominant in diets around the world include to overcome problems of food availability. several that were already quite important a half-century ago – such as wheat, rice, maize “Another danger of a more homogeneous global and potato. But the emerging “standard global food basket is that it makes agriculture more food supply” described by the study also consists vulnerable to major threats like drought, insect 20 pests, and diseases, which are likely to become consumption – two of which CIAT is actively worse in many parts of the world as a result of pursuing. As illustrated by other stories in this climate change,” said Luigi Guarino, a study annual report (see pages 12, 15, 18, and 25), the co-author and senior scientist at the Global Crop Center is strengthening efforts to conserve and Diversity Trust. use plant genetic resources, which are critical for boosting crop resilience, and also helping The dietary changes documented in the study accelerate the development and dissemination of are driven by powerful social and economic crop varieties that possess enhanced nutritional forces. Rising incomes in developing countries, quality. The study also calls for research aimed at for example, have enabled more consumers to improving the ability of alternative crops to include larger quantities of animal products, oils, compete in markets, which is critical for realizing and sugars in their diets. Moreover, urbanization their potential to make agriculture more resilient in these countries has encouraged greater and human diets more nutritious. consumption of processed and fast foods. Related developments, including trade “International agencies have hammered away in liberalization, improved commodity transport, recent years with the message that agriculture multinational food industries, and food safety must produce more food for over 9 billion standardization have further reinforced these people by 2050,” said co-author Andy Jarvis, trends. director of CIAT’s Decision and Policy Analysis Research Area. “Just as important is the message Fostering diversity that we need more diverse global food supplies. This is the best way, not only to combat hunger, Relying on data from the Food and Agriculture malnutrition, and over-nutrition, but also to Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the protect agriculture against the impacts of global study encompassed more than 50 crops and climate change.” over 150 countries (accounting for 98% of the world’s population) during the period 1961– Contact: 2009. In addition to CIAT and the Global Crop Colin Khoury (c.khoury@cgiar.org), Specialist in Plant Diversity Trust, it involved researchers from Genetic Resources Conservation, Decision and Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Policy Analysis (DAPA) Research Area the University of British Columbia in Canada. The authors emphasize various actions that are needed to foster diversity in food production and 21 HarvestPlus on the march agronomy. They also worked closely with the Rwanda Agriculture Board to strengthen seed multiplication and help farmers use stakes more efficiently (reducing the number needed from 50,000 to 10,000 per hectare) for the HarvestPlus, which develops nutritionally improved or “biofortified” production of new climbing beans. crops (see pages 23 and 25), has been gearing up over the last year for a new phase focused on getting these vitamin- and mineral-rich Similar efforts moved forward in other target countries. In Nigeria, for foods into the diets of 100 million people by 2018. The program, example, HarvestPlus provided training to help roll out a new approach for jointly coordinated by CIAT and the International Food Policy better production and handling of cassava stem cuttings. Through more Research Institute (IFPRI), is already ahead of schedule, after efficient stem cutting and packaging, the new approach has greatly surpassing its commitment to release and deliver biofortified seeds accelerated the multiplication of high-vitamin A varieties. In the absence of to more than 500,000 farm households in 2013. commercial markets for cassava stem cuttings, the program also began creating an informal network of stem producers and traders. Ramping up this effort is a technical and institutional challenge, involving continued research, large-scale seed delivery, and increased Collaboration is the key for quickening the pace of this work. At the World advocacy – all in collaboration with an expanding network of Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, during January 2014, partners. On the technical front, several new varieties entered the HarvestPlus announced a new partnership with World Vision. The program pipeline – following the release by 2013 of improved beans, cassava, also organized a major global consultation at Kigali, Rwanda, in April with maize, and sweetpotato in sub-Saharan Africa together with pearl representatives of governments, business, and civil society to determine millet, rice, and wheat in South Asia. how biofortification can be mainstreamed in programs, policies, and markets. “The delivery of new beans in three countries of Central Africa is especially well advanced, because we have very good varieties HarvestPlus – a major component of the CGIAR Research Program on combining high iron with high productivity and acceptability to Agriculture for Nutrition and Health – is funded by more than a dozen consumers – traits that trigger adoption,” said Wolfgang Pfeiffer, donors (see the complete list of CIAT donors on page 50). HarvestPlus deputy director, operations. “But much remains to be done,” he added. “We’re supporting our national partners, as they develop and apply solutions to a range of technical challenges.” Contact: Wolfgang Pfeiffer (w.pfeiffer@cgiar.org), Deputy Director, Operations, HarvestPlus www.harvestplus.org In Rwanda, for example, HarvestPlus staff concentrated this year on promoting the use of animal traction for better crop management, improving fertilizer supplies, and providing training in crop Packing seed of biofortified beans in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 22 “Gorilla” beans power development in Central Africa In the Democratic Republic of the Congo there, where you can see the tall, thick trees,” he (DR Congo), where a third of the population is says, “that’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where anemic, beans with higher levels of iron and zinc the gorillas are. Sometimes they come down provide a novel way to address the problem. from the forest to eat the beans in farmers’ fields.” It’s another reason the name gorilla “We call them gorilla beans, because they can beans stuck. help make the children strong,” says Antoine Lubobo, a crop delivery specialist for As good as meat HarvestPlus. At a food market in Bukavu, it’s obvious why The name gorilla bean refers to five iron- and beans are so important in local diets. A good cut zinc-rich varieties released in eastern DR Congo of beef sells for around US$4 per kilogram or from 2008 to 2012. The new “biofortified” beans more. In contrast, beans can cost as little as have been bred by researchers in DR Congo, $0.60–$0.80 per kilo. When you combine their neighboring Rwanda, and CIAT in Colombia to protein content with higher levels of iron, zinc, contain up to double the iron and 70% more zinc and other essential nutrients, it’s easy to see why than regular beans. HarvestPlus and its partners many people regard gorilla beans as being as test and evaluate the beans before they are good as meat. released. Bean production offers several advantages over At a gorilla bean multiplication site in Kashusha, other crops as well as livestock keeping, which around 100 hired hands work in teams, laying are more labor intensive and subject to many big piles of just-picked pods on tarpaulin sheets diseases, Lubobo explains. Also, while animals and bashing them with poles to release the are regularly stolen, people don’t steal beans beans. Then, the beans are passed to from the field. To obtain enough for a decent winnowers, who sift them on large wicker plates. meal they’d have to uproot them, thresh them, Finally, they’re tipped into HarvestPlus-branded bag them, and carry them away discreetly. Only sacks and sent to market. gorillas, it seems, can get away with stealing beans from the field. Turning away from the bean threshing and winnowing, Lubobo points to the hills. “Over Winnowing seeds of biofortified beans. 23 Lubobo also believes that, in general, beans sell out within minutes. For smallholders nutritionally improved food crops are better than with too little money to buy the seed directly at relying on handouts of vitamin and micronutrient markets like that at Katana, HarvestPlus provides tablets from relief agencies. He explains that a kilo of seed in exchange for a “payback” of distributing these supplements is expensive and 1.5 kilos at harvest. easier said than done in places like DR Congo, where rural infrastructure is poor and the Around 75,000 households in South and North countryside often lawless. Kivu are growing the new gorilla beans, the majority in the south. In North Kivu the work is “With gorilla beans, we only have to supply the more complicated due to the volatile security farmers with high-quality seed once, and they situation. can grow their own nutritious food for 3 or 4 years before they need to buy more seed. “It’s a great shame,” Lubobo says, “because That’s why we see this program as helping DR some parts of North Kivu have up to four distinct Congo move from reliance on food aid to bean-growing seasons, compared to two in sustainable development.” much of South Kivu.” Farmer buy-in He keeps in regular contact with partners there, A farmer harvesting however, making cash transfers via his mobile gorilla beans in Just breeding and releasing nutritionally phone to keep the trials running. Despite the DR Congo. improved beans isn’t enough to get buy-in from challenges, HarvestPlus aims to introduce the farmers. At the Kabushwa nutrition center in gorilla beans into DR Congo’s Eastern Province, Katana village, around 100 mothers and toddlers expanding its ever-growing network of local have gathered for a meeting under a tin-roofed partners, trial sites, and interested farmers. bivouac. Using a megaphone, HarvestPlus representatives explain the benefits of growing Contact: the new varieties, serving up plates of steaming Antoine Lubobo (a.k.lubobo@cgiar.org), Crop Delivery gorilla beans, plantain, and potato for all in Specialist, HarvestPlus attendance. In the local market, a short ride from the nutrition center, previous awareness-raising work has clearly had an impact. Within minutes of being opened, 400-kilogram sacks of gorilla 24 Fast-tracking nutrition in cassava Unraveling the mystery The results, published in the journal Crop Newly bred cassava that offers quadrupled would be possible to achieve such a large Science, have implications beyond boosting vitamin A content could provide a lifesaving increase so quickly.” beta-carotene content in cassava. By unraveling solution to millions in Africa suffering from some of the mystery surrounding the genetic micronutrient malnutrition. Globally, an Stretching the boundaries of science makeup of the crop, scientists now know that estimated 250 million children are vitamin A rapid breeding for other high-heritability traits is deficient, according to the World Health Unlike other genetic traits of cassava, beta- possible. Organization. Up to 500,000 will go blind every carotene is “trustworthy.” That is, you can year, and half of them will die within 12 months demonstrate increased or decreased levels in a But a number of hurdles still need to be of losing their sight. short time, without carrying out multi-location overcome in fully applying this research. “The trials and multiple root tests to verify results. This work on beta-carotene is tremendous, but it’s This has led CIAT to fast-track improvement in is typical of what scientists call “high-heritability” not a silver bullet,” Ceballos admitted. the nutritional value of cassava, Africa’s second genetic traits. An example in humans is eye color most important staple crop. The results indicate – a “reliable” result can be determined relatively There remains the hard work of getting a fourfold boost in beta-carotene – the orange soon after birth. improved materials into the field and ensuring pigment used by the body to make vitamin A that they are acceptable to farmers. This baton – from 5 micrograms in the first experimental “Root yield is a more elusive, low-heritability trait, has been picked up by another CGIAR center, materials to about 20 in the most recent ones. because it’s very site specific,” explained the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ceballos. “A genotype can give certain results in (IITA), together with national research The research contributes to HarvestPlus, which one location but completely different ones organizations, particularly in Nigeria and forms part of the CGIAR Research Program on 10 kilometers away. To improve yield, you need Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Agriculture for Nutrition and Health. Its results to test at multiple locations in a process that can varieties high in beta-carotene have already been are all the more remarkable for having been take about 8 years.” released. In Nigeria, HarvestPlus partners achieved in record time. Usually, the process distributed stem cuttings of these varieties to needed to demonstrate genetic gain takes about Because beta-carotene is a high-heritability trait, more than 100,000 rural households in 2013. 8 years. To meet the ambitious 10-year goal set scientists were able to test only one plant per by HarvestPlus, they devised a “rapid-cycling” cassava variety and then cross the selected Contact: breeding method to achieve the impossible. plants with others showing high beta-carotene Hernán Ceballos (h.ceballos@cgiar.org), Cassava content. This rapid-cycling process reduced the Breeder, Agrobiodiversity Research Area “It was magical,” said CIAT cassava breeder cassava breeding time from 8 to 3 years. Hernán Ceballos. “None of us expected that it 25 System Foundations Proof of concept Scientists at CIAT and the Japan International “Grassroots action” to curb climate change Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) have researched BNI collaboratively for the last 15 years. Today, this work forms part of N ew scientific evidence demonstrates that a CIAT’s new LivestockPlus initiative, which potent chemical mechanism operating in contributes importantly to the CGIAR Research the roots of a tropical grass used for animal feed Program on Livestock and Fish and that on has enormous potential to reduce greenhouse Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security gas emissions from crop and livestock systems. (CCAFS). Referred to as “biological nitrification inhibition” “This approach offers tremendous possibilities to or BNI, the mechanism markedly reduces the reduce nitrous oxide emissions and the leaching conversion of nitrogen applied to soil as fertilizer of polluting nitrates into water supplies, while also into nitrous oxide, according to papers prepared raising crop yields through more efficient use of by CIAT scientists and partners for the nitrogen fertilizer,” said G.V. Subbarao, a senior 22nd International Grasslands Congress held in scientist at JIRCAS. Sydney, Australia. Nitrous oxide is the most powerful and aggressive greenhouse gas, with a As a result of recent advances, which have global warming potential 300 times that of consolidated the proof of concept for BNI, carbon dioxide. scientists now have the means to exploit this phenomenon on a large scale. For example, CIAT “Nitrous oxide makes up about 38% of all researchers have found ways to increase BNI greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, which through plant breeding in different species accounts for almost a third of total emissions of Brachiaria grasses. The new techniques Paola Pardo, a former worldwide,” said Michael Peters, who leads include methods for rapidly quantifying BNI research assistant with CIAT’s CIAT’s research on tropical forages. “BNI offers in Brachiaria together with molecular markers, Tropical Forages Program, what could be agriculture’s best bet for helping who is now completing her which reduce the time needed for field testing. Master’s degree. keep global climate change within manageable limits.” Center scientists have also gathered evidence that a maize crop grown after Brachiaria humidicola pastures gave good yields with only half the amount of nitrogen fertilizer normally 26 used, because more nitrogen was retained in the Rao. “Grassland pastures are the single biggest said Peters. “But now it’s a dream with a lot of soil, thus reducing nitrous oxide emissions and use of agricultural land – covering 3.2 billion scientific proof behind it.” nitrate leaching. hectares out of a global total of 4.9 billion. In Brazil alone, 11 million hectares of grassland Contact: In addition, scientists have developed hybrids of have been converted to maize and soybean Michael Peters (m.peters@cgiar.org), Tropical Forages B. humidicola and delivered these, with support production. Instead of more monocropping, Program Leader, Agrobiodiversity Research Area from the German government, to farmers in farmers in the tropics can integrate Colombia and Nicaragua for productivity and Brachiaria grasses into mixed crop–livestock quality testing. Based on evaluation of the new systems to make them more sustainable.” hybrids and with the aid of simulation models, researchers are studying where else the hybrids Back to Africa can be introduced. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, Triple-win technology Brachiaria grasses found their way to South America centuries ago – possibly as bedding on “Livestock production provides livelihoods for a slave ships. Improved varieties of the grass are billion people, but it also contributes about half widely grown on pasturelands in Brazil, of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Colombia, and other countries, and they have Peters explained. “BNI is a rare triple-win recently been taken back to Africa to help ease technology that’s good for rural livelihoods as severe shortages of livestock feed. well as the global environment and climate. It defies the widespread notion that livestock are In a major breakthrough, JIRCAS scientists necessarily in the minus column of any food discovered several years ago the chemical security and environmental calculation.” substance responsible for BNI and developed a reliable method for detecting the nitrification “Today’s crop and livestock systems are very inhibitor coming from plant roots. Scientists at leaky,” said Subbarao. “About 70% of the CIAT then validated the BNI concept in the field, 150 million tons of nitrogen fertilizer applied demonstrating that Brachiaria grass suppresses globally is lost through nitrate leaching and nitrification and nitrous oxide emissions, nitrous oxide emissions. The lost fertilizer has an compared with soybean, which lacks this ability. annual estimated value of US$90 billion.” “Our work on BNI started with a field observation “BNI has huge possibilities for reducing nitrogen made by one of our scientists in the 1980s – leakage,” said CIAT plant nutritionist Idupulapati back then it was nothing more than a dream,” 27 Preserving Kenya’s lifeblood CIAT and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are Water woes collaborating in an innovative effort to make farming more eco-efficient, while preserving The effect on smallholder farmers can be essential ecosystem services. In Kenya, they devastating. John Njerona has a 2-hectare plot expect to launch Africa’s first water fund in 2014, near Gatanga, which sustains 15 members of his centered on the Tana River – Kenya’s lifeblood. family. Five years ago, a landslide washed away one-third of his crops and left a scar one-half Flowing from the peaks of the Aberdare hectare wide across his land, which grows wider Mountains, the river stretches 1,000 kilometers, each year. providing the primary source of water for people, crops, livestock, and much of Kenya’s wildlife. Its Since then, Njerona has struggled to grow upper reaches, occupied predominantly by rural enough food to feed the family and pay school communities, supply drinking water to four fees. His efforts to rehabilitate the land by million people in Nairobi and generate 60% of planting trees on the exposed soil were thwarted the country’s electricity. by unpredictable rains, which washed the saplings away before they could take hold. He North of Nairobi among the lush, lime-green, fears that, without training and support to tea-carpeted hills of the Upper Tana region, more introduce improved land management practices, than one million smallholder farmers rely on the he will lose more land. land for food and income. The land is fertile, supporting the production of coffee, maize, This farmer’s woes are part of a much wider avocado, and vegetables between pockets of tea. predicament. Sedimentation runoff from But intensive agriculture comes at a high cost. farmland, quarries, and unpaved roads poses a serious threat to water supplies and quality Nearly half of the farmland lies on steep slopes, downstream. The silt-laden water washes from which make its cultivation labor intensive and upstream rural communities, reducing drinking also highly susceptible to erosion. As heavy rain water quality for downstream farming washes over the land and down the hills, it communities and urban dwellers, impacting carries with it crops and fertile topsoil, causing electricity generation, and clogging water landslides and turning the Tana River brown with treatment equipment. silt. 28 Nairobi Water Company reports that water Without proof, no investment The water fund has given hope to him and many treatment costs increase by more than one-third other farmers in the region. With training from during the wet season. Without action, water Working through the CGIAR Research Program on SACDEP, he is planting Napier grass strips, quantities and quality will continue to worsen, Water, Land and Ecosystems, CIAT plays a dual building terraces, and planting trees and bamboo raising the price of water and electricity. role in the partnership: first, conducting research to protect his land from further destruction. With that helps target interventions to the most the water fund in place, he hopes to reclaim the Africa’s first water fund vulnerable areas, thus ensuring greater impact land he lost to landslides. and a better return on water fund investments, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is leading efforts and, second, assisting partners with assessment If the Tana River Water Fund proves successful, it to bring water users and land managers together of the impact of interventions on water quality, could pave the way for similar investment to find shared solutions to the Tana River land health, and livelihoods. initiatives across Africa and have a major impact challenges. In June 2013, CIAT joined the on livelihoods and ecosystems. partnership to provide the research and Center research includes using satellite imagery to monitoring needed for TNC and its partners to monitor changes in land use and cover, Contact: launch Africa’s first water fund in 2014. monitoring water quality, hydrological modeling, Fred Kizito (f.kizito@cgiar.org), Land Degradation and scenario assessment to predict the impact of Theme Leader, Soils Research Area Water funds are financial tools that gather land use practices on sediment levels. investment from water users and direct it towards conservation of land upstream to Soil scientist Fred Kizito is leading CIAT’s research: protect water supplies. First developed by TNC “The challenge is to reduce sedimentation and in Latin America, water funds have proven erosion in rural upstream areas to provide enough successful at attracting voluntary contributions good quality water for Nairobi – and to prove that from large downstream water users, such as on-farm interventions work. Without proof, there is water utilities and hydroelectric companies, to no incentive for investment.” help land users manage their land more sustainably – for example, by adopting farming CIAT’s research will support the efforts of local practices that reduce soil erosion. partners, like the Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programmes In Kenya, a water fund could serve as the catalyst (SACDEP), who work with farmers to introduce for preserving the Tana River and the livelihoods sustainable land management practices. As part it sustains. of a pilot study aimed at proving the water fund can have an effect downstream, they are currently working with 600 farmers, including John Njerona, in the Upper Tana region. Kenyan farmer John Njerona. 29 Rethinking yield gaps in Africa narrow yield gaps and achieve sustainable But this approach doesn’t give a complete intensification of agriculture. picture of the constraints farmers face or reveal the underlying causes of yield gaps. A Rwandan farmer weeds Working with diverse partners, CIAT researchers her bean crop. have carried out agronomic trials in many Through on-farm research trials conducted in African countries, which reveal the huge spatial Tanzania and Malawi, CIAT researchers are variation of soil fertility across the continent – learning more about farmers’ management from area to area and even from field to field. strategies and major constraints, while measuring This is why blanket recommendations – for the yields in farmers’ fields. This not only reveals the application of mineral fertilizer, for example – productivity levels that can be achieved on farm have proved ineffective and even risky for but also helps explain why some farmers achieve farmers. The research has also shown that, apart higher yields than others. For both countries, from nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium preliminary results reveal significant gaps limitations, yields are constrained by many other between the lowest and highest maize yields soil factors, such as the micronutrient among farmers in the same area. deficiencies detected in 15% of the study areas. So, if high yields are achievable on farm, why are But advanced tools for mapping soils and so many farmers failing to reach the productivity diagnosing specific constraints have made it levels of their neighbors? To answer this question, easier to tackle these problems. Based on new researchers are using high-yielding plots and thinking, CIAT scientists are making fundamental their characteristics as benchmarks for identifying Since the 1960s, scientists, governments, and changes in research aimed at narrowing yield the biophysical and farm management development experts in Africa have struggled to gaps. constraints to crop productivity. But science close the gap between average yields and those needs to delve deeper. possible with improved technology – but without Measuring the gaps a great deal of success. The reason for limited Beyond agronomy progress, CIAT scientists believe, is that much Past studies have generally measured yield gaps research has failed to take into account the by means of trials conducted on experiment CIAT’s research reaches beyond environmental complexity of Africa’s farming systems and the stations, which compare local practices with and agronomic factors to consider socio- constraints that farmers face. Recent advances in those recommended by researchers, producing economic constraints and whole system soil research have shed much light on these biophysical explanations for the gaps and productivity. In addition to understanding how constraints, opening up new possibilities to identifying technical options for narrowing them. farmers manage their fields, this research 30 considers what shapes their on-farm decisions and examines farms in their wider social and Common ground on soil fertility in Africa environmental context. This work is giving rise to a new approach that involves bio-socio-economic mapping of yield gaps, which enables researchers to quantify the real potential for increasing yields. By investigating gaps and their causes from a new angle, CIAT is building a better understanding of why they persist and developing tailor-made New thinking about interventions that help farmers achieve their full yield gaps could crop yield potential. result in better interventions for “We need to rethink how gaps are defined and reaching the measured, and get a lot more specific about the controversial socio-economic obstacles and incentives that goal of increasing farmers face,” said Katherine Snyder, a CIAT smallholder farmers’ use of mineral social scientist. fertilizer in sub-Saharan Africa. While many believe this is necessary for the continent to CIAT’s soil research is supported by various become food secure, others argue against it, Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement, and donors, including the US government through insisting that farmers are better off turning to supporters of the Abuja Declaration, which the Africa RISING Program and the Bill & environmentally friendly organic fertilizer. sets targets for mineral fertilizer use. Melinda Gates Foundation, and contributes to the CGIAR Research Programs on Water, Land This issue hit the headlines as soil scientists Ultimately, the dispute proved to be a false and Ecosystems and Dryland Systems. from around the world gathered for Global dichotomy. While contentious issues initially Soil Week in Berlin during October 2013, rose to the surface, all participants agreed Contact: where CIAT co-hosted a discussion on that Africa should aim for balanced integrated Katherine Snyder (k.snyder@cgiar.org), Social sustainable nutrient management in Africa. soil fertility management. Scientist, and Job Kihara (j.kihara@cgiar.org), Soil Scientist, Soils Research Area The event brought to the table advocates from both sides of the argument, including Contact: World Wildlife Fund Germany, representatives Rolf Sommer (r.sommer@cgiar.org), Climate from the fertilizer industry, the president of the Change Theme Leader, Soils Research Area 31 Clamp-down on cassava pests and diseases in Asia “I have learned a lot from Colombian scientists as well as researchers from other cassava- growing countries in Asia. We aim to make CIAT scientists have ramped up efforts to clamp community with new knowledge about the threats cassava witches’-broom a thing of the past.” down on emerging pests and diseases, which to cassava and about pest and disease pose a significant threat to cassava-based management techniques. “We consider cassava Paving the way to better management farming systems in Southeast Asia. pests and diseases to be a new and severe problem for the whole region. Broad thinking is The clamp-down event in Vietnam was the first The spread of new cassava pests and diseases is needed, and cross-border research cooperation is to focus on the mealybug threat in the region – fueled by unchecked movement of cassava crucial to address these emerging threats.” and what to do next. Aunu Rauf, professor of planting stakes between countries. In the agricultural entomology at Bogor Agricultural absence of effective controls, the pests and Prevention is better than cure University in Indonesia, spoke during the 3-day diseases are coming dangerously close to workshop about the current mealybug threat in engulfing cassava harvests, biting into Taking the view that prevention is better than Indonesia. smallholder incomes from this increasingly cure, the workshops focused on strengthening important crop. regional capacity to identify and prevent threats “Accurate species identification and in-depth from spreading. This capacity will be further rolled knowledge of the pest’s biology and ecology are “It’s difficult to gauge the exact impact of these out – particularly among farmers – in 2014. key ingredients to an effective control program novel pests and diseases, but they cause for the region,” he said. “We hope to have considerable yield reductions and have spread The workshops, supported by the International planted the seed for long-term control, not only rapidly throughout Southeast Asia,” said Kris Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the for cassava mealybug, but for many other Wyckhuys, a CIAT entomologist. Colombian Presidential Agency of International invasive pests in the region.” Cooperation (APC), gathered international In a series of workshops organized by CIAT and speakers and top experts from Finland, Colombia, In the meantime, regional researchers have its partners in Colombia and Vietnam, Indonesia, and USA. Researchers attended from emerged from training workshops equipped participants have received hands-on training in Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the with diagnostic methods to detect and monitor the detection, analysis, and prevention of Philippines, and Thailand to learn about cassava threats. Khanxay Somchanda, an cassava witches’-broom disease and cassava management and prevention tactics. entomologist from Lao PDR’s Plant Protection mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti), known Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and locally as the pink mealybug. Nguyen Anh Vu, from Vietnam’s Agricultural Fisheries, said: “This workshop has provided Genetics Institute, attended training on information essential to many of the region’s Trinh Xuan Hoat, deputy director of Vietnam’s management of cassava witches’-broom disease plant health officers and quarantine Plant Protection Research Institute, said training at CIAT headquarters in Colombia. “The last 2 entomologists.” courses are critical to equip the regional research weeks were a great experience for me,” he said. 32 Typical symptoms of cassava witches’-broom disease. Throughout 2014, information about the pink mealybug and other cassava threats will be extended to farmers in Laos, Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, in Cassava impacts: Plenty at stake an effort to curb encroaching cassava pests and diseases in the region. There’s plenty at stake in CIAT’s collaborative effort to protect Asia’s cassava crops from emerging diseases and insect pests, according to a 2013 study carried out by the Contact: Standing Panel on Impact Assessment of CGIAR’s Independent Science and Partnership Kris Wyckhuys (k.wyckhuys@cgiar.org), Cassava Council. The study documented significant impact from a single improved cassava variety Entomologist, Agrobiodiversity Research Area (Kasetsart 50 or KU 50), which Center scientists developed in partnership with Thailand’s Department of Agriculture and Kasetsart University. KU 50 is currently grown on well over 1 million hectares in Thailand and Vietnam (where it is referred to as KM 94), mostly by smallholders in marginal uplands, and it has also been adopted in Cambodia and Indonesia. KU 50 and other high-yielding cassava varieties have effectively removed the obstacle of a narrow genetic base in Asia’s production of the crop. As a result, the study found, a steady decline in cassava yields has been reversed since the mid-1990s. In Thailand, yield growth has been the principal driver of production increases, with little area expansion. Vietnam’s cassava area, in contrast, has doubled since the mid-1990s, but production has quadrupled, owing to yield gains. The study calculates conservatively that the aggregate economic benefits accruing from the adoption of KU 50 in Thailand exceed US$44 million each year, while the annual figure for Vietnam is $53 million, not counting the substantial benefits also captured by cassava processors. Since the benefits largely reflect gains that producers have received by adopting KU 50, the study authors suggest that the improved variety “has had a substantial impact on poverty alleviation” in both countries. Contact: Ricardo Labarta (r.labarta@cgiar.org), Impact Assessment Officer, Decision and Policy Analysis (DAPA) Research Area Participants in a workshop on cassava 33 witches’-broom disease, held at CIAT headquarters. Inside Latin America’s Eco-Efficiency Workshop In Peru, ecosystem health has its rewards A creative new effort to reduce wealth basin is widely recognized as being important for inequality in Peru centers on sharing the regulating the flow of water to multiple benefits of ecosystem services provided by the downstream sectors and for conserving country’s Andean river basins. To this end, the biological diversity. Located in central Peru, the Ministry of Environment is developing a new basin stretches across 6,000 square kilometers. scheme that will provide poor communities with Water users include rural households and the rewards for helping secure water supplies over mining industry in the basin’s upper reaches; the long term. shrimp farmers and hydropower companies in the middle part; and farmers, industries, and an In December 2013, the Peruvian Congress voted urban population in the lower area. in favor of a new law on ecosystem services, intended to foster benefit-sharing mechanisms. Annual precipitation upstream can be as high as A vote to ratify the law will take place during 1,000 millimeters, while the downstream 2014. landscape is far more arid. The upper region thus provides most of the water used The Cañete River Basin is highly representative downstream, and the water supply for of all the 53 basins along the Peruvian coast,” consumers in the central and lower basin said Marcela Quintero, who leads CIAT research depends entirely on the willingness and ability of on ecosystem services. “So, if the new scheme rural communities upstream to conserve the works, it can be applied in any of those ecosystems in which they live and work. Over the watersheds to promote more equitable past 40 years, however, climate change, distribution of the benefits from water resources pollution, and soil erosion (caused by extensive across the country.” livestock grazing in the upper part of the basin) have seriously jeopardized the future availability A vertical water world and quality of water supplies. Peru’s Environment Ministry chose the Cañete “We and our research partners in Peru found that River Basin as its official pilot site, because the water users downstream recognize the benefits 34 they receive from the ecosystem upstream and CIAT has been invited to take part in discussions are willing to reward communities there for of the new ecosystem services law, which has maintaining ecosystem health,” said Quintero. been drafted in such a way that it can be easily understood by all stakeholders. Center Change by design researchers have also contributed by formulating lessons learned from the Cañete Basin scheme In response, the Peruvian Ministry of and other, similar experiences. Once ratified by Environment has introduced a rewards-for- Congress, the law is expected to create a much ecosystem services scheme, designed with more favorable environment for establishing support through CIAT from the CGIAR Challenge benefit-sharing mechanisms in Peru. Program on Water and Food, which is now part of the new CGIAR Research Program on Water, Contact: Land and Ecosystems. The scheme will allow Marcela Quintero (m.quintero@cgiar.org), Ecosystem communities downstream to continue Services Theme Leader, Decision and Policy Analysis benefitting from water-related ecosystem (DAPA) Research Area services, while ensuring that some of the benefits – in the form of economic rewards – are transferred back to the people who conserve the ecosystem upstream. Under the scheme, water users in the lower basin can make voluntary contributions to a Trust Fund created by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in 2013. Communities in A farmer in the the upper watershed can apply to the fund for lower region of support of projects aimed at restoring degraded Peru’s Cañete lands and creating businesses based on farm River Basin. products. Transferring resources from relatively wealthy communities downstream to poorer communities upstream will not only spur ecosystem conservation but also help achieve socio-economic equity and reduce water-related conflicts. 35 A wider window for collaboration in Peru The signing of an agreement in March 2014 that unites CIAT with America taken every 16 days, overlaying them onto Google Maps, and Peru’s Ministry of Environment will extend the reach of our analyzing changes in vegetation cover. collaborative efforts, begun in 2010, to create novel schemes for rewarding improved management of water supplies. “Together with CIAT, we’re evaluating the potential of Terra-i to support our work on land-use planning,” said Fernando Neyra of the Ministry’s “This agreement represents a new opportunity for CIAT to contribute Directorate for Land-Use Planning. to sustainable development in Latin America – a region where better natural resource management is decisive for the future of Peru and With about a thousand registered users, Terra-i is gaining wide recognition. other countries,” said Elcio Guimarães, the Center’s regional director It received the 2013 GeoSUR Award during the Sixth Meeting of the for Latin America and the Caribbean. In the signing ceremony, he Geospatial Network of Latin America and the Caribbean (GeoSUR). The accompanied Ruperto Taboada Delgado, the Ministry’s secretary versatile tool was developed by CIAT, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), general, representing Gabriel Quijandría Acosta, Peru’s vice minister King’s College London, and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts for strategic development of natural resources. Western Switzerland. Highlights of its application in 2013 include analysis of an alarming increase in deforestation resulting from expanded mining in Within this framework, CIAT also committed itself to a 3-year the Peruvian Amazon. initiative, aimed at building capacity in the Ministry to employ Terra-i, a system that permits near real-time monitoring of vegetation cover Contact: and has proved highly effective for bringing deforestation hotspots Marcela Quintero (m.quintero@cgiar.org), Ecosystem Services Theme Leader, and into sharp focus. It works by using the satellite images of Latin Alejandro Coca (a.coca@cgiar.org), Research Assistant, Decision and Policy Analysis (DAPA) Research Area Deforestation near the city of Pucallpa in the Peruvian Amazon. 36 Changing the backstory of smallholder coffee production Discriminating coffee enthusiasts expect a lot Hard evidence from their espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. These consumers want a “mind-blowing” coffee, While still accounting for only a small proportion which not only has an extraordinary taste but of total coffee sales, the market for fair-trade also comes with an upbeat backstory about its coffee has expanded significantly in recent years origins. Collaborative CIAT research in and has evidently benefitted many smallholder Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua has helped producers. To further ensure that coffee’s reveal what the backstory of smallholder coffee backstory is getting better, Keurig Green production really is, how it has changed for the Mountain, Inc. (formerly Green Mountain Coffee better in recent years, and why. Roasters) – the world’s biggest buyer of fair trade-certified coffee – invests millions of dollars The approximately 25 million rural people in the in projects intended to improve the conditions in tropics who depend on coffee production face which smallholders work and live. many hardships. And these are made much worse by volatile prices for coffee and other With the aim of grounding these investments in crops that rural families grow. hard evidence, Keurig Green Mountain has entered into a partnership with CIAT, which Consumers have become increasingly aware of revolves around scientific studies on the these difficulties, thanks in large part to the fair livelihoods of smallholder coffee-producing trade-certified coffee model. Created in the late families. The most recent of these studies, called 1980s, it offers growers an above-market “Thin Months Revisited,” was carried out “fair-trade” price on the condition that they meet collaboratively with the Agroecology and Rural specific production and environmental Livelihoods Group at the University of Vermont, standards. Certification of fair-trade coffee USA, in 2013. “Thin months,” or meses flacos in provides consumers – who pay a premium price Spanish, refers to a seasonal hunger period, for this product – with some assurance that it’s when food and cash from previous harvests run grown in conditions favoring social justice and short. environmental sustainability. The Matamoros family, who grow coffee and other crops in the community of Las Escaleras, Matagalpa 37 Department, Nicaragua. “We began to recognize seasonal hunger as a of Thin Months Revisited – which involved Why is a company in the coffee business helping major threat to our agricultural supply chain interviews with 100 families, many of whom took coffee farmers with other crops? The answer is when CIAT conducted a baseline study for us part in the earlier study – these efforts are paying that Keurig Green Mountain views the coffee 6 years ago in Guatemala, Mexico, and off. value chain through the lens of sustainable rural Nicaragua,” explained Colleen Popkin, manager livelihoods. “Diversifying into other crops,” said of the company’s coffee supply chain outreach. In the words of the study report, new research Popkin, “helps smooth out household income “It found that two-thirds of the growers surveyed offers “irrefutable evidence that the situation has across the year and makes families more resilient reported facing extreme food scarcity during improved for most families” over the last 6 years to a volatile coffee market. A more resilient 3 months or more every year. These results had – particularly with respect to food security. farmer will continue producing coffee and supply a sobering effect on our leadership and on many Across study locations, the average number of us with the quality and quantity we need to grow others in the fair-trade coffee movement.” thin months has declined from 3.81 in 2007 to our business.” 2.83 today. In response, Keurig Green Mountain began to Diversification should also help growers weather focus its outreach on bolstering food security, Diversification for a better future another, longer term threat to their way of life often with projects designed to diversify and the coffee business. According to a CIAT household livelihoods. Judging from the results The study doesn’t claim that Keurig Green study carried out several years ago, gradually Mountain-funded projects alone accounted for rising temperatures will make coffee production this significant shortening of the hunger period. far less viable in areas of Mesoamerica where it But it does show that, in Mexico’s Chiapas State thrives today, requiring that farmers both modify as well as Nicaragua, farmers taking part in these their coffee management and explore other projects saw “marked improvements in livelihood options. diversification.” In fact, some farmers have begun using income from their coffee harvests “The news isn’t all bad, though,” said CIAT to expand into other enterprises (like fruits, scientist Peter Läderach. “Climate change will vegetables, cocoa, livestock, and honey) and create both losers and winners. And the winners vice versa. will be those who learn to adapt through diversification and other strategies.” “Diversification lowers the pressure on coffee through a system that is in harmony with the Contact: environment and offers alternative sources of Peter Läderach (p.laderach@cgiar.org), Climate income,” said Santiago Dolmus, a member of Change Theme Leader, Decision and Policy Analysis the technical assistance team with Cecocafen, (DAPA) Research Area an organization that supports coffee-grower associations in northern Nicaragua. 38 El Plan, the 2.6-hectare coffee farm of the Matamoros family in Nicaragua. Climate-smart solutions – Made in Colombia One of the world’s most ambitious national and (4) environmentally sustainable production efforts to confront climate change in agriculture systems. got underway last year in Colombia and already shows promise as a successful model for other Better decisions for better production countries. Launched under a scientific partnership that unites CIAT with the Ministry of The cornerstone for any effort to develop Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), the effective adaptive measures is an effective initiative also brings together farmer system for making periodic climate forecasts. To associations, universities, nongovernment this end, CIAT and MADR are drawing on organizations, and research institutes. successful experience in Senegal to develop a tool for predicting short-term climate variation “This project has put Colombia at the cutting and its effects on particular crops, aimed at edge of global efforts to adapt agriculture in the supporting the decisions and recommendations face of climate change,” said Andy Jarvis, of farmers associations. At the same time, the director of CIAT’s Decision and Policy Analysis project is simulating longer term, fine-scale (DAPA) Research Area and leader for climate projections of climate change impacts on change adaptation with the CGIAR Research different crops and regions to provide scientists Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and and government decision-makers with a firm Food Security (CCAFS). “This work is already basis for adaptation planning. proving to be a successful case, which can be replicated in any other country of Latin America.” “We hope this pilot project in Colombia will repeat Senegal’s success in motivating farmers Climate change is expected to have significant to incorporate climate information into their impacts on Colombia’s agriculture, which decisions, so they can not only protect but employs 21% of the nation’s workforce and increase their production,” said Patricia Guzmán, accounts for more than a tenth of its gross assistant technical manager for Colombia’s domestic product. In a major effort to curb these National Rice Growers Association (Fedearroz). impacts, the project is pursuing four lines of action: (1) climate forecasting and modeling, New crop varieties that are disease resistant and (2) improved technologies for adaptation of tolerant to drought and high temperatures are high-priority crops, (3) site-specific agriculture, critical for bolstering the current and future food A visit to rice variety trials in Colombia’s 39 Córdoba Department. security of Colombian families in the face of management practices across the country. The climate change. To identify the best options results of this work, while informing environmental available, the CIAT–MADR project is conducting planning at the national level, are also influencing large-scale experiments to test improved farmers’ attitudes and practices. germplasm under diverse conditions. On this basis, researchers have identified resilient “Before, we used so much irrigation water that varieties of beans, cassava, maize, and rice that sometimes by 3 p.m. there was no more water left are well adapted to the various parts of Colombia in the reservoir. The new system is very good, that are most vulnerable to climate change because it measures how much water we’re using impacts. and helps us conserve,” said Colombian farmer Lisimberg Nieva. In a further effort to make crop production more climate smart, the project is implementing an In support of its ambitious research-for- approach referred to as “site-specific development objectives, the CIAT–MADR project is agriculture.” The idea is to better target implementing a knowledge management strategy, improved technologies, based on the analysis of which engages diverse audiences and encompasses climate information for different regions. For this innovative approaches to data management, purpose, the project is creating an information documentation, communications, capacity platform, designed to help achieve more efficient strengthening, and monitoring and evaluation. use of resources and narrow yield gaps. The platform will also be used to identify areas of Facts on the Colombian model for Colombia where there is high potential for confronting climate change replacing livestock pastures with fruit production, in accordance with national policies aimed at 9 national partners mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. 52 municipalities with field work underway 800 experimental plots at multiple locations Eco-efficiency is climate smart 200 farms with ongoing participatory research 40 planning and training events held so far Climate-smart agriculture requires smart, or 97 researchers involved eco-efficient, use of resources. In search of better options for enhancing water use and Contact: carbon sequestration, the project is analyzing the Jeimar Tapasco (j.tapasco@cgiar.org), Environmental water and carbon footprints of maize, oil palm, Economist, Decision and Policy Analysis (DAPA) potato, and rice production under different crop Research Area 40 CIAT research associate Miguel Romero takes measurements of water use in a maize crop in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca Department. A soil information power tool CIAT and a large group of partner organizations The initiative’s first phase was implemented and versatile and robust system that responds to have completed the first phase in developing a co-financed under a strategic alliance uniting users’ demand for diverse information of very state-of-the-art resource called the Latin CIAT and the Brazilian Agricultural Research high quality.” American Soil Information System (or SISLAC, Corporation (Embrapa) with partner its acronym in Spanish). Getting this resource organizations in 19 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Contact: into the hands of key decision makers is critical Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Aracely Castro (a.castro@cgiar.org), Sustainable for national and regional efforts to grapple with Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Intensification Theme Leader, Soils Research Area the complex challenges of climate change, land Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, degradation, rural poverty, and food insecurity. Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and The system is particularly important for Venezuela). This first phase, led by CIAT, identifying where soils are degraded, determining strengthened the database management the potential to restore them, and identifying the capacity of dozens of experts in soils and causes of crop yield gaps. geographical information. The vast amounts of soil information available Their joint efforts centered on three main tasks: have until now been relegated to scattered (1) recovering, harmonizing, and storing the reports and databases that are not widely information available (referred to as “soil legacy accessible. Some regional sources of soil data,” which includes soil profiles and maps); information exist, but they provide the data at a (2) developing a digital regional map of soil relatively low resolution, which often doesn’t classes, based on national maps adapted to the meet users’ requirements. classification system of the World Soil Reference Base; and (3) developing a beta version of the To overcome these limitations, CIAT joined a SISLAC online tool (www.sislac.org). A second regional initiative promoted and partially phase, led by Embrapa, focused on developing financed by the Food and Agriculture capacity to generate digital maps of soil Organization of the United Nations (FAO) properties. through the Global Soil Partnership (GSP). The initiative gave particular attention to “The key to success was the commitment and strengthening national capacity in digital soil active participation of our partners, who brought mapping and reinforcing national leadership in a lot of expert knowledge to an important shared regional networks. task,” said CIAT soil scientist Aracely Castro. “We see this as a long-term initiative, resulting in a 41 Soil mapping goes underground in Colombia improved forage grasses in the Eastern Plains can capture large amounts of carbon deep in the soil. A few decades ago, “nobody talked about Several years ago, CIAT and Corpoica renewed Colombia’s Eastern Plains,” said Juan Lucas the exploration of this potential under a strategic Restrepo, director of the Colombian alliance that also includes Colombia’s Ministry of Corporation of Agricultural Research Agriculture and Rural Development. Researchers (Corpoica), in a recent media opinion piece. confirmed that adequately managed improved “But since then, a lot has happened.” pastures have high potential to sequester carbon, in comparison with degraded pastures, annual Corpoica, CIAT, and others have developed crops, and native savanna. They also investigated improved production technologies suited to the trade-offs involved in realizing this potential the region, while the private sector has put new and created a preliminary map of the region’s knowledge to work, planting thousands of carbon reserves. hectares of maize, soybean, rice, oil palm, rubber, and improved pastures. As a result, the In 2013, the two organizations undertook the vision of this unique ecosystem as a laborious task of validating this map through sustainably managed “promised land” is no extensive soil sampling – 3,816 samples, to be longer sheer fantasy. precise, representing an area of nearly 1 million hectares. Then, researchers created a digital soil In addition to the species already mentioned, map, using new tools and methods, and validated there are real prospects for establishing forest the opportunity costs for different land uses. plantations and promoting widespread adoption of agrosilvopastoral systems The resulting tools and information provide a (combining crops, pastures, and trees) amidst solid foundation for determining the viability of large expanses of cotton, sugarcane, and other different options to reduce greenhouse gas crops. emissions while enhancing agricultural productivity under various combinations of soil But not all of the region’s potential for and land use. sustainable development lies above ground. 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of a Contact: landmark CIAT study in Nature magazine, Aracely Castro (a.castro@cgiar.org), Sustainable which offered intriguing evidence that Intensification Theme Leader, Soils Research Area 42 Soil sample collection at La Libertad experimentation station in Colombia’s Meta Department. Colombian partnership platforms Established in 2011 with strong support from Biopacific Park contact: Colombian Institute of Agriculture (ICA) local government in the country’s southwest, the Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3136 Biopacific Park is a collaborative platform, whose Juan Francisco Miranda, Director aim is to promote agricultural development in (jfmiranda@parquebiopacifico.com) Colombian Sugarcane Research Center this region and beyond. Ana Isabel Vargas, Coordinator for Institutional (CENICAÑA) Relations (aivargas@parquebiopacifico.com) Phone: +57 2 6876611 In 2013, the Park entered into a new arrangement with Colombia’s Administrative Another key mechanism by which CIAT Corporation for the Development of Biotechnology (Corporación BIOTEC) Department of Science, Technology, and promotes research partnerships for agricultural Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3114 Innovation (Colciencias) and the Korea development in Colombia and elsewhere is the International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to Agronatura Science Park, which brings together Foundation for Agricultural Research and devise a comprehensive plan for capacity 10 national and international organizations Development (FIDAR) development in support of science and around a common collaborative platform to Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3106 technology parks in Colombia. address shared research challenges. Institute of Marine and Coastal Research Under this agreement, the Korean government Agronatura Science Park “José Benito Vives de Andréis” (INVEMAR) will provide US$2.5 million over 3 years to Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3112 accelerate the development of three such parks: Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Guatiguará Park in Santander Department; Research Institute (Instituto Humboldt) International Maize and Wheat Improvement National University of Colombia Park in the Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3174 Center (CIMMYT) Phone: +57 2 4450025 nation’s capital, Bogotá; and Biopacific Park in Bioversity International Valle del Cauca. KOICA’s support for the Phone: +57 2 4450048 / 49 Latin American Fund for Irrigated Rice (FLAR) Biopacific Park will center on designing its overall Fax: +57 2 4450096 Phone: +57 2 4450052 / 93 development plan, strengthening its service portfolio, and developing value-adding options CLAYUCA Corporation for agro-industrial products. Phone: +57 2 4450000, ext. 3159 43 Research Publications Crisol E; Almazan MLP; Jones PW; Horgan FG. 2013. Planthopper–rice interactions: Unequal stresses on pure-line and hybrid rice under similar experimental conditions. Entomologia A rticles and other information resources are Complete lists of scientific publications in Experimentalis et Applicata 147(1):18–32. among the primary means by which CIAT 2013 and previous years as well as other http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/eea.12047 shares the results of collaborative research. information resources are available at: De Souza J; Fuentes S; Savenkov EI; Cuéllar W; Following is a selection from the total of 246 http://ciatlibrary.blogspot.com/p/ciat- Kreuze JF. 2013. The complete nucleotide items published by Center scientists with partners publications-2013.html sequence of sweet potato C6 virus: A carlavirus in 2013; more than half of the total appeared in lacking a cysteine-rich protein. Archives of Virology 158(6):1393–1396. international refereed journals and books. Agrobiodiversity Research Area http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00705-013-1614-x Hubmann G; Mathé L; Foulquié-Moreno MR; Duitama The articles listed here represent the full breadth Assefa T; Beebe S; Rao IM; Cuasquer JB; Duque J; Nevoigt E; Thevelein, JM. 2013. Identification of Center research; most are already being cited MC; Rivera M; Battisti A; Lucchin M. 2013. Pod of multiple interacting alleles conferring low in the literature, reflecting the relevance and high harvest index as a selection criterion to improve glycerol and high ethanol yield in Saccharomyces quality of our science. drought resistance in white pea bean. Field Crops cerevisiae ethanolic fermentation. Biotechnology Research 148:24–33. for Biofuels 6:87. 17 p. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2013.04.008 Outstanding research publication award http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1754-6834-6-87 Beebe SE; Rao IM; Blair MW; Acosta-Gallegos JA. Kordas K; Fonseca-Centeno ZY; Pachón H; Jiménez- 2013. Phenotyping common beans for adaptation In 2012, the recipient of this CIAT internal award Soto AZ. 2013. Being overweight or obese is to drought. Frontiers in physiology 4(35):1–20. was the journal article listed below, which explains associated with lower prevalence of anemia http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2013.00035 how molecular and phenomic analysis can aid the among Colombian women of reproductive age. Blair MW; Díaz LM; Acosta-Gallegos JA. 2013. Race identification of genes for valuable traits in rice, such The Journal of Nutrition 143(2):175–181. structure in the Mexican collection of common as disease resistance. http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/jn.112.167767 bean landraces. Crop Science 53(4):1517–1528. Kreuze J; Koening R; De Souza J; Vetten HJ; Muller http://dx.doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2012.07.0442 Lorieux M; Blein M; Lozano J; Bouniol M; Droc G; G; Flores B; Ziebell H; Cuéllar W. 2013. The Ceballos H; Morante N; Sánchez T; Ortiz D; Aragón I; Diévart A; Périn C; Mieulet D; Lanau N; Bès M; complete genome sequences of a Peruvian and a Chávez AL; Pizarro M; Calle F; Dufour DL. 2013. Rouvière C; Gay C; Piffanelli P; Larmande P; Colombian isolate of Andean potato latent virus Rapid cycling recurrent selection for increased Michel C; Barnola I; Biderre-Petit C; Sallaud C; and partial sequences of further isolates suggest carotenoids content in cassava roots. Crop Pérez P; Bourgis F; Ghesquière A; Gantet P; the existence of two distinct potato-infecting Science 53(6):2342–2351. Tohme J; Morel JB; Guiderdoni E. 2012. In-depth tymovirus species. Virus Research 173(2):431– http://dx.doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2013.02.0123 molecular and phenotypic characterization in a rice 435. Cortés AJ; Monserrate FA; Ramírez-Villegas J; insertion line library facilitates gene identification http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2013.01.014 Madriñán S; Blair MW. 2013. Drought tolerance through reverse and forward genetics approaches. Mosquera-Espinosa AT; Bayman P; Prado GA; in wild plant populations: The case of common Plant Biotechnology Journal 10(5):555–568. Gómez-Carabalí A; Otero JT. 2013. The double beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). PLoS ONE 8 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/J.1467-7652.2012.00689.x life of Ceratobasidium: Orchid mycorrhizal fungi (5):e62898. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal. and their potential for biocontrol of Rhizoctonia pone.0062898 solani sheath blight of rice. Mycologia 105(1):141– 150. http://dx.doi.org/10.3852/12-079 44 Okogbenin E; Setter TL; Ferguson M; Mutegi R; Saltzman A; Birol E; Bouis HE; Boy E; De Moura Soils Research Area Ceballos H; Olasanmi B; Fregene M. 2013. FF; Islam Y; Pfeiffer WH. 2013. Biofortification: Phenotypic approaches to drought in cassava: Progress toward a more nourishing future. Global Damene S; Tamene L; Vlek PLG. 2013. Performance Review. Frontiers in Physiology 4(93):1–15. Food Security 2(1):9–17. of exclosure in restoring soil fertility: A case of http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2013.00093 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2012.12.003 Gubalafto district in North Wello Zone, northern Pais TM; Foulquié-Moreno MR; Hubmann G; Duitama Subbarao GV; Sahrawat KL; Nakahara K; Rao IM; highlands of Ethiopia. Catena 101:136–142. J; Swinnen S; Goovaerts A; Yang Y; Dumortier Ishitani M; Hash CT; Kishii M; Bonnett DG; Berry http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2012.10.010 F; Thevelein JM. 2013. Comparative polygenic WL; Lata JC. 2013. A paradigm shift towards Kihara J; Njoroge S. 2013. Phosphorus agronomic analysis of maximal ethanol accumulation low-nitrifying production systems: The role of efficiency in maize-based cropping systems: A capacity and tolerance to high ethanol levels biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). Annals of focus on western Kenya. Field Crops Research of cell proliferation in yeast. PLoS Genetics Botany 112(2):297–316. 150:1–8. 9(6):e1003548. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs230 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2013.05.025 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1003548 Uga Y; Sugimoto K; Ogawa S; Rane J; Ishitani M; Lubbers IM; van Groenigen KJ; Fonte SJ; Six J; Parsa S; Ortiz V; Vega FE. 2013. Establishing fungal Hara N; Kitomi Y; Inukai Y; Ono K; Kanno N; Brussaard L; van Groenigen JW. 2013. entomopathogens as endophytes: Towards Inoue H; Takehisa H; Motoyama R; Nagamura Greenhouse-gas emissions from soils increased endophytic biological control. Journal of Y; Wu J; Matsumoto T; Takai T; Okuno K; Yano by earthworms. Nature Climate Change 3:187– Visualized Experiments (74), e50360. M. 2013. Control of root system architecture by 194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1692 http://dx.doi.org/10.3791/50360 DEEPER ROOTING 1 increases rice yield under Paul BK; Vanlauwe B; Ayuke FO; Gassner A; Pérez E; Rolland-Sabaté A; Dufour DL; Guzmán drought conditions. Nature Genetics 45:1097– Hoogmoed M; Hurisso TT; Koala S; Lelei, D; R; Tapia M; Raymundez M; Ricci J; Guilois S; 1102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2725 Ndabamenye T; Six J; Pulleman MM. 2013. Pontoire BR; Reynes M; Gibert O. 2013. Isolated Vincent H; Wiersema J; Kell S; Fielder H; Dobbie S; Medium-term impact of tillage and residue starches from yams (Dioscorea sp.) grown Castañeda-Álvarez NP; Guarino L; Eastwood R; management on soil aggregate stability, soil at the Venezuelan Amazons: Structure and León B; Maxted N. 2013. A prioritized crop wild carbon and crop productivity. Agriculture, functional properties. Carbohydrate Polymers relative inventory to help underpin global food Ecosystems and Environment 164:14–22. 98(1):650–658. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. security. Biological Conservation 167:265–275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2012.10.003 carbpol.2013.06.051 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2013.08.011 Rousseau L; Fonte S; Téllez O; van der Hoek R; Rebolledo MC; Luquet D; Courtois B; Henry A; Soulié Wyckhuys K; Lu Y; Morales H; Vázquez LL; Legaspi Lavelle P. 2013. Soil macrofauna as indicators of JC; Rouan L; Dingkuhn M. 2013. Can early vigour JC; Eliopoulos PA; Hernández LM. 2013. Current soil quality and land use impacts in smallholder occur in combination with drought tolerance and status and potential of conservation biological agroecosystems of western Nicaragua. Ecological efficient water use in rice genotypes? Functional control for agriculture in the developing world. Indicators 27:71–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. Plant Biology 40(6):582–594. Biological Control 65(1):152–167. ecolind.2012.11.020 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/FP12312 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2012.11.010 Sommer R; Glazirina M; Yuldashev T; Otarov A; Rolland-Sabaté A; Sánchez T; Buléon A; Colonna P; Ibraeva M; Martynova L; Bekenov M; Kholov B; Ceballos H; Zhao SS; Zhang P; Dufour D. 2013. Ibragimov N; Kobilov R; Karaev S; Sultonov M; Molecular and supra-molecular structure of Khasanova F; Esanbekov M; Mavlyanov D; Isaev waxy starches developed from cassava (Manihot S; Abdurahimov S; Ikramov R; Shezdyukova L; esculenta Crantz). Carbohydrate Polymers de Pauw E. 2013. Impact of climate change on 92(2):1451–1462. wheat productivity in Central Asia. Agriculture, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.10.048 Ecosystems and Environment 178:78–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2013.06.011 45 Tesfahunegn GB; Tamene L; Vlek PLG; Mekonnen Hyman G; Hodson D; Jones P. 2013. Spatial analysis Scott GJ; Labarta R; Suárez V. 2013. Benchmarking K. 2013. Assessing farmers’ knowledge of weed to support geographic targeting of genotypes to food crop markets in Southern Africa: The case species, crop type and soil management practices environments. Frontiers in Physiology 4(40):1–13. of potatoes and potato products 1961–2010. in relation to soil quality status in Mai-Negus http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2013.00040 American Journal of Potato Research 90(6):497– catchment, Northern Ethiopia. Land Degradation Khoury CK; Greene SL; Wiersema JH; Maxted N; 515. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12230-013-9322-3 & Development [Published online] Jarvis A; Struik PC. 2013. An inventory of crop Vermeulen SJ; Challinor A; Thornton PK; Campbell http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2233 wild relatives of the United States. Crop Science BM; Eriyagama N; Vervoort JM; Kinyangi J; Thierfelder C; Mombeyarara T; Mango N; 53(4):1496–1508. Jarvis A; Läderach P; Ramírez-Villegas J; Nicklin Rusinamhodzi L. 2013. Integration of http://dx.doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2012.10.0585 KJ; Hawkins E; Smith DR. 2013. Addressing conservation agriculture in smallholder farming Läderach P; Martínez-Valle A; Schroth G; Castro N. uncertainty in adaptation planning for agriculture. systems of southern Africa: Identification of key 2013. Predicting the future climatic suitability for Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences entry points. International Journal of Agricultural cocoa farming of the world’s leading producer of the United States of America 110(21):8357– Sustainability 11(4):317–330. countries, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Climatic 8362. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2013.764222 Change 119(3–4):841–854. http://dx.doi. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1219441110 Vågen TG; Winowiecki LA. 2013. Mapping of soil org/10.1007/s10584-013-0774-8 Warren R; VanDerWal J; Price J; Welbergen JA; organic carbon stocks for spatially explicit Leibing C; Signer J; van Zonneveld M; Jarvis A; Atkinson I; Ramírez-Villegas J; Osborn TJ; assessments of climate change mitigation Dvorak W. 2013. Selection of provenances to Jarvis A; Shoo LP; Williams SE; Lowe J. 2013. potential. Environmental Research Letters 8(1):1– adapt tropical pine forestry to climate change on Quantifying the benefit of early climate change 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/8/1/015011 the basis of climate analogs. Forests 4(1):155– mitigation in avoiding biodiversity loss. Nature Yang ZB; Rao IM; Horst WJ. 2013. Interaction of 178. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f4010155 Climate Change 3:678–682. aluminium and drought stress on root growth Neufeldt H; Jahn M; Campbell BM; Beddington http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/NCLIMATE1887 and crop yield on acid soils. Plant and Soil JR; DeClerck F; De Pinto A; Gulledge J; Hellin 372(1–2):3–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104- J; Herrero M; Jarvis A; LeZaks D; Meinke 012-1580-1 H; Rosenstock T; Scholes M; Scholes R; Vermeulen S; Wollenberg E; Zougmoré R. 2013. Decision and Policy Analysis Beyond climate-smart agriculture: Toward Research Area safe operating spaces for global food systems. Agriculture & Food Security 2:12. http://dx.doi. org/10.1186/2048-7010-2-12 Bose P. 2013. Individual tenure rights, citizenship, Ramírez-Villegas J; Challinor AJ; Thornton P; Jarvis and conflicts: Outcomes from tribal India’s forest A. 2013. Implications of regional improvement governance. Forest Policy and Economics 33:71– in global climate models for agricultural impact 79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2012.09.016 research. Environmental Research Letters 8:1–12. Challinor A; Stafford-Smith M; Thornton P. 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/8/2/024018 Use of agro-climate ensembles for quantifying Ramírez-Villegas J; Jarvis A; Läderach P. 2013. uncertainty and informing adaptation. Agricultural Empirical approaches for assessing impacts of and Forest Meteorology 170:2–7. http://dx.doi. climate change on agriculture: The EcoCrop org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2012.09.007 model and a case study with grain sorghum. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 170:67–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2011.09.005 46 CIAT’s Corporate Services and Finances C IAT’s financial position continues to be The consolidation of Africa’s corporate services In response to increased demand, the Center strong, with net assets of US$20 million into the Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, was expanded its video conferencing and internet (excluding capital invested in fixed assets), an successfully completed. The same approach will capacity at headquarters as well as the regional amount that represents 105 days of operating be implemented in Hanoi, Vietnam, for Asia. and subregional offices. The trend towards more reserves. mobile computing requirements continues to CIAT prepared to undertake a significant place high demands for IT services and support. The Center’s Corporate Services area underwent infrastructure initiative at headquarters, with the a review of its current performance and aim of replacing our aging irrigation system with Financial results for 2013 preparedness to meet the future demands a modern and eco-efficient, automatic water- expected to result from changes in the way distribution network. CIAT’s revenues increased by 5% to US$114.3 CGIAR research is carried out. Comparing CIAT million, while research execution reached $102 with similar organizations, two international As a participant in the CGIAR Consortium’s One million, representing a 9% increase over 2012. experts noted significant improvements since Corporate System inter-center initiative, the Self-generated income from other revenues and the previous review, conducted in 2007, and Center began implementing the replacement gains (such as investments, fees, sale of assets, called for a more flexible system with increased of its Oracle ERP platform with Agresso. While and farm operations) accounted for most of the delegation of authority. the One Corporate System (OCS) approach $2.5 million surplus. Disbursement of window has proved daunting, it promises to provide 1 and 2 funds2 from the CGIAR Fund and Corporate Services highlights significant benefits for the nine participating Consortium, while starting late, was completed centers and CGIAR Consortium Office. by year’s end, with minor exceptions. The Center met increased reporting requirements in a timely manner for 12 CGIAR CIAT determined that in 2012 its global carbon Partners in the CGIAR Research Program on research programs and nearly 200 bilateral footprint amounted to 5,200 metric tons, Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security projects. consisting of 8,400 tons of carbon output minus (CCAFS), including CIAT, executed 94% of the 3,200 tons avoided through mitigation activities CCAFS funds disbursed from windows 1 and 2. After contracting a total of 130 new staff at Center research stations. Air travel contributes The program’s total execution, including window members – twice the number hired in 2012 – 46% of CIAT’s carbon output, about the same 3 and bilateral funds, amounted to $51.5 million. CIAT now has just over 900 employees with over proportion reported by other international As lead center for CCAFS, CIAT disbursed 40 nationalities. The Center has implemented a organizations. The Center will implement further “one-staff” policy with a new job classification mitigation activities, including the purchase of 2 Donor contributions through window 1 of the CGIAR Fund system. Compensation and benefits were carbon bonds, with the aim of making CIAT provide overall support and are allocated to CGIAR research programs according to the finance plan analyzed in major markets where the Center carbon neutral within 3 years. proposed by the Consortium and approved by the Fund, operates, and adjustments are being made, as while contributions going to window 2 are allocated by donors to specific CGIAR research programs. Funds for needed. bilateral projects are channeled through window 3 or disbursed directly to centers. 47 window 1 and 2 funds within a few days after they were received from the CGIAR Fund Statement of Financial Position to those partners that had submitted timely As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 financial reports. (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) CIAT managed the volatility of the Colombian 2013 2012 peso by protecting the budget exchange rate Current assets 59,002 58,589 with forward hedges. Investments complied at all Non-current assets 26,178 27,691 times with the investment policy approved by the Total assets 85,180 86,280 Center’s Board of Trustees. Current liabilities 53,959 58,277 CIAT is starting to implement International Non-current liabilities 3,580 2,644 Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2014 Total liabilities 57,539 60,921 and expects to achieve IFRS compliance by the Undesignated net assets 17,123 13,962 end of 2015. Designated net assets 10,518 11,232 Unrealized gain - Hedging operations 0 165 Financial outlook for 2014 Total net assets 27,641 25,359 The Consortium Financing Plan for 2014 and Total liabilities and net assets 85,180 86,280 2015 has helped reduce uncertainty surrounding the allocation of window 1 and 2 funds to CGIAR research programs. The programs, in turn, have made early commitments to partners. with the Colombian Corporation of Agricultural The 2014 budget approved by CIAT’s Board The forecast for CIAT’s bilateral-project income Research (Corpoica), so the Center can expect includes revenues of $114.4 million. Approved in 2014 was increased from $5.5 million in significant budget uncertainty during the second research expenses include a 16% increase over new projects to $8.5 million, reflecting greater half of 2014. A similar situation is expected in 2013 in research support and administration, investment in fundraising activities. Uncertainty relation to renewed funding for the Pan-Africa resulting in a break-even budget. This includes continues regarding donor decisions to shift Bean Research Alliance (PABRA). steps taken to increase CIAT staff compensation, funds between CGIAR Fund windows 1, 2, and compared to the median for CGIAR as a whole. 3 and bilateral projects developed directly with CIAT will initiate planning for a new state-of- In the absence of an operating surplus and centers. the-art genebank, aimed at expanding the with continued increases in the daily burn rate, Center’s capacity to store seed, share genetic reserves are expected to decline by an amount 2014 is an election year in Colombia, and information, provide training, and raise public corresponding to 10–15 days of operations. this implies some uncertainty about contract awareness. Fundraising for the new building renewals. CIAT operates a large initiative with will involve a significant effort by the Center’s Contact: Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural management and Board of Trustees. Albin Hubscher (a.hubscher@cgiar.org), Deputy Development and also has a major joint initiative Director General, Corporate Services 48 Statement of Activity Expenses by Function As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2013 2012 2013 2012 Windows 1 & 2 68,939 63,487 Personnel 31,883 29,161 Window 3 6,106 890 CGIAR collaboration 39,136 35,618 Bilateral 37,513 40,080 Other collaboration 13,978 16,354 Total grant revenue 112,558 104,457 Supplies and services 17,114 15,681 Other revenue and gains 1,730 4,269 Travel 6,254 4,603 Total revenue and gains 114,288 108,726 Depreciation 3,476 1,909 Total operating expenses 111,841 103,326 Research expenses 102,390 93,980 General and administration expenses 7,838 7,542 Other expenses and losses 1,613 1,804 Total operating expenses 111,841 103,326 Surplus (deficit) for the year 2,447 5,400 49 Donor support Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation CIAT conducts high-quality research for development impact with support (Colciencias), Colombia from the multi-donor CGIAR Fund and with grants from the many other Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kenya organizations listed below. We are grateful to all who have invested Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), generously in our collaborative work, which enables millions to escape from UK hunger and poverty through improved technologies and policies. Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), The Netherlands CGIAR Fund Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGD), Belgium European Commission (EC) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA Ford Foundation, USA Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Ghana Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Global Crop Diversity Trust, Germany Development (DFATD) Howard G. Buffett Foundation, USA Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK German Agency for International Cooperation The Nippon Foundation, Japan (GIZ) GmbH, Federal Ministry for Economic United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) International Fund for Agricultural Development Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (IFAD) Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), UK Colombian Association of Horticultural and Fruit Crop Growers Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (ASOHOFRUCOL) (MADR), Colombia Environment Canada Government of Mexico Swedish International Development Cooperation Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Agency (SIDA) Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan National Science Foundation, USA Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) (SDC) OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Companies) Fund for International Development (OFID), Austria The World Bank Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology (FONTAGRO) Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII), Islamic Republic of Iran The McKnight Foundation, USA United States Agency for International Development United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (USAID) 50 Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), France Private sector partners CARE International in Nicaragua Catholic Relief Services (CRS), USA Dynamic partnerships that unite key actors in the public Colombian National Planning Department (DNP), with funds from the and private sectors are critical for conducting high-quality Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) research and translating its results into development impact. Colombian Presidential Agency of International Cooperation (APC) CIAT is proud of the important contributions that its private Department for International Development (DFID), UK sector partners are making to both these goals. Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, USA Solidaridad, The Netherlands Colombia’s National Petroleum Company (Ecopetrol) UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) World Conservation Colombian Agricultural Company (COACOL) Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) Dow AgriSciences, USA Ingredion Incorporated Papalotla Group, Mexico Autonomous Regional Corporation (CAR) of Cundinamarca, Colombia Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., USA Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) RiceTec, Inc., USA Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) Syngenta S.A., Colombia ensome, Nicaragua French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) Fund for Environmental Action and Childhood (FPAA) Fund for Financing the Agricultural Sector (FINAGRO), Colombia Government of Peru Government of Thailand National Coffee Research Center (CENICAFÉ), Colombia National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP), Mexico National University of Engineering, Nicaragua Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) Pangea Foundation, Colombia People’s Republic of China The Nature Conservancy (TNC), USA Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) Unit for Rural Land Use Planning (UPRA), Colombia University of Florida, USA University of the Valley of Guatemala 51 CIAT Today on selected crops and research areas. Our and tropical forages, supports major initiatives scientists work globally to develop more resilient aimed at bolstering food and nutrition security, and productive varieties of two key staples, restoring degraded landscapes, and fostering cassava and common bean, together with sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. In Asia, T he International Center for Tropical tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America we concentrate on cassava and tropical forages Agriculture (CIAT), working in collaboration and the Caribbean, we also improve rice in smallholder rainfed systems of the Greater with hundreds of partners across the developing production. Representing diverse food groups Mekong Region, while also helping curb land world, develops technologies, methods, and and a key portion of the world’s agricultural degradation, create beneficial market links for knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly biodiversity, the crops CIAT improves are vital for farmers, and cope with climate change impacts. smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency global food and nutrition security. in agriculture. This means we help make production more competitive and profitable In our research on agrobiodiversity, we rely as well as sustainable and resilient through on advanced biotechnology to accelerate CGIAR global research economically and ecologically sound use of crop improvement. Progress in this work also natural resources and purchased inputs. depends on unique collections of genetic CIAT is a member of the CGIAR resources – 65,000 crop samples in all – which Consortium and Lead Center of the Since no single organization can address the we hold in trust for humanity. CGIAR Research Program on Climate whole of tropical agriculture, CIAT complements Change, Agriculture and Food Security the efforts of others by focusing strategically CIAT works in two other key areas – soils and (CCAFS). The Center contributes decision and policy analysis – which cut across importantly to other CGIAR Research Mission all tropical crops and production environments. Programs as well (see page 53). Our soil scientists use the latest tools and knowledge to improve soil health, restore To reduce hunger and poverty, and improve CGIAR is a global partnership that unites human nutrition in the tropics through degraded land, and make agriculture climate organizations engaged in research for research aimed at increasing the smart. Through our work on decision and policy a food secure future. CGIAR research eco-efficiency of agriculture. analysis, we harness the power of information is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, to influence decisions about climate change, increasing food security, improving ecosystem services, and linking farmers to human health and nutrition, and ensuring markets. more sustainable management of natural resources. It is carried out by the 15 CIAT scientists work in Latin America and the centers who are members of the CGIAR Caribbean (LAC) as well as sub-Saharan Africa Consortium in close collaboration with and Asia. In LAC, we focus on several distinct hundreds of partner organizations, environments, including Colombia’s Orinoquia including national and regional research Region, Central America, the Amazon, and institutes, civil society organizations, selected areas of Brazil. Our research for Africa, academia, and the private sector. focusing primarily on common bean, soils, 52 CIAT and the CGIAR research Contributions that count One of these involved research that programs provided “proof of concept” for the use A large part of CIAT’s work contributes of certain Brachiaria forage grasses to The CGIAR research programs address major issues strategically to CGIAR’s global research reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (a potent in agricultural development around the world by agenda, as documented in many of the greenhouse gas), while permitting more aligning the work of the 15 international research achievement stories presented in this efficient use of nitrogen applied to maize centers of the CGIAR Consortium and their partners annual report. In 2013, two CGIAR research after grass pasture (see page 26). This in coherent and efficient multidisciplinary efforts. programs reported breakthroughs in CIAT breakthrough was widely publicized in the CIAT contributes to 12 of these programs and is science among the two main highlights of international news media, including an article lead center for the program on Climate Change, their work for the year. in Nature magazine. Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). CGIAR Research Program Led by CGIAR Fund donors Agriculture for Nutrition and Health International Food Policy Research Institute Australia, Canada, IDRC, Ireland, Netherlands, (IFPRI) Russia, Sweden, and USA Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security CIAT Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, and UK Dryland Systems International Center for Agricultural Research in Australia, Belgium, India, Netherlands, Russia, the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Sweden, and Switzerland Forests, Trees and Agroforestry Center for International Forestry Research Australia, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, and (CIFOR) Sweden Grain Legumes International Crops Research Institute for the Australia, India, Mexico, and USA Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Humidtropics International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Australia, Belgium, Sweden, and Switzerland (IITA) Livestock and Fish International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Australia, Finland, India, Netherlands, Sweden, and USA Managing and Sustaining Crop Collections Global Crop Diversity Trust Japan and Switzerland Policies, Institutions and Markets International Food Policy Research Institute Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, (IFPRI) Switzerland, and USA Rice (known as the Global Rice Science International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Australia, China, Japan, Switzerland, UK, and USA Partnership or GRiSP) Roots, Tubers and Bananas International Potato Center (CIP) Australia, Belgium, IDRC, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and USA Water, Land and Ecosystems International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Australia, Gates Foundation, Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland 53 Organigram CIAT’s principles and values Shared organizational ethic. We respect each other, our partners, and the people who Office of the Director General Wanda Collins Nathan Russell • André Zandstra CIAT Board Communications and benefit from our work. We act with honesty, Partnerships and Donor Relations Chair Knowledge Management integrity, transparency, and environmental responsibility in all of our joint endeavors. • Maya Rajasekharan Program Coordination Ruben Echeverría María Virginia Jaramillo • María Fernanda Reyes Director General General Counsel Learning through partnerships. We work Board Secretary efficiently and pragmatically together and with partners. Considering our diversity to be a key asset, we adapt readily to change and Albin Hubscher Joe Tohme Deborah Bossio Andy Jarvis Regional CGIAR strive to improve our performance through Deputy Director Agrobiodiversity Soils Research Area Decision and Policy Directors Initiatives General, Corporate Research Area Director Analysis Research continuous learning. Services Director Area Director Robin Bruce Campbell Buruchara CCAFS Program Innovation for impact. We develop Mario Bernal Steve Beebe Aracely Castro Peter Läderach Africa Director innovative solutions to important challenges Human Resources Bean Sustainable Climate Change Dindo Wolfgang Management Intensification Campilan Pfeiffer in tropical agriculture, resulting in major Asia HarvestPlus benefits for the people who support, Deputy Director, Wanjiku Kiragu Daniel Debouck Fred Kizito Mark Lundy Elcio participate in, and profit Operations Corporate Services Genetic Resources Land Degradation Linking Farmers to Guimarães from our work. in Africa Markets Latin America and the Caribbean Carlos Meneses Clair Hershey Rolf Sommer Marcela Quintero Information Cassava Climate Change Ecosystem Services Technology Andrés Palau Michael Peters Central Services Tropical Forages Gloria Rengifo Edgar Torres Finance Rice 54 Board of Trustees Staff CIAT has a total of 913 staff, including Wanda Collins Charles Rice 528 professionals, of whom 325 are scientists; (Chair), Distinguished Professor of Soil 740 are based in Colombia or elsewhere in Latin International Agricultural Science Microbiology, America and the Caribbean (LAC), while Expert, USA. Kansas State University, USA. 147 are in sub-Saharan Africa, 25 in Asia, and 1 in Europe. In the list that follows, staff Geoffrey Hawtin members are based at headquarters in Cali, (Vice Chair), Ex officio Colombia, unless otherwise indicated. International Agricultural Science Expert, UK/Canada. Ruben G. Echeverría Management Team Director General, CIAT, Uruguay. Ruben G. Echeverría, Director General J. Graham Joscelyne Albin Hubscher, Deputy Director General, Corporate (Audit Committee Chair), Services Managing Director, Joscelyne + Associates, Inc., South Africa. Ignacio Mantilla Deborah Bossio, Director, Soils Research Area, Kenya Rector, National University of Andy Jarvis, Director, Decision and Policy Analysis Colombia, Colombia. Research Area John Edward Hamer Joseph Tohme, Director, Agrobiodiversity Research (Research Program Focal Point Area for 2014) Investment Director, Elcio Perpetuo Guimarães, Regional Director for Latin Monsanto Growth Ventures Rubén Darío Lizarralde America and the Caribbean (Biotechnology Expert), USA. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Robin Buruchara, Regional Director for Africa, Kenya Development (MADR), Rod Lefroy, Regional Director for Asia, Vietnam* Colombia. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director for Asia, Vietnam Ruth Oniang’o Founder and Executive Director, CGIAR Research Program on Climate Rural Outreach Africa, Kenya. Juan Lucas Restrepo Executive Director, Colombian Change, Agriculture and Food Security Corporation of Agricultural (CCAFS) Research (Corpoica), Colombia. Juan Camilo Restrepo3 Bruce Campbell, CCAFS Director, Denmark Private Consultant, Colombia. Ana María Loboguerrero, Regional Program Leader for Latin America David de Abreu, Knowledge and Data Sharing Coordinator Osana Bonilla-Findji, Science Officer 3 Official Board member since 1 January 2014. * Left CIAT during the period covered by this report. 55 Agrobiodiversity Research Area Jorge Duitama, Bioinformatics Specialist Enid Katungi, Agricultural Economist, Uganda Gerardo Gallego, Molecular Marker and Genomic David Kiiza, Crop Development Specialist, Rwanda Joseph Tohme, Director Tools Specialist Antoine Lubobo, Crop Delivery Specialist, Olga Lucía Cruz, Executive Assistant Cécile Grenier, Plant Geneticist and Breeder, CIRAD HarvestPlus, DR Congo Claudia Zúñiga, Executive Assistant Falguni Guharay, Research-for-Development Mercy Lung’Aho, Nutritionist, Uganda Scientist, Nicaragua Brigitte Maass, Forage Agronomist, Kenya Leaders Manabu Ishitani, Molecular Biologist Enock Maereka, Seed Business Development Bernhard Löhr, Entomologist Specialist, Malawi Stephen Beebe, Bean Program Mathias Lorieux, Plant Geneticist, French Institute of Marx Mbunji, Manager, Africa Region Business Daniel Debouck, Genetic Resources Program Research for Development (IRD) Development, HarvestPlus, Zambia Eduardo Graterol, Executive Director, Latin American Catherine Meola, Gender Specialist, USA Clare Mukankusi, Plant Breeder, Uganda Fund for Irrigated Rice (FLAR) John Miles, Plant Geneticist Raphael Mutale, Crop Development Specialist, Clair Hershey, Cassava Program Gloria Mosquera, Plant Pathologist HarvestPlus, Zambia Michael Peters, Tropical Forages Program Soroush Parsa, Entomologist and Agricultural Rachel Muthoni, Social Scientist, Uganda Wolfgang Pfeiffer, Deputy Director, Operations, Ecologist Nicholas Mwansa, Maize Seed Systems Specialist, HarvestPlus Prasanthi Perera, Plant Cell and Tissue Culture HarvestPlus, Zambia Edgar A. Torres, Rice Program Specialist* An Maria Notenbaert, Crop–Livestock Systems Bodo Raatz, Plant Breeder Specialist, Nairobi Idupulapati Rao, Plant Nutritionist Sospeter Nyamwaro, Project Coordinator, Researchers – Latin America and the María Camila Rebolledo, Molecular Biologist Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program, Uganda Caribbean Manuel Ruiz, Bioinformatics Specialist, CIRAD Birthe Paul, Forage and Soil Fertility Specialist, Kenya Michael Selvaraj, Crop Physiologist Jean-Claude Rubyogo, Seed Expert, Tanzania Elizabeth Álvarez, Plant Pathologist Jeff Stuart, Entomologist, (on sabbatical from Purdue Eliab Lloyd Simpungwe, Agricultural Economist, María Fernanda Álvarez, Molecular Biologist University, USA)* HarvestPlus, Zambia Meike Andersson, Product Development Manager, Rein van der Hoek, Forage Specialist, Nicaragua David Wozemba, Marketing Specialist, Uganda* HarvestPlus Margaret Worthington, Plant Breeder Rodah Zulu, Nutritional Facilitator, Malawi Jacobo Arango, Molecular Biologist Luis Augusto Becerra, Molecular Biologist Researchers – Africa Researchers – Asia Matthew Bertucci, Virologist Juan Andrés Cardoso, Tropical Forages and Climate Mathew Abang, Plant Pathologist, Uganda Khairul Bashar, Country Manager, HarvestPlus, Change Specialist Valente Aritua, Virologist, Uganda Bangladesh Mónica Carvajal, Molecular Biologist Sylvain Bidiaka, Country Crop Manager, HarvestPlus, Adrian Bolliger, Specialist in Forages, Livestock, and Hernán Ceballos, Plant Breeder Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) Agricultural Systems, Lao People’s Democratic Paul Chavarriaga, Molecular Biologist Eliud Abucheli Birachi, Market Economist, Rwanda Republic (Lao PDR) Wilmer Cuéllar, Virologist Rowland Chirwa, Plant Breeder, Malawi Binu Cherian, Country Crop Manager, HarvestPlus, Mario Cuchillo, Animal Nutrition Specialist Wanjiku Chiuri, Social Scientist, Rwanda India Luciano de Campos Carmona, Rice Production Paul Ilona, Agronomist, HarvestPlus, Nigeria Keith Fahrney, Agronomist, Vietnam Specialist, Brazil Lister Katsvairo, Product Development and Delivery Tin Maung Aye, Agricultural Biochemist, Vietnam Beata Dedicova, Biologist Manager, HarvestPlus, Rwanda Jonathan Newby, Rural and Resources Economist, Dominique Dufour, Food Science Specialist, French Vietnam Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) 56 Parminder Singh Virk, Crop Development Manager, Judith de Wolf, Social Scientist, Zimbabwe* Carlos Iván Cardozo, Specialist in Climate Change HarvestPlus, India Lulseged Tamene Desta, Soil Scientist, Malawi and Seed Systems (on sabbatical from the Sophearith Sok, Cassava Researcher, Cambodia Evan Girvetz, Climate Change and Soils, Nairobi (Joint National University of Colombia)* Tassilo Tiemann, Specialist in Forages and Livestock position Soils/DAPA) Caitlin Corner-Dolloff, Climate Change Adaptation Systems, Lao PDR Jeroen Huising, Soil Scientist, Kenya Specialist Kris Wyckhuys, Entomologist, Vietnam Joyce Jefwa, Microbiologist, Kenya* Bernardo Creamer, Agricultural Economist (Joint Saidou Koala, Soil Scientist, African Network for Soil position CIAT–IFPRI) Soils Research Area Biology and Fertility (AfNet) Coordinator, Kenya Gisella Cruz-García, Social Scientist Job Kihara Maguta, Soil Scientist, Kenya Sylvain Jean Delerce, Agronomist Deborah Bossio, Director, Kenya Nelson Mango, Rural Sociologist, Zimbabwe (Joint Anton Eitzinger, Spatial Analysis and Climate Change Juliet Braslow, Area Coordinator, Kenya position Soils/DAPA) Specialist Anne Wanjiru Macharia, Administrative Assistant, Patrick Mutuo, Soil Scientist, DR Congo* Carolina González, Agricultural Economist (Joint Kenya Caroline Mwongera, Biologist, Kenya (Joint position position CIAT–IFPRI) Soils/DAPA) Guy Henry, Agricultural Economist, CIRAD/CIAT Leaders Kristin Piikki, Visiting Soil Scientist, Swedish University Glenn Hyman, Geographer of Agricultural Sciences, Kenya and Sweden Daniel Jiménez, Specialist in Site-Specific Agriculture Aracely Castro, Sustainable Intensification Katherine Snyder, Social Scientist, Kenya Colin Khoury, Specialist in Plant Genetic Resources Fred Kizito, Land Degradation, Kenya Leigh Winowiecki, Soil Scientist, Kenya Conservation Rolf Sommer, Climate Change, Kenya Ricardo Labarta, Agricultural Economist Decision and Policy Analysis Research Area Andreea Nowak, Environmental Policy Specialist Researchers – Latin America and the Rafael Parra-Peña, Policy Analyst Caribbean Andy Jarvis, Director Julián Ramírez, Climate Change Modeling Scientist Carolina Navarrete-Frías, Area Coordinator Louis Reymondin, Monitoring System Specialist Ngonidzashe Chirinda, Agroecologist Rebeca Bolaños, Executive Assistant Jesús Rodríguez, Research Associate Jeimar Tapasco, Environmental Economist Mayesse Da Silva, Geomorphologist Steve Fonte, Soil Ecologist* Leaders Jennifer Twyman, Gender Analysis Specialist Rolf Wachholtz, Climate Change and Agro- Edwin García, Agronomist, Honduras ecosystems Specialist, Brazil* Phillip Owens, Pedologist and Soil Geomorphologist Peter Läderach, Climate Change, Nicaragua (on sabbatical from Purdue University, USA)* Mark Lundy, Linking Farmers to Markets Pablo Siles, Soils and Agroecosystem Science, Marcela Quintero, Ecosystem Services, Peru Researchers – Africa Nicaragua Diego Valbuena, Farming Systems Specialist, Researchers – Latin America and the Nicola Francesconi, Market Access Specialist, Nicaragua Caribbean Senegal Evan Girvetz, Climate Change and Soils, Nairobi Researchers – Africa Sophie Álvarez, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (Joint position DAPA/Soils) Nadine Andrieu, Farming Systems Specialist, CIRAD Nelson Mango, Rural Sociologist, Zimbabwe (Joint Frederick Baijukya, Agronomist, Kenya* Purabi Bose, Social Scientist position DAPA/Soils) Justine Cordingley, Landscape Modeling Specialist, Antonio Flavio Dias Avila, Agricultural Economist (on Caroline Mwongera, Biologist, Kenya (Joint position Kenya sabbatical from the Brazilian Agricultural Research DAPA/Soils) Corporation, Embrapa)* 57 Office of the Director General Corporate Services Contact details Ruben G. Echeverría, Director General Albin Hubscher, Deputy Director General, Corporate Colombia Maya Rajasekharan, Head of Program Coordination Services Headquarters and Latin America and María Virginia Jaramillo, General Counsel Diana Carolina Mayor, Executive Assistant the Caribbean Regional Office María Fernanda Reyes, Secretary to the Board of Km 17, Recta Cali–Palmira Trustees and Management Team Leaders Apartado Aéreo 6713 Luz Stella Gil, Executive Assistant Cali, Colombia Paola Enríquez, Administrative Assistant Mario Bernal, Human Resources Management Phone: +57 2 4450000 Carlos Meneses, Information Technology Fax: +57 2 4450073 Regional Coordination Andrés Palau, Central Services General e-mail: ciat@cgiar.org José G. Rodríguez, Finance* Contact: Elcio Guimarães, Regional Director Latin America and the Caribbean Gloria Rengifo, Finance** E-mail: e.guimaraes@cgiar.org Germán Arias, Legal Office* Elcio Perpetuo Guimarães, Regional Director Wanjiku Kiragu, Corporate Services in Africa, Kenya Bogotá Libardo Ochoa García, Program Coordinator Mario Velásquez, One Corporate System c/o MADR – Administrative Office Diana Toscano, Colombia Technical Liaison Officer Carrera 8 #12 B-31 Beatriz Narváez, Executive Assistant Corporate Communications and Knowledge Piso 5, Edificio Bancolombia Management Bogotá, Colombia Africa Phone: +57 1 3410490 Nathan Russell, Head of Corporate Communications Mobile phone: +57 320 6951661 Robin Buruchara, Regional Director, Kenya and Knowledge Management Fax: +57 1 3376383 Boaz Waswa, Program Coordinator, Kenya Simone Staiger, Leader, Knowledge Management Jacqueline Odongo, Administrative Assistant, Kenya Neil Palmer, Public Awareness Coordinator* c/o IICA – Research Office Stéfanie Neno, Public Awareness Coordinator Avenida Carrera 30, Calle 45 Asia Adriana Varón, Communications Coordinator for Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio IICA Latin America and the Caribbean Bogotá, Colombia Rod Lefroy, Regional Director, Vietnam* Stephanie Malyon, Communications Coordinator for Phone: +57 1 2207000, ext. 7066 Dindo Campilan, Regional Director, Vietnam Africa, Kenya Mobile phone: +57 310 8961043 Aparna Mani, Program Coordinator, Vietnam Georgina Smith, Communications Coordinator for Contact: Diana Yvett Toscano Thao Hoang, Administrative and Finance Officer, Asia, Vietnam E-mail: d.i.toscano@cgiar.org Vietnam Julio César Martínez, Graphic Arts Coordinator Victoria Eugenia Rengifo, Translation/Editing Services Malambo Partnerships and Donor Relations Coordinator Calle 13 #27-29, Urbanización El Concorde Angela María Cardona, Executive Assistant Malambo, Atlántico, Colombia André Zandstra, Head, Partnerships and Donor Phone: +57 5 3762930 Relations Mobile phone: +57 311 6853533 Carolina Jaramillo, Resource Mobilization Analyst Contact: Jorge Iván Lenis Victoria Ramírez, Contracts Management ** Finance/Contracts Manager of CCAFS until 31 January E-mail: j.lenis@cgiar.org Melissa Reichwage, Donor Relations Coordinator 2014. 58 Popayán Peru Democratic Republic of the Congo Km 8, Vía La Tetilla, Vereda Santa Rosa c/o IICA-Perú (DR Congo) Popayán, Colombia Av. La Molina 1581 c/o IITA Contact: José Hernán Puliche La Molina Site Universitaire de Kalambo, UCB Mobile phone: +57 316 2310291 Lima, Perú Route KAVUMU, Bifurcation Km 18, Vers Birava E-mail: jhpuliche315@hotmail.com Phone: +51 1 3492273 ext. 112 B.P. 1860 Bukavu Mobile phone: +51 1 980360500 Sud-Kivu, RD Congo Santander de Quilichao Contact: Marcela Quintero Phone: +243 6 998 681269 Km 8, Vereda Chirivico E-mail: m.quintero@cgiar.org Contact: Antoine Kanyenga Lubobo Santander de Quilichao, Colombia E-mail: a.k.lubobo@cgiar.org Mobile phones: +57 315 2437966 or USA +57 310 4146762 CIAT-Miami Malawi Contact: Jorge Ariel Hurtado 7343 NW 79th Terrace Chitedze Research Station E-mail: jorgehurtadociat@hotmail.com Medley, FL 33166, USA Mchinji Road, 20 km from town Phone: +1 305 863 9126 ext. 8000 P.O. Box 158 Villavicencio Contact: Julián A. Montoya Lilongwe, Malawi Km 17, Vía Puerto López E-mail: j.a.montoya@cgiar.org Phone/fax: +265 1707378 /1707146 Vereda Santa Rosa Mobile phone: +265 991 913583 Villavicencio, Colombia Kenya Contact: Rowland Chirwa Mobile phones: +57 315 4111920 or Africa Regional Office E-mail: r.chirwa@cgiar.org +57 310 8921233 c/o ICIPE Contact: Jaime Gómez Duduville Campus, off Kasarani Road Rwanda E-mail: j.a.gomez@cgiar.org P.O. Box 823-00621 Concorde Building Nairobi, Kenya Boulevard de l’Umuganda Nicaragua Phone: +254 20 8632800 / +254 719 052800 / 7016, Kacyiru Sub-regional Office for Central America 721 574967 Kigali, Rwanda Residencial Los Robles de San Juan, Casa #303 Fax: +254 20 8632001 Phone: +250 788 303428 / 788 383252 Apartado Postal LM-172 Contact: Robin Buruchara, Regional Director Contact: Wanjiku Lois Chiuri Managua, Nicaragua E-mail: r.buruchara@cgiar.org E-mail: w.chiuri@cgiar.org Phone: +505 2 2709963 / 65 Contact: María Eugenia Baltodano Maseno Tanzania E-mail: m.e.baltodano@cgiar.org c/o KEFRI Maseno c/o Selian Agricultural Research Institute Kisumu Busia Rd. Dodoma Road P.O. Box 93-40101 P.O. Box 2704 Maseno, Kenya Arusha, Tanzania Phone: +254 717 720110 Phone: +255 732 979909 Contact: Josephine Olwal Mobile phones: +255 769 539470 / 784 725470 E-mail: j.olwal@cgiar.org Contact: Jean Claude Rubyogo E-mail: j.c.rubyogo@cgiar.org 59 Uganda Vietnam Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) c/o NARO, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute Asia Regional Office c/o NAFRI Compound 13 Km Gulu Road c/o Agricultural Genetics Institute (Vien Di Truyen Ban Nongviengkham, Dong Dok P.O. Box 6247 Nong Nghiep) P.O. Box 783 Kampala, Uganda Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) Vientiane, Lao PDR Phone: +256 414 567259, 567670, or 567116 Pham Van Dong Street Phone: +856 21 770090 Contact: Mathew Abang Tu Liem (opposite the Ministry of Security – Doi dien Contact: Chantana Douangsavanh E-mail: m.abang@cgiar.org voi Bo Cong An) E-mail: c.douangsavanh@cgiar.org Hanoi, Vietnam Zimbabwe Phone: +844 37576969 12.5 km Peg Mazowe Road Fax: +844 37570999 P.O. Box MP228 Contact: Dindo Campilan, Regional Director Mt. Pleasant E-mail: d.campilan@cgiar.org Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: +263 4 2906606 Mobile phone: +263 (0)772572725 Contact: Nelson Mango E-mail: n.mango@cgiar.org © CIAT 2014 ISSN 1909-5570 Press run: 1,750 April 2014 Printing: Imágenes Gráficas S.A., Cali, Colombia Photo credits: Writing and editing: Nathan Russell, Neil Palmer, Courtesy of CCAFS: 9–11 Stephanie Malyon, José Antonio Arana: 39 Georgina Smith, Freddy Escobar: 54 José Antonio Arana, Stephanie Malyon: 28, 29 and Stéfanie Neno Julio César Martínez: Cover (far left),19, 33 (left), 43, 49, 51 Design and layout: Julio César Martínez Neil Palmer: Cover, Inside front cover, 1, 3–7, 12–17, 20, 22–24, Production editing: Victoria Eugenia Rengifo 30, 34, 35, 41, 52 and Claudia Calderón Diana Rojas: 40 Nathan Russell: 26, 42 Georgina Smith: 18, 32, 33 (right) Jhon Jairo Tello: 36 Adriana Varón: 37, 38 60 CIAT’s Global Presence International Center for Tropical Agriculture Since 1967 / Science to cultivate change Headquarters Asia regional hub Cali, Colombia Hanoi, Vietnam Africa regional hub Nairobi, Kenya Member of the CGIAR Consortium www.ciat.cgiar.org www.cgiar.org CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. ISSN 1909-5570