The proposed scope and building blocks of the report are well structured and imply comprehensive and consistent approach to the study. It covers multidisciplinary objectives and builds on cross-sectoral analysis. The outputs of this study would lay basis for systemic and set of programs, which would eventually contribute to out-scaling food security and nutrition globally and particularly addressing the needs of poor, vulnerable and undernourished segments of the population, while considering current and emerging challenges.
With given exploring pathways the study seems to review broad avenues of existing knowledge and ongoing studies and undertake interdisciplinary leanings, models and foresight tools. However, the study having ambitious goals does not supposed to start from fundamental conceptualization and rationale. Many works have been done and are ongoing having somehow similar objectives. Individuals and organizations does not live in a parallel worlds, they face the very existing and emerging challenges globally and locally, and therefore whatever and however they endeavor to tackle those challenges, they need to interact and learn from each other.
Indeed, the consequences of climate change have a negative impact on agriculture, which has already been affected by the severe outcomes of the recent global economic crisis. In addition projected population growth, particularly of the urban population, will increase demand for food and prices, which in turn will result in even greater use of limited natural resources. Ultimately, these problems are a particular threat to vulnerable groups, including to people with low incomes. Thus, societies face the challenge of solving these problems, and it is necessary to take action to ensure peaceful, sustainable development and food security.
Considering these challenges, Agricultural Research system globally sets as primary objectives addressing the issues in order to improve agricultural productivity, increase the quality and quantity of food through intensification and diversification of sustainable agriculture and to develop the knowledge for the efficient use of natural resources, mitigating the negative impact of the consequences of climate change. A priority cross-cutting issue is addressing the needs of vulnerable and low income groups minimising projected adverse effects of the above mentioned threats.
In this regard, joint efforts are undertaken by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on so called System Level Outcomes:
- reducing rural poverty. Agricultural growth through improved productivity, markets and incomes has shown to be a particularly effective contributor to reducing poverty especially in the initial stages of development;
- improving food security. Access to affordable food is a problem for millions of poor people in urban and rural communities and it requires increasing global and regional supply of key staples and containing potential price increases and price volatility;
- improving nutrition and health. Poor populations suffer particularly from diets which are insufficient in micronutrients affecting health and development, particularly in women and children;
- sustainable management of natural resources. Agriculture demands better management of natural resources to ensure both sustainable food production and provision of ecosystem services to the poor, particularly in light of climate change.
To achieve those SLO, several CGIAR Research Programs CPRs have been launched as the main CGIAR mechanism to address emerging challenges for agricultural development.
CRP on Dryland Systems aims to improve food security for the rural poor, protect the natural resource base, and empower small-scale farmers and pastoralists in dry areas by pursuing new technological, institutional, and policy options.
CRP on Humidtropics seeks to transform the lives of the rural poor in the humid lowlands, moist savannas, and tropical highlands.
CRP on Aquatic Agricultural Systems aims to help low-income smallholders overcome the constraints that prevent them from fully benefiting from diverse aquatic agricultural systems.
CRP on Policies, Institutions and Markets will identify policies and institutions necessary for smallholder producers in rural communities, particularly women, to increase their income through improved access to, and utilization of markets.
CRP on Livestock and Fish This program aims to increase the productivity of livestock and fish farming in selected developing countries to enhance the nutrition and increase the incomes of poor and hungry households.
CRP on Nutrition and Health is designed to fill the existing gap between agricultural development and its unfulfilled health and nutritional benefits among poor farmers and consumers in developing countries.
CRP on Water, Land and Ecosystems examines how we can intensify agriculture while protecting the environment and lifting millions of farm families out of poverty.
CRP on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry seeks to enhance the management and use of forests, agroforestry, and tree genetic resources across the landscape from forests to farms for the benefit or poor people, particularly women and other disadvantaged groups.
CRP on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security offers new options for adapting to the emerging impacts of climate change and mitigating its effects through a “carbon-friendly” agriculture that also strengthens food security and reduces poverty.
Thus, the study on Sustainable agricultural development for food security and nutrition, including the role of livestock and CRPS would mutually be benefited from inter-study consultations.
Botir Dosov