New study shows micro-nutrients can boost African crop yields by 25 percent

by Georgina Smith | Aug 29, 2017

A new study shows that adding tiny, ‘micro’ amounts of certain nutrients to the soil, could boost crop yields in Africa by up to 25 percent. Usually, plants need macronutrients to grow properly. These nutrients – nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous – are...

Good NEWS for the Fight Against Malnutrition

by Georgina Smith | May 29, 2017

Good NEWS for the Fight Against Malnutrition Using Big Data and Machine Learning to Power a Nutrition Early Warning System (NEWS) for Africa Since at least the 1970s, food crises have seemed to strike sub-Saharan Africa with depressing frequency They often require...

Kenya’s drought masks a deeper problem with livestock feed

by Georgina Smith | May 12, 2017

This opinion piece first appeared in Kenya’s Business Daily Newspaper on May 1st. As this week’s Nairobi Burger Festival draws to a close, we revisit the underlying cause of a spike in milk prices and draw attention to an issue which could bring us fewer burgers...

“One cow” program can cut poverty and pave the way for lower ‘hoofprints’ too

by Georgina Smith | Mar 24, 2017

A new study shows that Rwanda’s One Cow per Poor Family program can significantly cut food insecurity – and with improved cattle feeding, it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity too. The study, conducted by CIAT with partners including the Rwanda...

Sink it or lose it: the carbon trade-off

by Georgina Smith | Mar 17, 2017

New studies released by CIAT and partners show that, given the vast amount of carbon stored our soils, small management changes could have tremendous impacts, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. “We’re at the forefront of understanding how we can make the most of...