Latin America and the Caribbean
Fernando Correa passes the baton to María Fernanda Álvarez
After four years at CIAT as the leader of the Rice Program, Fernando Correa passes the baton to María Fernanda Álvarez, the new leader, as of August 12. Here is a piece of his story…
Partnering with the seed industry to redefine the Latin American forages market
Meat and dairy products are central to the Latin American diet, and livestock is a source of income for over 600 million people living on less than US $1 per day around the world. Historically, a lack of quality forage crops has restricted production and increased the environmental impact of livestock farming, with poor-quality grazing areas being created through deforestation.
Linking local and global food systems for more healthy and sustainable communities
Three new areas of investigation related to diets, nutrition and sustainability, starting with short-term projects led by visiting student researchers Sandra Aronson, Lisa Gerbal and Anna Whitton.
Could these crops save Peruvian forests?
As noted in a previous blog, a study conducted by CIAT confirms that cacao production is not a main cause of forest loss in Colombia, unlike in several countries in Africa and Asia. Instead, cacao cultivation forms part of strategies to reduce conflict and save forests in the Latin American country.
Atlas of Climate Change Impact on cocoa production in Central America and the Caribbean
What could be the impact of climate change on cocoa in the Central America and Caribbean region? In the atlas “Climate Change Impact on Cocoa Production in Central America and the Caribbean,” developed by CIAT in collaboration with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and Rikolto, we answer this question by using “machine learning” models such as Random Forests.
The Champion Who Identified Innovative Opportunities in Honduras
Jefferson Valencia, research hydrologist at CIAT, is a champion of science for advancing the development of technologies to facilitate the proper handling and management of water resources in Honduras, especially in areas affected by recurring droughts.
Terra-i user manual for monitoring land-cover changes is now available
The Terra-i tool enables stakeholders to use the data at different levels to take action in natural resource management and create synergies between national and local institutions for protecting and conserving natural resources, as well as enhancing related governance processes, at national and subnational scales.
CIAT and Grupo Papalotla signed an agreement for the development of new tropical pasture hybrids
As global population grows so will demand for animal protein (Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving, 2009 ), making livestock farming intensification a central part to a sustainable food future. Breeding and mainstreaming of tropical forages are essential for improving productivity and lowering the environmental footprint while reducing the number of hectares dedicated to livestock production and the pressure over highly valuable ecosystems. This is a not only a priority in Latin America but in Africa and Asia as well, where the demand of forages with high nutritional quality and with resistance to different stresses is growing.
CIAT leads project to reduce deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon
The initiative, jointly coordinated with the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI), the subnational government of Ucayali, and in partnership with international consultants Climate Focus (CF), aims to facilitate adoption of sustainable production practices for oil palm and cacao, and deliver on commitments to zero deforestation.
Climate change and rising population put pressure on essential crops in low-income regions
Crops such as bananas, potatoes and cassava are essential to food security in the world’s poorest regions. By 2050, their importance will increase, but climate change and population growth will put unprecedented pressure on production
CIAT in Latin America
Through our work in one of the most ecologically and agriculturally diverse regions on the planet, we aim to ensure that the whole world benefits from agricultural innovations developed in Latin America and the Caribbean.
With its wealth of natural resources, wide pool of human talent, and strong record of technological innovation, the region has great potential for restoring degraded lands, achieving sustainable agricultural development, and strengthening global food security.