CGIAR launches ambitious program to transform livestock, aquatic food systems

KENYA – In a decisive move to reshape livestock and aquatic food production across Africa and Asia, CGIAR has launched the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Food Systems (SAAF) program. 

With the global population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, the program comes at a critical time as nations strive to meet soaring demand for nutrient-rich foods while protecting ecosystems and livelihoods.

Unveiled during the 2024 CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, SAAF is part of CGIAR’s 2025–2030 research portfolio. 

It aims to address persistent malnutrition and climate challenges across the Global South, with a strong focus on supporting smallholder farmers, women, youth, and underserved communities.

The stakes are high as demand for animal-source foods is expected to rise by 30% by 2050, and low- and middle-income countries will drive this growth. 

Yet small-scale producers, who already supply over 70% of livestock-derived foods in Africa and Asia and contribute 66% of Africa’s total fish catch, face escalating challenges, from rising input costs to limited access to financing, technology, and markets.

The SAAF program directly addresses these bottlenecks through six focus areas—productivity, climate and environment, One Health, market systems, gender and youth inclusion, and digital innovation.

Rodrigue Giosa, the program’s interim director, emphasised the goal of “increasing the productivity of nutrient-dense animal and aquatic food,” while ensuring systems are “profitable… and resilient.” 

Innovations include methane-reducing tropical forages, improved livestock genetics, and regenerative aquaculture systems such as seaweed farms and integrated polyculture.

“These deep-rooted, resilient grasses and legumes are not just animal feeds—they are climate solutions,” said Jacobo Arango, from the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, highlighting the forage’s ability to sequester carbon, reduce emissions, and restore degraded land.

Overcoming inequality

The program also recognises the crucial role of women and youth. Rahma Adam, the program’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Co-lead, pointed out that two-thirds of the rural population engaged in livestock keeping are women. 

“Fifty percent of the people participating in aquatic food systems, whether fisheries or aquaculture, are women, especially at the post-harvest part of the value chain. These are too many people to simply ignore.”

However, financing remains a persistent challenge. According to Godfrey Mambo, a senior corporate banker at Rabobank, smallholder farmers are often not seen as viable borrowers. 

Nevertheless, stakeholders see growing opportunities in combining digital tools with farmer-level data and partnerships to reduce risk and unlock capital.

The feed and aquaculture sectors stand to benefit directly as feed costs and sustainable raw materials are increasingly central to business competitiveness. 

“Policy gaps and high feed costs stifle small-scale fishers,” said Lucy Obungu, Director of Fisheries in Kenya. “SAAF’s focus on aquaponics, digital tools, and gender equity will revolutionize Kenya’s blue economy.”

Leveraging technology 

Digital innovation is another pillar. SAAF will leverage artificial intelligence, blockchain, and inclusive data platforms to support smart farming decisions, traceability, and access to high-value markets.

Combined with a farmer-first approach, this ensures that the program delivers real impact on the ground. 

“Farmers need affordable, practical technology—not just theories,” said dairy farmer Oliver Mukunza from Kakamega. “Simple practices like cow comfort have helped me cut costs and improve my income.”

With implementation already underway in 17 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Colombia, and Bangladesh, SAAF aims to reach over 1.7 million people through 18 targeted projects. It also seeks to unlock US$84 million in funding to drive high-impact innovations and inclusive growth.

“This cannot happen without the engagement of the community of partners that we have,” said CGIAR Chief Scientist Dr. Claudia Sadoff. “CGIAR plays a very important role in developing solutions, but many times the solutions can only get to the farmers and the people on the ground with the engagement of regional, national, local, and the communities.”

“SAAF is more than a program—it’s a platform for systemic change,” added Ishmahane Elouafi, CGIAR Executive Managing Director. “By uniting research, policy, and private sector action, we can ensure nutritious, sustainable foods for all.”

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