The Race for Global Food Security
The need to achieve food security is particularly urgent
Especially for regions of the world that are the most vulnerable due to geography, political instability, disrupted supply chains and inequities in access to finance and investment. Gains in crop productivity of recent years are being reversed, and hunger risks are escalating – exacerbated by climate sensitive agriculture and limited adaptation resources. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly at risk due to long-standing structural impediments to food system transformation, and the region’s existing arid climates.
To address these issues, knowledge and technology sharing through South-South cooperation are essential for transformation. Effective national policy responses require multi-sector coordination, including agriculture, water, environment, and finance ministries, alongside engagement with farmers' organisations and local communities.
Held alongside the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank Group, this session will bring together researchers, farmers, and development partners to explore practical, science-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and population pressure. The event will be hosted at Africa Rice Center’s genebank in Bouake, Cote dÍvoire, and will highlight the vital role of the genebank in preserving Africa rice heritage; in supporting the development of climate resilient and nutritious rice – a staple food for over half the world’s population. The panellists will also explore the huge potential of bio- and agro-diverse production systems aligned with nature-based processes to arrive at resilient production of rice and other crops in community-based developments, as well as the vital role of strategic partnerships in driving food system transformation as exemplified by the formal collaboration of AfricaRice with African governments.
Solutions
What scalable, farmer-friendly scientific solutions best enhance climate resilience and productivity in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa?
Rice Genetic Diversity
How can the rice genetic diversity preserved in genebanks be transformed into climate-resilient rice varieties that directly benefit farmers in vulnerable regions?
Implementation
Which policy frameworks and collaborations most effectively link research to implementation for climate-resilient food security?
Food Security Pillars
What integrated strategies best address all four food security pillars under climate change, and how can their impact be measured?
Research
What critical research gaps and innovations offer the greatest potential for long-term food system resilience and sustainability, and how can we invest in them?
Advancements
How can advancement toward integrated approaches such as combinations of bio-fortification with agronomic-fortification enhance both total production as well as the nutritional content of agricultural produce?
" The discussions were thought-provoking and offered a comprehensive view of the challenges and solutions in promoting sustainable agriculture while protecting ecosystems."
Attendee Using Agricultural Innovation To Protect Biodiversity
Join Us On 3 June
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