What's Happening?
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is emphasizing the importance of South-South collaboration in transforming food systems, as highlighted during the Africa Food Systems Summit in Dakar. The summit underscored the need for co-created solutions to address challenges such as climate change, land degradation, malnutrition, and rural poverty. ICRISAT has been instrumental in fostering agricultural innovations in the Global South, including the development of biofortified pearl millet in Niger to combat iron deficiency. The institute's Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) plays a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange and connecting stakeholders across borders to enhance food systems resilience.
Why It's Important?
South-South collaboration is vital for addressing food security and nutrition challenges in the Global South, where many transformative agricultural innovations originate. By sharing knowledge and resources, countries can develop resilient food systems that are better equipped to handle climate shocks and other disruptions. ICRISAT's initiatives, such as the biofortified pearl millet, demonstrate the potential for local innovations to improve nutrition and agricultural productivity. The emphasis on collaboration highlights the need for investments in platforms and networks that enable the scaling of proven technologies to benefit farmers globally.
What's Next?
ICRISAT plans to continue its efforts in promoting South-South cooperation through ISSCA, with a focus on connecting governments, research institutions, and farmer organizations. The upcoming United Nations International Day for South-South Cooperation will serve as an opportunity to convene stakeholders and identify gaps in food systems that require targeted investments. The goal is to accelerate the replication and expansion of successful agricultural innovations across the Global South, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from climate-smart seed systems and digital innovations.
Beyond the Headlines
The push for South-South collaboration reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the Global South as a source of solutions rather than merely a recipient of aid. This approach challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes the importance of local expertise and innovations in addressing global food security challenges. By fostering partnerships and shared investments, ICRISAT aims to create a sustainable and inclusive food system that benefits all stakeholders.
