HarvestPlus’ Post

🌍🍽️ As global population growth presents new challenges, Cargill's collaboration with HarvestPlus is paving the way for sustainable and resilient food systems. By investing in biofortification and supporting smallholder farmers, this partnership ensures that nutrient-enriched staple crops are integrated into school feeding programs across India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Guatemala. Watch Cargill's Director of Government Relations Emily Dimiero mentioning this initiative implemented by HarvestPlus during the Borlaug Dialogue. Learn how this initiative is building market linkages and enhancing agricultural productivity to help combat malnutrition and support public health goals. More details available here https://lnkd.in/eNHqdA_H   #SustainableDevelopment #BiofortifiedCrops #HarvestPlus #Cargill #FoodSecurity #VACS, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Cargill, Emily Dimiero

As the world population continues to grow, much more effort and innovation will be urgently needed in order to sustainably increase agricultural production, improve the global supply chain, decrease food losses and waste, and ensure that all who are suffering from hunger and malnutrition have access to nutritious food. Agricultural systems worldwide must become more productive and less wasteful. Sustainable agricultural practices and food systems, including both production and consumption, must be pursued from a holistic and integrated perspective. According to global statistics by UNICEF and the United Nations, millions of people suffer from food insecurity and poverty. In my home country, Nigeria, over half the population lives in persistent poverty, with the northern regions most affected. The northeast faces severe malnutrition, driven by insurgent activities, climate challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s lasting impacts. I have personally witnessed the devastating effects of poverty, malnutrition, and food scarcity, especially in rural areas. During my undergraduate studies, I completed a research project titled “Economic Characteristics and Sensory Properties of Broiler Chickens Administered Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Garlic (Allium sativum) And Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts”, which was published in the 43rd annual journal of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production. My one-year National Youth Service at the National Veterinary Research Institute further honed my practical skills in livestock management, and my community service in teaching farmers innovative and cost-effective farming techniques deepened my commitment to agricultural sustainability. With a degree in Agriculture and an advanced diploma in Community Health, I have developed a strong foundation in the scientific and social dimensions of food systems, public health, and sustainable development. My academic background, combined with practical experience in both fields, has instilled in me a profound appreciation for how food security and biodiversity influence global health outcomes. The global food crisis demands urgent action. Let’s invest in sustainable agriculture, reduce food waste, and ensure access to nutritious food for all. #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #EndHunger #MalnutritionSolutions #ReduceFoodWaste #AgriculturalInnovation #GlobalHunger #BiodiversityInAgriculture #FoodSystems #ClimateChangeAndFood #NutritiousFood #FightPoverty #SupplyChainSolutions #SustainableFarming #FoodAccessForAll

🌍 Yesterday, on October 31, at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue, in DesMoines, Iowas, we wrapped up an inspiring session on the future of food security in Africa—one that is truly rooted in root, tuber, and banana (RTB) crops! It was an honor to join experts and leaders in highlighting the transformative potential of RTB crops in driving a new green revolution for Africa. RTB crops—cassava, yam, potato l, sweet potato, and bananas—are not just dietary staples; they are the bedrock of food security, climate resilience, and economic stability for millions. We discussed the unique power of these crops to thrive in diverse, often challenging conditions, and how, with continued investment in research and innovation, they can help overcome hurdles like pests, climate extremes, and market constraints. Some facts stand out: by 2050, RTB crops are projected to generate over $190 billion in market value—outperforming staples like maize and rice. This staggering potential underscores their role in Africa’s food systems, especially as climate change makes agriculture more unpredictable. From high-yield, climate-resilient varieties to advanced breeding techniques, we are already seeing how RTB crops are turning challenges into opportunities. Their resilience makes them a crucial buffer against food insecurity for rural communities. Securing Africa’s food future goes beyond increased production. It’s about building sustainable systems that uplift communities, drive economic empowerment, and support climate resilience. Through partnerships with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities, we can create a sustainable impact that will resonate for generations. Thank you to all who joined and shared your commitment. Let’s keep these insights alive as we work together toward a food-secure, resilient Africa. 🌱 #FoodSecurity #AgricultureInnovation #RTBCrops #GreenRevolution #Africa

According to the FAO, recent data shows that between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022. 🌎 #WorldFoodDay We'll never be able to reduce the approximate 10% of global population that lives in hunger if we continue to see the acreage of farm land minimized and access to healthy food harder to attain. As awareness of food sourcing and safety continues to rise, more consumers are questioning the origins of their food and the practices used in its production. People are increasingly seeking transparency in their food supply and what gets put on it. This growing consciousness drives demand for local produce, organic farming, and sustainable practices, as individuals strive to make informed choices that support their health and the planet. It starts with nature! As a global community, we all need to get involved. 🤝 Thank you to farmers and all who work tirelessly to fight for food accessibility and transparency. Visit FAO's site to learn more and to see how you can make an impact: https://lnkd.in/d4PFjQVD #bwdifference #betterbiology #farmprofitability #sustainablefarming

💰🌿 Farming families who grow their own crops and cook traditional recipes, such as chapatis and bean dishes, were the first to see the benefits of biofortified crops. Now, nutrient enriched grains are entering food systems. Stimulating increased production of nutrient enriched crops by generating demand from food processors has been a key component of the HarvestPlus delivery model. As a result of our partnerships with food business and processors across Asia and Africa, commercially available processed foods prepared from biofortified crops are increasing in retail outlets.  📗👉 To learn more, download the 2023 Annual Report. https://lnkd.in/eqyhJtVW  #HPAR2023 #HarvestPlus #HiddenHunger #Biofortification #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture HarvestPlus Solutions CGIAR International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada AGRA FAO USAID Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Rockefeller Foundation Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The story of HarvestPlus began in the early 2000s, when the world faced growing concerns about malnutrition and food security. Our mission was simple yet profound: to combat #HiddenHunger through biofortification. The 2023 Annual Report explains how our work is improving nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience through biofortification 20 years later. 📗👉 To learn about the impact of our work in Asia, Africa and Latin America, download the 2023 annual report. https://lnkd.in/eqyhJtVW #HPAR2023 #HiddenHunger #Biofortification #FoodSecurity HarvestPlus Solutions CGIAR International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) IFPRI MENA Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada

🌾 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 🌾 Today, we come together to recognize the fundamental Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future. 🌍 At 𝐆𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐒, we believe that everyone deserves access to diverse, nutritious, affordable, and safe food. In Bangladesh, where agriculture sustains millions, ensuring food security means working together to bring greater diversity to our fields, markets, and tables. That’s why 𝐆𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐒 is committed to conducting critical agricultural, aquaculture, and market research to build sustainable food systems and empower local farmers and communities. Let’s continue to work for a future where no one is left behind in the fight against hunger, and where food is not just a necessity but a right for all. 💡 Foods stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. Together, we can make these values a reality, creating healthier lives and brighter futures for everyone. #WorldFoodDay2024 #RightToFoods #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #NutritionForAll #GRMCS #BetterFuture #SocialDevelopment #SocialResearch

🌱 🫘 In Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, a significant transformation is taking place as farmers adopt Nyota beans, a biofortified variety rich in iron. This initiative, part of the “Integration of Biofortified Crops in School Feeding Programs” project funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and supported by HarvestPlus, is enhancing awareness, seed accessibility, and production knowledge. 🧑🏽🌾 A notable success story is Nathan Chejor, a local farmer who cultivated 2.5 acres of Nyota beans in 2024. Thanks to accessible local seed supplies, Nathan avoided a long trip to procure seeds, highlighting the impact of localized support in agricultural innovation. Read on. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/estEieap #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #HarvestPlus #HiddenHunger #Biofortification #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #NutritionSecurity CGIAR International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) IFPRI Africa HarvestPlus Solutions CGIAR Impact Area: Nutrition, health & food security World Health Organization FAO AGRA

At the October 31 World Food Prize meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, it was announced that Tanzania had not only exceeded the food production levels needed for self-sufficiency, it had also achieved a number of other feats. Now Tanzania is focusing on quality and accessibility. Young people represent 65% of the country’s population. With support from the African Development Program, the country gives four hectares (10 acres) of land to youth for agriculture and livestock production and the training they need to get started. So far, 11,000 people have benefited. Tanzania is one of the few African countries that shells its cashew nuts to create value-added production. And the country has provided electricity to its nearly 12,300 villages. Tanzania is showing other countries that not investing in agriculture is much more costly than investing in it.

🌱 Cassava Roots: A Key to Food Security in Africa 🌍 Cassava is more than just a staple crop—it’s a lifeline for millions of people across Africa and other tropical regions. As we continue to explore solutions to food insecurity, cassava roots stand out for their potential to enhance agricultural resilience and provide sustainable food sources. Here’s why cassava plays a vital role in food security: 1. High Yield & Resilience 🌾: Cassava is highly adaptable to poor soils and can thrive even in drought-prone areas. This makes it a crucial crop for regions facing climate challenges, ensuring consistent harvests where other crops might fail. 2. Rich Nutritional Value 🍽️: Cassava roots are rich in carbohydrates, serving as a primary energy source for millions of households. Additionally, cassava leaves are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, adding to its overall dietary value. 3. Versatility 🔄: Cassava can be processed into a wide variety of products—garri, fufu, cassava flour, starch, and even biofuel. This versatility makes it not only a food source but also a livelihood for farmers and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth. 4. Long Shelf Life⏳: Cassava can be stored in its processed form (such as flour or starch) for long periods, making it a reliable food source during off-seasons or in times of crisis. 5. Global Impact 🌍: With its rising demand in both food and industrial sectors, cassava has the potential to improve both food security and economic stability across Africa and beyond. Investing in cassava—from improved farming practices to better post-harvest handling and processing—will not only empower rural farmers but also provide sustainable food solutions that can feed the growing population. 🌱💡 Cassava is more than a crop—it’s a pathway to a food-secure future.🌍💪 #FoodSecurity #CassavaFarming #Agriculture #SustainableFarming #AfricaRising #RuralDevelopment #EconomicGrowth IITA-CASSAVABREEDING #NutritionSecurity PC Dennis Leonardo Aiyevbekpen