External Event
Virtual seminar

Against the grain: Could farmers feed the world and heal the planet?

Starts: Tue, August 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT
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World Bank
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Event Host
IFPRI and CGIAR
Event Venue
Policy Dialogue
Event Organiser
Co-organized by IFPRI and The CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions

Humanity relies on agriculture to provide nourishment, yet there is an urgent need to reduce the agricultural sector’s environmental footprint. Meeting these two goals is crucial for both people and the planet to thrive. Please join us for a conversation featuring Roger Thurow, award-winning author and journalist, whose recently released book argues it is possible for farmers to meet these two critical objectives. 

This seminar will discuss the importance of heeding the wisdom and experiences of the world’s smallholder, Indigenous, and family farmers, who are facing the effects of climate change and environmental degradation firsthand as they endeavor to earn a living and feed their families and communities. Perspectives from farmers will highlight how the practices of agroforestry, agroecology, and regenerative agriculture can provide food to nourish humanity while also protecting the environment. The seminar will also discuss how science and research, including the work of CGIAR, and investment and financing has contributed to enhancing the work of these farmers and transforming food systems for people and the planet.

Welcome Remarks

Speakers

  • Roger Thurow, Award-winning author and journalist; Senior Fellow, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
  • Jackson Kinyanjui Koimbori, Senior Circular Economy and Climate Change Coordinator, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
  • Wei Zhang, Senior Research Fellow, Natural Resources and Resilience Unit, IFPRI; Co-lead of the CGIAR Research Initiative on Low-Emission Food Systems (Mitigate+)
  • Evalyne Okoth, Farmer, The CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions, Nyando, Kenya
  • Jonathan Mockshell, Senior Agricultural Economist, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT

Closing Remarks

  • Carlo Fadda, Director, Agrobiodiversity, Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT; Lead, Nature-Positive Solutions Research Initiative

Moderator

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