EVENT NAME Global Food Security Research Strategy: New Evidence and Opportunities EVENT DATE: THURSDAY, 07 OCTOBER, 2021 - 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM EVENT BY: SHAUNTICE MCCORKLE Posted Questions [09:48 AM] Allan Hruska asked : The vast majority of smallholder farmers worldwide are extremely resource-constrained. They usually cannot access most new technologies and innovations. The new strategy should be rooted in this reality and not continue to push out technologies that are not accessible. 20 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:25 AM] anonymous asked : I hope the model can shift from parachuting-in external 'experts' without appreciating and empowering national skills and capability. As other questioners have said, this is NOT capacity development this is partnering and understanding local contributions. Failure to do that locks-in aid dependency. 16 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:20 AM] anonymous asked : How about local researchers, will they be able to contribute to the research efforts and will local institutions be able access the research? They don't all need "capacity building", they simply don't have access or aren't trusted by the US. 15 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:06 AM] David Tschirley asked : The vast majority of farmers in Africa will never "farm themselves out of poverty." How can we help them improve productivity while diversifying increasingly out of farming? How can productive social protection be combined with array of ag productivity investment to help rural households do this? 15 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:27 AM] Jane Lowicki-Zucca asked : The existing GFSS Research Strategy includes social science among the priorities. Would you speak to progress and ideas for strengthening multi-disciplinary research moving forward, including a central focus on social science? 10 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:41 AM] Vern Long asked : In addition to targeted investments in key commodities, production and market systems, I'd encourage you to continue investment in efforts like the ASTI program which have been tremendously valuable for us in the private sector - to have a better appreciation for capacity gaps and investment needs. 10 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:52 AM] Emmy Simmons asked : The core of presentations so far is increasing crop yields. Given the recent challenges posed by the UN Food System Summit, I was hoping see more discussion of the relationship between production agriculture and healthy diets for all, especially with risks of climate and conflict. 10 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:30 AM] Vara Prasad asked : Will this new strategy increase the number of Feed the Future countries? Over the years ILs trained many research scholars (students) from host countries who have returned home with limited resource. Any targeted programs to support these returning scholars to be successful? Thank you 9 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:12 AM] anonymous asked : How will the refreshed strategy better commit to strengthening capacity of university researchers in FTF countries? 8 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Nora L Lapitan answered - The strategy will emphasize strengthening of networks between national partners and U.S. institutions as well as CGIAR researchers. This involves building both human and institutional capacity of national partners. Also, NARS are part of the entire process of R & D from the beginning to end, not just transferring technologies for field testing by national partners as an example. [09:43 AM] Vara Prasad asked : Recently it was highlighted that innovation investments with environmental and social outcomes is only about 4-7% of total innovations investments (of the total 60 bn/yr) in global south which is extremely low. How can this be addressed. Adding or re-direction of funds would be essential. 8 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:26 AM] anonymous asked : How can "partnerships" be improved? The term covers a range of relationships that are often unequal, especially if one side controls the money and is far away. 8 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:15 AM] Claudia Ringler asked : How will the strategy consider CC mitigation and adaptation more directly in the quest to reduce poverty and improve diet quality and diversity? 7 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:36 AM] Julie Howard asked : Yes, increasing agricultural productivity will remain important. But - more specifically - how will the new strategy respond to increasing calls for res/programs that respond to multiple objectives - climate change, env sustainability, nutrition? 7 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:51 AM] Barbara Best asked : How will research on improving wild-caught fisheries management be integrated into the new research strategy, given the overwhelming evidence of their critical role in food security, nutrition and livelihoods, especially in Africa and Asia? Fish is the world’s most widely traded food commodity. 7 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:47 AM] Julie Howard asked : One of the US commitments during the UN FSS was a major investment in industrial fortification of food to improve nutrition. This is important, but what about imp crop & livestock system diversification -- as a key to improving diet diversity? How will the new res strategy address these issues? 6 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:15 AM] Vern Long asked : Beyond global research priorities, this strategy should offer strategic guidance as well to Missions to help them frame their R&D investments as there are key opportunities and priorities that Missions will note that aren't visible at the global level. 6 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:33 AM] Jagger Harvey asked : While post-harvest loss mitigation might be implied in addressing food system issues, will it be explicitly addressed in the new strategy? In CC, Food Loss/Waste contributes ~8% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. PHL represents a readily addressable food & nutritional insecurity driver. 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:41 AM] Gabrielle Gueye asked : When you planned this event, did you consider any local researchers from any of the countries mentioned for the panel? 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:55 AM] Melissa Schweisguth asked : How is the research strategy development process integrating agricultural commodities besides crops? Presentations thus far have been very cop centric. How are we considering forestry, aquatic foods and livestock relative to their representation in economy/as income sources, and, as foods? 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:58 AM] David Tschirley asked : super important points by Shobani on affordability of healthy diets. Requires us to pay attention to desperately needed investment in the wholesale and retail marketing systems that carry the vast majority of foods to low income consumers. 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:13 AM] Julie Howard asked : What priority will the new research strategy place on improving the affordability of healthy diets - not only energy-rich diets? 5 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Rob answered - yes indeed!! and as i just said, we see it as a triple win for nutrition, income and affordable healthy diets for low income people in both urban and rural contexts Julie Howard replied - Great to hear - overall however I have found the presentation overly-focused on the cereal productivity approaches that we focused on during FTF Phase 1. Really will be interested to see how the strategy will change to respond to new challenges. Thanks for this great session! [10:14 AM] Diane Russell asked : What kinds of research on natural resource management beyond the plot and farm level (and including other key actors beyond smallholder farmers) will the new strategy support? This will be essential to address climate and water crises. 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:19 AM] Gary Alex asked : Is there any consideration to moving research planning, implementation, and review to local (national or sub-national ) level level rather than global programs? This seems critical to NRM issues, improving relevance and adoption, and developing local system capacities. 5 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Gary, I feel like I am speaking for all my Innovation Lab colleagues but my general impression is that you will find that a lot of the research that is done by Innovation Labs is very contextualized nationally and subnationally. Gary Alex replied - Over many years I have seen a lot of Innovation Labs struggle to do so. But this always seems inadequate given the restrictions of budgets, work in multiple diverse countries, limited interactions, etc. [10:22 AM] David Tschirley asked : Great answer from Keith. I would add that we need to include the urban perspective. urban markets are a huge opportunity for rural households, who increasingly sell prodn and buy food in markets. Urban income growth, if good rural-urban linkages are promoted, can drive rural productivity and income 5 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - David, absolutely agree. I think tthere is need to use a systems approach. The key is going to be to drive demand for good quality safe nutrient dense foods [10:24 AM] Andrew McDonald asked : Re: Demand-led, we need better communication strategies and co-creation opportunities to bridge between community / regional contexts and what the R for D community can offer. 5 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:31 AM] Jagger Harvey asked : I agree Shibani - dietary diversification is key. My point was that, with aflatoxin levels in maize being so high, even if it remains a smaller part of the diet it is important to still address drivers of aflatoxin accumulation. 5 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Absolutely Jagger- food diversity and safety have to go hand in hand Jagger Harvey replied - Thanks! Echoed in Rob's comments right now as well as food loss and food safety also go hand in hand, as you know. [09:25 AM] Melissa Schweisguth asked : How is the analysis looking at different levels of the market system, especially beyond production and inputs, and including things like processing, handling and SMEs? 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:37 AM] Jane Lowicki-Zucca asked : The approaches to improved productivity and innovation must also address employment outcomes, particularly amid unprecedented population growth and the increasing demand for more and higher-quality jobs. What is the state of related GFSS research on employment transformation? 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:41 AM] Adam Saffer asked : What are the primary constraints to productivity-led growth (e.g., irrigation, inputs, mechanization, better seeds, GAP, market access)? 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:51 AM] anonymous asked : We need to keep the concept of structural transformation central to all programming. We need of course to drive ag productivity but at the same time we need to *help most farmers get progressively out of farming into more remunerative non-farm activities.* 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:53 AM] Adam Saffer asked : Building on Allan's, Julie's, and Richard's comments, I want to ask about the importance of attitude. To me, behavioral change is a pre-requisite for any tech advancements to work sustainably. Who is working on this? 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:54 AM] anonymous asked : I would say the biggest constraint facing smallholder farmers is pure information. Plenty of projects claim to be addressing that, but there's no sustained and joined-up effort to overcome this 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:05 AM] Timothy A. Wise asked : African farmer and civil society perspectives seem poorly represented here. They should be. Such the Africa-wide network of food producers who asked USAID and other donors to shift away from narrow Green Revolution approaches. https://afsafrica.org/press-release-200-organisations-urge-donors-to-scra 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:13 AM] Dick Tinsley asked : Which is the higher priority, getting enough calories to optimize your economic opportunity or diversifying your diet!!? 4 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - I don't think it should be an either/or situation Dick Tinsley replied - Sorry but I think it is given the labor shortage that does not allow for meeting food security even at the family. Really need to get the drudgery out of the system so that it will allow both. Look at the shift to power tillers in Asia leading to spontaneous diversification of farm enterprises and diet. [10:16 AM] Vara Prasad asked : Will there be targeted programs to enhance collaboration and partnerships with CGIAR and other Development Partners in this new research strategy. Such efforts will be useful. Thank you. 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:16 AM] Caroline Smith DeWaal asked : What is the priority for food safety research in analyzing the nutritional impacts of nutrient-dense foods? 4 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:21 AM] Jean Ristaino asked : Global health and plant health are tightly linked. The new GFS should engage the "One Health" practitioners that work in animal and global health. Similar research and technologies can be scaled in disease surveillance, GIS, climate adaption, sensor technologies, remote sensing, etc. 4 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Very good point Jean. USAID STOP Spillover and several other newly awarded programs are trying to bring the connections. [10:36 AM] Duncan H Boughton asked : Food policies are being called to address multiple objectives: nutrition, income, climate, youth.... This requires packages of policy instruments and monitoring to ensure that there is an enabling environment for multiple positive outcomes. 4 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Very good point Duncan. Many countries are emphasizing multi-sectoral strategies for addressing nutrition. The key always is coordination and collaboration [09:20 AM] Sarah K Lowder asked : sounds great to me that you are focused on Universities, CGIAR and public/ private capacity. Can you do something to help the FAO regain the technical expertise it has unfortunately lost in recent years under its previous administration? thank you. 3 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Mike Michener answered - Thanks for the question, Sarah. FAO is a member-driven multilateral organization, and we certainly have a say in prioritizing technical expertise. We have to build consensus among other member states as to what expertise to prioritize, and sometimes that takes time. There is also the question of whether FAO is best placed to lead on certain topics within the multilateral system. We certainly engage closely with our colleagues at State and USDA on this topic! [09:22 AM] anonymous asked : Does this research strategy/effort consider how food aid harms local economies and markets and US farmers and their livelihoods? Does this strategy aim to truly address this decades long challenge? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:30 AM] Dick Tinsley asked : within your programs to assist smallholders what are your doing to make certain your innovations are operationally feasible, that there is sufficient labor or access to mechanization to implement over the entire farm in a timely manner, and farmers have the dietary energy to do so? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:40 AM] Jane Lowicki-Zucca asked : Evidence shows that economic growth is not automatically inclusive and that there is rising income inequality within countries, while inequality across countries has decreased. How should research investments address reductions in inequality and better drive the promise of inclusive EG? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:40 AM] David Tschirley asked : We need to address both sides of this equation while also understanding how the rise of processed foods does and can be further used to address specific nutritional needs. 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:00 AM] Dick Tinsley asked : Going back to my question on operational feasibility, and our tendency to compel smallholder farmers to exert up to twice their available calories resulting in crop establishment taking up to 8 weeks, does this explain the lack of using promoted innovations? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:02 AM] anonymous asked : Context factors have been known for 50-60 years (importance of R&D, ag impact on poverty, need for local capacity). There are new 'tools' for research. Isn't the need for much more of a pivot to addressing NRM issues (land, water, forests) as resource scarcity, degradation, climate change impact? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:10 AM] anonymous asked : the concern is healthy sustainable diets.. 3 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Rob answered - fully agree! we need to integrate environmental, social and economic sustainability in all our work. anonymous replied - Thanks Rob. Great if a more consistent terminology could be used in the refresh/new strategy. Otherwise, no metrics will be used and nutritionists will not be challenged to consider multiple positive and negative outcomes and incomes [10:13 AM] Jagger Harvey asked : Since maize is one of the key contributors to aflatoxin exposure in Nepal, does focusing on nutrient-dense foods leave out key components of the food system negatively affecting nutrition (including food safety)? 3 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Ah I now understand the question! No, focusing on nutrient dense foods should not leave out key component of the food system like food safety. These have to go hand in hand Jagger Harvey replied - thanks! [10:16 AM] Duncan H Boughton asked : What mechanisms can improve collaboration between FtF-ILs and new OneCGIAR programs? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:17 AM] LuAnn Werner asked : Looking at how to get healthy foods from local farmers to the market is key. There is a middle component that cannot be forgotten. Cooperatives are one of those tools. Will the strategy look at this or only agronomy? 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:30 AM] Duncan H Boughton asked : Fortification strategies need to be accessible to SME's to avoid large-scale processors dominating the market, as well as consumer education on the benefits. 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:53 AM] Julie Howard asked : Totally agree that staple crop productivity remains important. But across FTF and CG and NARS - cereal productivity has been an overwhelming focus since the Green Revolution. What is the balance. 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:58 AM] Juan M. Osorno asked : Also, as Rob mentioned, we need a better balance between what I call "starch/calories" crops (mostly cereals) vs. "protein/nutrition" crops (mostly legumes). Hope this is a true future direction. 3 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:14 AM] Paul Rigterink asked : I anticipate that every Afghan woman will want to expand or plant a garden in expectation of a food security crisis Based on USAID research of costs and benefits, exactly what gardening supplies should USAID provide to individual Afghan women so that they have a “lucrative food security garden"? 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:18 AM] anonymous asked : Where does NRM fall in RFS' priorities for FTF and the research strategy? 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:46 AM] John Scicchitano asked : How do CGIAR centers work to support private center growth? How does USAID's support to them facilitate this? Our experience with one center, working with one of Africas leading exporter of sweet potato, was mixed. 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:03 AM] Jessica Landman asked : Is USAID undertaking a deep dive into these questions regarding research strategies and needs for aquatic foods (aquaculture and wild caught) either with NOAA or the Sea Grant universities as it undertakes the strategy refresh? See e.g. recent report https://bluefood.earth/policy/ 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:14 AM] Carl Wahl asked : Considering consumption of nutrient-dense vs. non-nutrient dense foods ... have there been any studies on seasonal purchase and consumption (from purchase or own production) vs. household financial resources - particularly in light of demand for kilocalories at the start of the farming season? 2 upvotes | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Hi Carl, yes in the Nutrition Innovation Lab, we have looked at seasonality of purchase and consumption. What one sees is that often the focus and emphasis of the household is to acquire staples (grains, roots and tubers) and more nutrient dense foods are more prone to seasonal and financial fluctuations. [10:18 AM] LuAnn Werner asked : Climate change and transformative adaptation, will that be part of the research strategy? 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:19 AM] Caroline Smith DeWaal asked : From production to consumption, the retail "traditional " markets play an important role. However those markets frequently lack infrastructure to ensure safe products. Is this a focus of research. 2 upvotes | 1 answer | 1 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Thanks Caroline. This is definitely an issue that is the focus of research across several Innovation Labs. Post harvest losses, food safety, food loss and waste are critical considerations Caroline Smith DeWaal replied - Thank you Shibani! Great session. [10:20 AM] Dick Tinsley asked : what is usaid doing to enhance private mechanization in smallholder communities? Isn't this the key to getting crops planted on time and poverty alleviation? 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:25 AM] Faith Owuor asked : 1) How do we address the issue of an aging farming community and attract more youth into farming 2) Farm lands in most parts of Africa is shrinking due to increasing urbanization, rural urban migration and real estate development. What policies can be put in place to manage this 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:30 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : Sorry, phytophthora resistant potatoes 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:33 AM] Diane Russell asked : Social science should be used to help develop approaches and describe food systems and not just to promote adoption of technologies. 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:36 AM] anonymous asked : Thank you Dr Bertram for your comments regarding the importance of Gender and social sciences. I wonder if there is any plan for supporting this cross-cutting theme or other social science focused areas through any new dedicated Innovation Labs in the future? 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:41 AM] Vern Long asked : How will you consider R&D and seed systems strengthening investments on cash crops, like coffee? Dr. Ghosh's talk on women's control of cash crop income and and stunting reduction was interesting! 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:48 AM] David Hughes asked : My question after those two comments then is will the GFSS include money for the necessary infrastructure for weekly climate change and pest alerts to hundreds of millions of farmers. We have this in USA (eg. flash flood warnings). We must provide this and it will cost a lot of money. 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:50 AM] Juan M. Osorno asked : Can you briefly make comments regarding focus countries/regions and priority areas? Thanks! 2 upvotes | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:24 AM] anonymous asked : Animal proteins are more bioavailable, and critically important to children's growth. But CC alarmists attribute way too much damage to animal production. How will USAID (and USDA, for that matter) balance interests in CC with child (and adult) health? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:24 AM] anonymous asked : Will the new research strategy help improve tech transfer for local universities in FTF countries? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:26 AM] Paul Rigterink asked : Based on USAID research, what veterinary preventive medical supplies should USAID provide to individual farmers in Afghanistan and other countries to ensure that their goats, poultry, and pigs are healthy? What other small animal equipment and supplies should USAID supply? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:40 AM] David Tschirley asked : Delighted to see the emphasis in Mike Michener's comments on the centrality of understanding transforming diets both from the agribusiness opportunities they provide and the new nutritional challenges they present. 1 upvote | 1 answer | 0 reply Mike Michener answered - Thank you, David! Consumer behavior and choices are important factors in understanding how we go about transforming diets. [09:41 AM] Eugenia Saini asked : Thank you for this excellent seminar. From FONTAGRO https://www.fontagro.org/es/ we have a pipeline of 164 projects ($124 M), 43 in current execution that gathers hundred of scientists that would be interested in linking to US organizations to promote interdisciplinary research. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:43 AM] stephen Kemp asked : I still see ways to better link research efforts. We still rely on 3rd parties to adapt outputs of 1 team for inputs to the next in the impact pipeline. Can we be more explicit in specifying demand – eg downstream researchers commissioning upstream research. A truly research systems approach. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:44 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : Is USAID, Gates and others working on communication with farmers and with consumers about key questions on nutrition, safety and a need for acceptance? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:46 AM] anonymous asked : Is there any research around all of this scientific editing to crops related to new diseases developed in people, such as cancer, etc.? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:53 AM] anonymous asked : We need to invest ag productivity resources in those farmers that want to and can adopt the needed technology. Productive social protection needs to be used to help those unable to adopt to produce enough as they diversify out of ag to rise out of poverty 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:13 AM] David Tschirley asked : Echoing Shobani on need for (a suite of) validated metrics for diet quality and food environment, linked to an analytical agenda to establish the specific causal links from FE to diet. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:13 AM] Eugenia Saini asked : FONTAGRO is starting a project promoting biofortified beans and other crops in small farmers and rural areas with nutritional deficiencies in Central America and the Caribbean. We would love to explore collaboration. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:18 AM] Jane Lowicki-Zucca asked : Further research is needed on HOW best to meet the nutrition needs of adolescents and strengthen their roles in improving nutrition and healthy diets, including beyond girls' reproductive and care roles. Eyes on The Lancet later this year. 1 upvote | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Very good point [10:20 AM] David Tschirley asked : Responding to Duncan Boughton - work follows funding, so funding needs to be put behind joint FTF - CGIAR research and policy engagement 1 upvote | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Agreed. This is often a rate limiting factor for such collaborations [10:22 AM] Alejandro Ortega asked : Important is to define how to make effective technologies available for farmers to adopt them in a sustainable manner. it is necessary to determine if technologies are effective but also if they are safe, feasible, and scalable, and commercially viable. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:26 AM] anonymous asked : A great example of this type of research partnership with local research institutions is being implemented under the FTF Innovation Lab for Markets, Risk and Resilience ALL-In program (Advancing Local Leadership, Innovation and Networks) 1 upvote | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - All Innovation labs work in partnership with local research institutions. [10:27 AM] David Tschirley asked : Excellent. secondary cities and towns are growing most rapidly and are close to rural areas, providing great opportunities for rural growth 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:28 AM] Diane Russell asked : How do we deal with cheap food imports in urban areas so that local nutritious foodstuffs will be privileged? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:28 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : Can USAID and Gates focus on some African biotech varieties become approved and used? Phytophthora resistant bananas? Bacterial wilt resistant bananas? Cassava resistant to brown streak? and breeding into wider varieties? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:31 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : are there technical fixes to reduce aflatoxins in maize? 1 upvote | 1 answer | 0 reply Shibani Ghosh answered - Yes Richard. There are several different intervention approaches both pre and post harvest that folks at different Innovation Labs and CGIAR have been working on. [10:32 AM] anonymous asked : David --don't forget rice--a question remains how much more rice Africa should go given the overall more water-poor environment there compared to Asia.. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:38 AM] David Tschirley asked : We need to be sure to address the cost effectiveness of reducing food loss just as we would any other productivity enhancing investment 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:41 AM] Francois Stepman asked : @Robert Bertram: How can European and US support to agricultural research in Africa be better coordinated? An example is aflatoxin control: https://paepard.blogspot.com/2021/09/report-mycotoxins-and-postharvest.html + https://paepard.blogspot.com/2021/09/third-all-africa-post-harvest-congress.html 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:42 AM] David Hughes asked : We need to scale hyperlocal advice to farmers related to climate change effects + pests. We must know 1) where the farm is, 2) crop(s) 3) planting date and send hyperlocal SMS/voice messages. We do this >500k/week but expensive especially as we must reach 500 million/week. Needs infrastructure $ 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:42 AM] Martin Fisher asked : Martin Fisher -KickStart. Where specifically does rapid scaling of low-cost irrigation fit into the plans? It is key for SS Africa for year-round food security, nutrition & income. Harvesting multiple cycles of high value fruits/veg year round - independent of rain. Scaling quickly is required! 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:50 AM] Diane Russell asked : But if we are encouraging more meat and milk products isn’t this a climate issue? 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:50 AM] Claudia Ringler asked : Rob--thanks for clarifying that people do need a basis of staple crops that needs to remain affordable.. and even if eggs cost close to nothing, people will not live from eggs alone. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:53 AM] David Tschirley asked : On policy systems ... this really ties-in to the comments on local leadership. Local partners are the best policy advocates. We, in the end, are not. We need to partner with that at the center of how we do it. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:57 AM] Claudia Ringler asked : There is potential of cultured proteins in addressing some of the nutrition and sustainability challenges. CP milk can be shipped as milk powder and re-processed into products for young children. Given the huge demand they would be unlikely to drive out local milk producers. 1 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:24 AM] faye seny asked : Hello, from Lyon, France, but I am from west Africa, Senegal. I am an expert-consultant and Post-PHD researcher (global food security, international geopolitics, ecological and energy transion, climate change and environmental security, ecological diplomacy, sustainable development. Thanks 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:27 AM] faye seny asked : So, I would like to know how to build a stronger cooperation and parternship, a real and rich scientific and intellectual collaboration with USAID for a better understanding of global security, food and ecology ? Thanks 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:31 AM] Paul Rigterink asked : Bill Gates encouraged the Chinese Economic Growth Formula economic concept in Africa as described in a Gates Note review of Joe Studwell's book, "How Asia Works (see https://www.gatesnotes.com/Books/How-Asia-Works ). Where and how should USAID be encouraging the use of these concepts? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:33 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : How can USAID foster food safety assessments and advances for new GE and Gene Edited crops that can help overcome pests and diseases in legumes? In Fruits? In vegetables. I manage www.AllergenOnline.org. I am helping some developments, but without any economic support. Acceptance of governments ? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:39 AM] anonymous asked : How are we defining "inclusive" here? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:40 AM] anonymous asked : How will Bill Gates benefit financially from potential projects? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:51 AM] Chellappah Gnana Gnanaganeshan asked : How do you see the benefits of digitalized agriculture ? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:53 AM] indra klein asked : With regard to public-private partnerships, ESG goals commitments by businesses in the private and public sectors, how is the thinking & focus of philanthropy being re-educated, to be better aligned to these proposed goals, particularly with regard to inequality & local and indigenous populations? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:54 AM] David Tschirley asked : Echoing Emmy Simmons but encouraged by the comments by Mike Michener that I referenced earlier 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [09:59 AM] David Tschirley asked : This mkt infrastructure in deplorable state of disrepair, at both wholesale and retail. 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:16 AM] Oscar Ortiz asked : The approach should strengthen the aspect of sustainable intensification and diversification of agri-food systems. In this way, productivity gains (not only per unit of area, but unit of any input such as water) could be combined with nutrition-sensitiva value chain approaches 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:18 AM] Melissa Schweisguth asked : What OUs (with centers and divisions) are on the strategy development team? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:30 AM] David Tschirley asked : 85%-90% of all all food in Africa originates domestically. Import growth is driven greatly (not only) by wheat (which will never be produced at scale in Africa) and vegetable oils. Fresh produce, coarse grains for human consumption, and cereal legumes are largely coming from within the continent. 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:36 AM] David Tschirley asked : Point taken from Anonymous on rice 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:37 AM] Victor W. González Lauck asked : Agroforestry production sistems were not mentioned. For all mesoamerica these are very importan. 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:37 AM] Donald Ocen asked : Hi 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:40 AM] Andrew McDonald asked : There are several technical entry points at the HH level for reducing aflatoxin in maize in the hill ecologies of Nepal, including enhancing soil fertility, changes in grain storage (i.e. shelling, drying, and storing off the cob), and varietal characteristics. 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:42 AM] anonymous asked : Since certain interventions might NOT benefit household nutrition/health/biodiversity if objectives (indicators) are to increase corn or other commodity production/yield on plots normally used to produce a combination of product for home use. Would tiny plots be better left to household gardening? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:43 AM] Paul Gibson asked : There are many initiatives by many players in digitization of specific functions. How can these multiple initiatives be integrated into a comprehensive digital ecosysm? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:46 AM] David Hughes asked : 500,000 SMS/week is around $1,800/week. Data from FEWSNET/NASA is free. We (PlantVillage) and Shamba Shape Up/Digifarm in Kenya shows it is affordable. But the price rises with the hundreds of millions. This is public sector as low incentives for private players (Shamba Shape Up is private) 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:46 AM] Paul Gibson asked : How can the duplication and competition between the different digital initiatives be minimized and the synergies be exploited? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:48 AM] James Hansen asked : Given concern about climate risk as an obstacle to food security and smallholder well-being, how can climate science for agricultural climate services and climate risk management contribute to the research strategy, given that it exists largely outside the CGIAR and FtF Innovation Labs? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:57 AM] Richard E. Goodman asked : Rob and Keith, important comments. Policy, across countries, across major political groups including EU are challenging. Similar to acceptance of COVID vaccines. There are bit information gaps at all levels. And the US needs to be careful . When are you too careful? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:59 AM] Dick Tinsley asked : Thinking of policy do most host countries have the financial to implement policies? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:59 AM] Carlos R. Hasbun asked : There's a need to deepen our understanding on the financial role of crop diversification vis-à-vis improving marketing for fair prices (ie. cutting several middle-men). Crop diversification for health/nutrition purposes is different. Any insights? 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply [10:59 AM] Francois Stepman asked : The Rwandan Minister of Agriculture commented that external donors have often more agric data than the national partners and stressed the importance of data collection capacity https://paepard.blogspot.com/2021/10/launch-of-akademiya2063s-five-year-2021.html 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply Deleted Questions [10:25 AM] anonymous asked : . Ann nd 1🥬2j..29. .. r🥳n. . 6..Tox anwzqq L If...z.kk..nn.m.qs .hM Smz,,a, jk Wo #q.wx....x.. 1. 0 upvote | 0 answer | 0 reply