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Food systems lessons from COVID-19: From understanding fragilities to building resilience Mar 01, 2021

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POLICY SEMINAR Food systems lessons from COVID-19: From understanding fragilities to building resilience Co-Organized by IFPRI and the CGIAR COVID-19 Hub MAR 2, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 11:00 AM EST COVID-19’s impacts on our global food system have affected the food security and nutritional wellbeing of millions of people worldwide, with market closures, supply disruptions, and income and employment losses. Understanding the extent and nature of these impacts will be critical to building resilience to future shocks. At this seminar, researchers from the CGIAR COVID-19 Hub present results from the first global assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 on food systems and their actors. The analysis highlights points of vulnerability and resilience, identifies who suffered and who benefitted, and examines how lockdowns and other policies shaped outcomes. Considering these findings, a panel discussion will offer insights and suggestions on what steps must be taken to avoid these negative impacts in future emergencies. Speaker: Christophe Béné, Principal Scientist, Sustainable Food Systems, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Panelists: Namukolo Covic, Senior Research Coordinator, CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health and IFPRI Sophia Murphy, Executive Director, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Thomas Reardon, Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University Closing remarks: John McDermott, Director, CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) and co-lead, CGIAR COVID-19 Hub Moderator: Ekaterina Krivonos, Deputy Director, Programs, CGIAR System Organization and co-Chair, CGIAR COVID-19 Hub Links: CGIAR COVID-19 Hub: https://a4nh.cgiar.org/covidhub/ CGIAR Research Program On Agriculture For Nutrition And Health (A4NH): https://a4nh.cgiar.org/ Impacts of COVID-19 on people’s food security: Foundations for a more resilient food system: https://a4nh.cgiar.org/2021/02/25/new-report-from-cgiar-covid-19-hub-offers-food-systems-lessons-from-the-pandemic-insights-for-building-resilience/ More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/food-systems-lessons-covid-19-understanding-fragilities-building-resilience Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

Book Launch: Resetting the Table: Straight talk about the food we grow and eat Feb 09, 2021

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BOOK LAUNCH Resetting the Table: Straight talk about the food we grow and eat FEB 10, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 10:30 AM EST Consumers want to know more about their food–including the farm from which it came, the chemicals used in its production, its nutritional value, how the animals were treated, and the costs to the environment. They are being told that buying organic foods, unprocessed and sourced from small local farms, is the most healthful and sustainable option. In his new book, Paarlberg delineates the ways in which global food markets have improved our diet, and how “industrial” farming has recently turned green, thanks to GPS-guided precision methods that cut energy use and chemical pollution. Join us to hear from the book’s author and discussants on solutions that can make sense for farmers and consumers alike through the rapidly changing worlds of food and farming. Book Overview: Robert Paarlberg, Adjunct professor of public policy, Harvard Kennedy School; & Associate, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University Discussants: Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Claudia Ringler, Deputy Director, Environment and Production Technology Division, IFPRI Moderator: Rajul Pandya-Lorch, Strategic and communications leader in food policy and agriculture development LINKS: Resetting The Table: Straight Talk About The Food We Grow And Eat: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/606873/resetting-the-table-by-robert-paarlberg/ Two Books On The Future Of Farming: Nutritional, Environmental And Economic Priorities Collide Wherever Seeds Are Sown: https://www.wsj.com/articles/two-books-on-the-future-of-farming-11611936602 More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/resetting-table-straight-talk-about-food-we-grow-and-eat Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia? Feb 08, 2021

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BOOK LAUNCH An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia? FEB 9, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 10:30 AM EST Agricultural mechanization in Africa south of the Sahara — especially for small farms and businesses — requires a new paradigm to meet the needs of the continent’s evolving farming systems. Can Asia, with its recent success in adopting mechanization, offer a model for Africa? An Evolving Paradigm of Agricultural Mechanization Development analyzes the experiences of eight Asian and five African countries. The authors explore crucial government roles in boosting and supporting mechanization, from import policies to promotion policies to public good policies. Hear from the authors and discussants on the book’s recommendations and insights, which are beneficial to national policymakers and the development community who can adapt this knowledge to local contexts and use it as a foundation for further research. Book Overview: Xinshen Diao, Deputy Division Director, Development Strategy and Governance Division, and Theme Leader, Agricultural Transformation, IFPRI Hiroyuki Takeshima, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Xiaobo Zhang, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Discussants: Geoffrey C. Mrema, Professor, Department of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture Thomas Daum, Research fellow, Institute of Agricultural Science in the Tropics, University of Hohenheim Moderator: Katarlah Taylor, Events Manager, IFPRI LINKS: An Evolving Paradigm Of Agricultural Mechanization Development: How Much Can Africa Learn From Asia?: https://www.ifpri.org/publication/evolving-paradigm-agricultural-mechanization-development-how-much-can-africa-learn-asia An Evolving Paradigm Of Agricultural Mechanization Development: How Much Can Africa Learn From Asia? Synopsis: https://www.ifpri.org/publication/evolving-paradigm-agricultural-mechanization-development-how-much-can-africa-learn-0 More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/evolving-paradigm-agricultural-mechanization-development-how-much-can-africa-learn-asia Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

Book Launch : Agricultural Development: New Perspectives in a Changing World Feb 03, 2021

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BOOK LAUNCH Agricultural Development: New Perspectives in a Changing World FEB 4, 2021 - 08:30 AM TO 09:30 AM EST The changing global landscape, combined with new and better data, technologies, and understanding, means that agriculture can and must contribute to a wider range of development outcomes than ever before, including reducing poverty, ensuring adequate nutrition, creating strong food value chains, improving environmental sustainability, and promoting gender equity and equality. Agricultural Development: New Perspectives in a Changing World is the first comprehensive exploration of key emerging issues facing developing country agriculture today, from rapid urbanization to rural transformation to climate change. In this four-part volume, top experts offer the latest research in the field of agricultural development. Hear from the book’s editors and discussants on policy options and strategies for developing sustainable agriculture and reducing food insecurity and malnutrition. Book Overview: -Keijiro Otsuka, Professor of Development Economics, Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University, Japan & Chief senior researcher, Institute of Developing Economies, Tokyo -Shenggen Fan, Chair professor, College of Economics Management & Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, China Agricultural University, Beijing; and CGIAR System Board Member Discussants: -William Masters, Director, IMMANA Fellowships Program & Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University -Will Martin, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Moderator: -Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, IFPRI LINKS: Agricultural Development: New Perspectives In A Changing World: https://www.ifpri.org/publication/agricultural-development-new-perspectives-changing-world Agricultural Development: New Perspectives In A Changing World: Synopsis: https://www.ifpri.org/publication/agricultural-development-new-perspectives-changing-world-synopsis More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/agricultural-development-new-perspectives-changing-world

Virtual Event - Building back better Feb 02, 2021

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POLICY SEMINAR Virtual Event - Building back better: How can public food and agricultural research institutions be strengthened and rebuilt after the COVID-19 pandemic? Co-Organized by IFPRI and the International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) FEB 2, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 11:00 AM EST The COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges and new opportunities for publicly funded food and agricultural research in the global South. Growing government deficits related to the pandemic threaten funding for research needed for sustainable and healthy food systems. Yet, the pandemic and current health research could also spur greater investment in agricultural research. Spillovers from government and industry research and investment to fight COVID-19 may benefit agricultural research. This work has raised government and public awareness of the importance of biological research and of the links between agricultural and human health. In addition, new tools such as genomics, CRISPR, and information technology have created new opportunities for agricultural research and innovation, including for control of crop diseases and pests. In view of these opportunities and growing demand, national agricultural research systems—and their funders—may need to rethink research priorities. The future will require a more systemic view of food systems, one that links agriculture, nutrition, and health to prevent future pandemics. Introductory Remarks John McDermott, Director, CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) and co-lead, CGIAR COVID-19 Hub Speakers Ben Durham, Director Chief, Bio-innovation, National Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa Ruben Echeverria, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Vish Nene, Co-leader, Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) B.M. Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program and the CGIAR Research Program on Maize, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Delia Grace Randolph, Professor of Food Safety Systems, University of Greenwich Moderator Carl Pray, Distinguished Professor, Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics Department, School for Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University LINKS: Book: COVID-19 And Global Food Security: http://bit.ly/IFPRICovidBook ICABR: https://icabr.net/ IFPRI Resources And Analyses Of COVID-19 Impact: https://www.ifpri.org/covid-19 More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/virtual-event-building-back-better-how-can-public-food-and-agricultural-research-institutions Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

PIM Webinar: Forest Tenure Pathways to Gender Equality: A Practitioner's Guide - 1/29/21 Jan 28, 2021

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PIM Virtual Launch Event Forest Tenure Pathways to Gender Equality: A Practitioner's Guide January 29, 2021, 9:00-10:00 AM EST There is no one single approach to reforming forest tenure practices for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. Rather, it involves taking advantage of opportunities that emerge in various institutional arenas, such as policy and law-making and implementation, government administration, customary or community-based tenure governance, or forest restoration at the landscape scale. The overall aim is to promote the responsible governance of forest tenure so that it serves the interests of both women and men of all backgrounds. A new practitioner’s guide prepared by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) authors with support from the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM) and other donors* explains how to promote gender-responsive forest tenure reform in community-based forest regimes. It is aimed at those taking up this challenge in developing countries. This sourcebook provides multiple forms of guidance: conceptual ideas, operational direction, good practices, case-study insights, research findings and resources for further exploration. It is designed to support a wide range of practitioners, women and men, from a range of institutions such as government offices, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, donor agencies, women’s organizations, as well as networks and federations. The practitioner’s guide offers numerous case studies as well as resource materials from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America so that each issue can be explored through real-world experience. Moreover, the guide draws upon the latest manuals and guidance documents available on promoting gender-responsive forest tenure reform. This guide emerged from several years of research and engagement in multiple countries under CIFOR's “Global Comparative Study on Forest Tenure Reform”. The project was coordinated by Anne Larson and the late Esther Mwangi. The author Nayna Jhaveri and editors Anne Larson and Iliana Monterroso will present the guide and answer questions from the audience. Commentary will be provided by the Tenure Facility’s gender focal point Ylwa Renström Svensson and a member of the CGIAR GENDER Platform Elizabeth Bryan. *CIFOR’s ‘Global Comparative Study on Forest Tenure Reform’ is funded by the European Commission and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) with technical support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO). Introduction: Anne Larson, Team Leader, Equal Opportunities, Gender, Justice & Tenure, CIFOR (https://www.cifor.org/research-staff/1372/anne-larson) Presenter: - Nayna Jhaveri, book author, Independent Land Tenure Specialist Remarks: - Ylwa Renström Svensson, Program Officer, The Tenure Facility (https://thetenurefacility.org/about-us/our-team/staff-and-partners/) - Elizabeth Bryan, Senior Scientist, IFPRI, and CGIAR GENDER Platform Methods Module co-lead (https://www.ifpri.org/profile/elizabeth-bryan) Moderator: - Iliana Monterroso, Scientist, Equity, Gender, Justice & Tenures team, CIFOR (https://www.cifor.org/research-staff/3815/iliana-monterroso) Link to Blog: https://pim.cgiar.org/2021/01/19/forest-tenure-pathways-to-gender-equality-a-practitioners-guide/?

Local vs Global? The role of trade in building food system resilience Jan 13, 2021

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POLICY SEMINAR Local vs Global? The role of trade in building food system resilience JAN 13, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 11:00 AM EST As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy and put pressure on food supply chains, debate has resurged about the role of trade in protecting food security. Though food supply chains have proved fairly resilient during the outbreak, many countries have faced both severe disruptions in supply and shifts in food demand. A few have responded with protectionist measures—namely export bans on key staple foods—with the intent of protecting domestic consumers, but depriving those abroad. These measures raise the question: Are food systems strongly connected with global value chains more vulnerable to disruptions or more resilient than more localized food systems? This seminar will bring together food system experts from the research community, policymaking organizations, and the private sector to discuss whether localized food systems with shorter supply chains are more resilient and sustainable than those with longer supply chains and greater integration in global markets. Speakers: Guido Landheer, Deputy Vice-Minister of Agriculture, The Netherlands Robbert de Vreede, Executive Vice-President Global Foods, Unilever Jeroen Elfers, Corporate Director Dairy Development & Milk Stream, FrieslandCampina Marion Jansen, Director Trade and Agriculture Directorate, OECD Johan Swinnen, Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Moderator Rob Vos, Director, Markets, Trade and Institutions Division, IFPRI LINKS: Book: COVID-19 And Global Food Security: http://bit.ly/IFPRICovidBook IFPRI Resources And Analyses Of COVID-19 Impact: https://www.ifpri.org/covid-19 More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/virtual-event-local-vs-global-role-trade-building-food-system-resilience Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

CGIAR COVID-19 Hub: Supporting National Responses to a Global Pandemic Jan 10, 2021

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Virtual Event - CGIAR COVID-19 Hub: Supporting National Responses to a Global Pandemic Co-Organized by IFPRI and CGIAR COVID-19 Hub JAN 12, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 11:00 AM EST As the global leader in agricultural research, CGIAR took action in the earliest days of the pandemic to counter the potentially devastating impact on food security and nutrition worldwide. The CGIAR COVID-19 Hub mobilizes multidisciplinary research and innovation in support of national response efforts. This seminar brings together researchers and national partners from Bangladesh and Ethiopia, the Hub’s pilot countries, to reflect on progress made and lessons learned. Looking ahead, they will also consider key priorities for mitigating threats to food systems that could arise from similar shocks in the future. Representatives from Malawi, Myanmar, and Nigeria will also share reflections on national priorities, as the three countries begin working with the CGIAR COVID Hub. Opening Remarks -John McDermott, Director, A4NH and co-lead, CGIAR COVID-19 Hub -Kundhavi Kadiresan, Managing Director for Global Engagement and Innovation, CGIAR Speakers -Zubairu Abdullahi, Director, Planning and Policy Coordination Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria -Amjath Babu, Agricultural Economist, Modeling and Targeting, (CIMMYT) -Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar, Director, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council -Godfrey Chingoma, Director of Crop Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Malawi -Siboniso Moyo, Director General’s representative in Ethiopia, (ILRI) -Ekaterina Krivonos, Deputy Director, Programs, CGIAR System Organization -Thanda Kyi, Deputy Director General, Department of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar (via pre-recorded video message) Closing Remarks -Kundhavi Kadiresan, Managing Director for Global Engagement and Innovation, CGIAR Moderator -John McDermott, Director, A4NH and co-lead, CGIAR COVID-19 Hub LINKS: Book: COVID-19 And Global Food Security: http://bit.ly/IFPRICovidBook IFPRI Resources And Analyses Of COVID-19 Impact: https://www.ifpri.org/covid-19 CGIAR COVID-19 Hub: http://a4nh.cgiar.org/covidhub/ More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/virtual-event-cgiar-covid-19-hub-supporting-national-responses-global-pandemic Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

How Can WTO Members Support Recovery & Resilience in South Asia? Dec 17, 2020

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The coronavirus outbreak has affected trade in food and farm goods, imperiling efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition and adding to pressure already on the farm sector from climate change. The pandemic-induced postponement of the WTO’s next ministerial conference and ongoing tensions among major economies have affected both the substance and process of updating the global trade rulebook. As governments revisit priorities in this new context, they should engage with various constituencies in their region and beyond to build an inclusive public policy vision – one that can contribute to economic recovery and improve resilience to future food system shocks. With South Asia home to millions of small farmers, and food insecurity a persistent challenge in both rural and urban areas, policies affecting markets for food and agriculture remain highly controversial in the region. While economic growth has contributed to rising incomes and evolving patterns of demand, South Asia’s agrifood sector also faces a growing threat from climate change, including extreme weather events and increasing water scarcity. Designing national policies to address these changes requires national governments to navigate the impact of new measures not only on diverse domestic constituency groups but also on producers and consumers elsewhere in South Asia and beyond. At the same time, with the world’s major economies increasingly pursuing bilateral and regional trade deals, South Asia faces new challenges in advancing its agricultural trade objectives at the multilateral level. This will be the fourth in a series of events on the same topic but with a regional perspective. The events will cover Africa, South Asia, and Latin America Speakers: Abhijit Das, Professor and Head, Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj (Farmers' Forum India) Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh Aisha Moriani, Joint Secretary WTO, Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Ambassador Gothami Silva, Ambassador & Permanent Representative, Sri Lanka Mission to the WTO Moderator Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director for South Asia, IFPRI LINKS Food And Agricultural Trade In The New Policy Environment: How Can WTO Members Support Economic Recovery And Resilience? - https://www.ifpri.org/spotlight/food-and-agricultural-trade-new-policy-environment-how-can-wto-members-support-economic Book: COVID-19 & Global Food Security - http://bit.ly/IFPRICovidBook IFPRI Resources And Analyses Of COVID-19 Impact - https://www.ifpri.org/covid-19 International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD) - https://www.iisd.org/ More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/virtual-event-food-and-agricultural-trade-new-policy-environment-how-can-wto-members-support-1 Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

The African Continental Free Trade Area: How will economic distribution change? Dec 14, 2020

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Virtual Event - The African Continental Free Trade Area: How will economic distribution change? DEC 15, 2020 - 09:30 AM TO 10:45 AM EST In early 2021, African countries will begin implementing the much-anticipated African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Africa-wide elimination of tariffs will encourage regional integration to a degree never before seen on the continent. As intra-African trade unifies, will regional agricultural production and food supply chains change drastically? How will the agreement affect poverty and food security? And what types of political resistance might arise? Join three specialists in a discussion about the political and economic distribution effects we anticipate as the AfCFTA unfolds. Introduction: Nalishebo Meebelo, Senior Program Coordinator, Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research and Institutes (ReNAPRI) Speakers: David Laborde Debucquet, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Maryla Maliszewska, Senior Economist, World Bank Group Andrew Mold, Chief, Regional Integration and AfCFTA Cluster, Office for Eastern Africa, ECA, UNECA Closing Remarks: Antoine Bouet, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Moderator: Julie Kurtz, Research Analyst, IFPRI LINKS Food And Agricultural Trade In The New Policy Environment: How Can WTO Members Support Economic Recovery And Resilience? - https://www.ifpri.org/spotlight/food-and-agricultural-trade-new-policy-environment-how-can-wto-members-support-economic Book: COVID-19 & Global Food Security - http://bit.ly/IFPRICovidBook IFPRI Resources And Analyses Of COVID-19 Impact - https://www.ifpri.org/covid-19 Akademiya2063 - https://akademiya2063.org/ International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD) - https://www.iisd.org/ Commerce Alimentaire Et Agricole Dans Le Nouvel Environnement Politique : Comment Les Membres De L’OMC Peuvent-Ils Appuyer La Re - https://www.ifpri.org/event/%C3%A9v%C3%A8nement-virtuel-commerce-alimentaire-et-agricole-dans-le-nouvel-environnement-politique More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/virtual-event-african-continental-free-trade-area-how-will-economic-distribution-change Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event annoucements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

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