In a bid to address the challenges of food security, CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research and development -delivers climate smart solutions to improve agricultural productivity in response to climate change challenges in Africa and in extension, the world in general.
CGIAR’s Ghana Convener and International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Regional Representative for West Africa, Dr. Olufunke Cofie while speaking in a recent interview stated that CGIAR has supported the government with smart innovations to help farmers improve their productivity contributing to local economy development despite climate issues
Cofie explained that CGIAR working in over 70 countries globally has provided climate-smart and innovative technologies to address the challenges of food security. They do this through research for development aiming towards a food secured world.
“The International Water Management Institute as a CGIAR Research Center addresses water challenges, including supporting irrigated crop production during the dry season what kind of irrigation practices would be the best. We do this through research for development with diverse national stakeholders.
‘The innovative solution we develop are applicable to rural and urban and supporting diverse stakeholders groups including local governments, NGOs and farmers association.”.
“We know that food production is mostly done by the rural farmers. Our mission is to support transformation in the food, land and water systems in the climate crisis so our innovations are responsive to climate change issues
Cofie maintained that CGIAR also collaborates with government agencies to support policies that allow climate smart agriculture to thrive.
She stated that Africa is blessed with water resources but need the political will, commitment at different levels to develop the water resources and have appropriate planning to use them for productive pueposes.