By Lenah Bosibori
Science Week officially opened in Nairobi in Monday with renewed calls for innovation and stronger partnerships to transform global food systems.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi highlighted the importance of collaboration among government bodies, researchers, extension service providers, farmers, policy makers, the private sector, and development partners to address pressing agricultural challenges.
“Kenya is fully committed to supporting agricultural research and innovation. Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda positions the agri-food system as a key pillar of economic growth. Transforming this sector will drive poverty reduction, create jobs, improve livelihoods and food security, promote gender equality and inclusion, and enhance climate change resilience and environmental sustainability,” said Mudavadi.
The global event, held at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters, brought together over 3,000 in-person participants and more than 2,000 virtual attendees. Dignitaries, decision-makers, science experts, funders, and members of the farming community convened to explore science-based solutions to the world’s food and climate challenges.
Mudavadi described Science Week as a pivotal moment, offering an opportunity to engage on how to address current global crises. “It is a call to action for governments, researchers, private sector players, and development partners to chart a new path for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” he noted.
He also highlighted national initiatives such as Kenya’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy and the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project, which align with Kenya Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives aim to ensure that no Kenyan goes to bed hungry.
Kenya’s partnership with CGIAR has also been instrumental in strengthening research capacity. Thousands of Kenyan researchers have accessed world-class training, advanced research facilities, and skill enhancement opportunities. In turn, CGIAR scientists have deepened their contextual understanding, increasing the impact of their work across the region.
This year’s Science Week theme resonates deeply in the face of rising global food insecurity, climate shocks, land degradation, and malnutrition. “The only way forward is through science-driven solutions and multi-stakeholder partnerships,” Mudavadi stressed.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Africa’s economy, employing over 60% of the population and playing a critical role in food security. Yet, the sector faces severe threats—from climate change and extreme weather events to post-harvest losses, limited access to finance, and soil infertility.”
In her opening remarks, Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR said that scientists must speak up and communicate not only among themselves but also with policymakers and the public. “We cannot let misinformation drown out science. This is the time to step up, to speak up, and to use science. We have the technologies that can boost productivity in Africa and beyond. Now is the time to act.”
“This week marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards transforming global agriculture and food systems. CGIAR is unwavering in our commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that research, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to overcoming the complex challenges facing agri-food systems today,” said
At a special panel titled Council of the Wise, the Opening Ceremony proved a unique opportunity for global leaders and science experts to share knowledge and insights, alongside farmer community members who offered inside knowledge from the frontline of agricultural challenges.
“Women feed Africa as they make up a high proportion of smallholder farmers. Yet where are the technology and tools that empower women and girls? When looking at the science to address challenges facing Africa, it is essential to do this through the gender lens to ensure innovations are equitable and inclusive,” said Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former Prime Minister of Mauritius.
Delegates have led science institutions and navigated farming through complex and changing challenges. Their insights are invaluable as we work to transform agri-food systems towards resilience,” said Lindiwe Sibanda, Chair of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership Board and moderator for the Council of the Wise panel.
A key topic will be the impact of climate change on global agriculture and how mission-driven collaborations, particularly through South-South cooperation, can ensure that agricultural advancements reach those who need them most—especially marginalized and underserved farming communities.
By welcoming diverse perspectives and leveraging cutting-edge research, Science Week can guide the transformation of food systems for a sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
“We have made considerable progress over the last decades in science and productivity, but demographic pressures have eroded the gains. We need to do more with less, combining political solutions with scientific solutions,” said Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and Former Prime Minister of Niger.