The power of partnership: cgiar and nares leading dryland innovation for impact

The “Delivering Resilient Drylands” session, held on April 10 during the CGIAR Science and Innovation Week in Nairobi, showcased research and strong collaborative leadership, with CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program (DCP) and the Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network (ADCIN) at the forefront. The session featured insightful presentations and a dynamic panel that reinforced the power of partnerships across CGIAR and NARES systems.

Kevin Pixley, Director of CIMMYT’s DCP, opened the session on behalf of CIMMYT’s Chief Science & Innovation Officer, Sarah Hearne. He emphasized CIMMYT’s contributions to the recently released CGIAR Dryland Strategy, stating, “We bring science – as our theme for CGIAR Science Week says ‘with science we can,’ but we also emphasize ‘with partners we can.’Partnerships and great science are central to the Dryland Crops Strategy of the CGIAR. Pixley highlighted CIMMYT’s science-driven approach, supported by an expansive network of 18 NARES institutions across 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, working collaboratively on breeding pipelines for six dryland crops, namely sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, groundnut, cowpea, and pigeon pea. He also noted the establishment of over 25 specialized stress screening sites, and the production of more than 24,000 metric tons of seed that in 2024 benefited over 115,000 farmers in Senegal, 58% of whom are women.

The opening remarks were followed by presentations from Chris Ojiewo (CIMMYT), Mark Nas(CIMMYT), and Mariam Coulibaly (INERA), each bringing unique insights into ADCIN’s design and execution. Ojiewo set the stage by illustrating the strategic vision for ADCIN, emphasizing inclusivity, joint innovation, and the alignment of CGIAR and NARES goals. Nas presented the scientific architecture of the breeding pipelines and the role of shared platforms and standardized protocols. Coulibaly, one of ADCIN’s rising adjunct scientists, offered a powerful perspective on the program’s capacity-building model, underscoring how mutual learning and equitable collaboration are transforming the NARES-CGIAR dynamic.

The panel discussion that followed featured voices from Eveline Sawadogo Compaoré (INERA, Burkina Faso), Rekiya Abdulmalik (IAR, Nigeria), Bright Jumbo (ICRISAT), Charles Bett (KALRO, Kenya), and Harish Gandhi (CIMMYT), who spoke candidly about what makes the current CGIAR–NARES partnership model both different and effective. They praised its inclusive governance, demand-led breeding design, and co-learning approaches. “This isn’t a one-way street. We’re learning together,” noted Gandhi.

Key themes included sustainability through institutional embedding, national ownership, and diversified funding. The panelists also addressed risks—from climate variability to policy shift—and the strategies ADCIN is deploying to stay resilient, such as multi-location testing, inter-NARS partnerships, and performance-based frameworks.

As Eveline Sawadogo Compaoré eloquently stated, “This network is not closed. It is open to all who want to bring expertise and grow together.” That spirit of openness, innovation, and shared ownership defines the promise of ADCIN and the CGIAR Dryland Strategy.

To cap off the session on a light but telling note, audience participants were invited to reflect on the nature of the CGIAR–NARES partnership — Is it innovative, brilliant, or downright crazy? The overwhelming response affirmed it as innovative, with many expressing excitement and confidence in its potential. It was a moment of collective affirmation that this bold experiment in co-creation is not only timely but also charting a hopeful path for the future of dryland agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.  

Those interested in learning more or engaging with the network can email adcin.africa@gmail.com. A member of the ADCIN team will be glad to follow up.

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