CGIAR launches two bold Innovation Sprints with AIM for Climate at COP29

CGIAR launches two bold Innovation Sprints with AIM for Climate at COP29 

At COP29, CGIAR proudly joined the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) in announcing investments and partnerships aimed at transforming food systems and building resilience to climate change. Amid the momentum, CGIAR unveiled two new AIM for Climate Innovation Sprints focused on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries, reinforcing its commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in our food, land, and water systems. 

Building on a History

CGIAR has partnered on multiple transformative projects within AIM for Climate-supported Innovation Sprints, that are yielding incredible results. These ambitious sprints target critical areas in agriculture such as crop resilience, soil health, and smallholder livelihoods including: 

Climate Resilience for African Farmers through Next-Generation Weather Intelligence 

This Africa-first initiative equips 20 million smallholder farmers with next-generation agri-weather services, ensuring they can adapt to climate variability with informed decisions. In Kenya alone, over one million farmers now receive bi-weekly SMS updates tailored to their local weather conditions and crop needs, a huge increase from 500,000. 

Fast Tracking Climate Solutions from the CGIAR Genebank Collection 

Supported by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this project unlocks critical genetic traits within CGIAR’s expansive genebank collections. By identifying resilience traits for drought, heat, and flooding, the initiative directly addresses the climate challenges confronting smallholder farmers, fostering long-term agricultural sustainability. 

Innovative and Impact-Oriented Delivery of Climate-Resilient Bean Varieties 

Led by the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), this initiative leverages a demand-driven “bean corridor” approach to improve food security for three million smallholder farmers across East Africa. With a focus on empowering women farmers who are 60% of its beneficiaries, this project improves productivity, strengthens market access, and ensures the widespread adoption of climate-resilient bean varieties. 

Driving Climate Resilience with CGIAR’s Innovation Sprints 

CGIAR’s two new Innovation Sprints under AIM for Climate were announced on 18 November. 

The FICRA Fund (Financial Inclusion for Climate Resilience & Adaptation) 

A $250 million impact fund, FICRA will channel patient debt financing to 25-30 financial institutions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By enabling farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies, the fund aims to strengthen food security and support sustainable rural livelihoods. Leveraging concessional capital, FICRA also seeks to mobilize private investment to close the financing gap for vulnerable farmers, ultimately fostering resilience in agricultural practices.  

The fund is supported by the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) and Big Valley GmbH. 

The Ag360 Climate Fund 

This $150 million, 10-year blended impact fund is focused on gender-responsive circular agriculture projects in the Global South. By financing innovative solutions such as waste-to-energy initiatives, biochar production, and regenerative farming, Ag360 aims to enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon, and improve food security. It also supports agriculture small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with corporate loans and technical assistance, promoting sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.  

The fund brings together a diverse group of participants, including CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance, Puro.Earth, Big Valley GmbH, Enabling Qapital, International Biochar Initiative. 

“At CGIAR, we are committed to action by advancing cutting-edge innovations and building partnerships to scale solutions for smallholder farmers and food producers.” said Dr. Elouafi. “Our collaboration with AIM for Climate exemplifies this dedication. This initiative unifies us in the shared goal of scaling climate-smart solutions at the intersection of food security and climate resilience.” 

Strengthening Partnerships for Global Impact 

CGIAR also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with USAID through the Financing for Agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises in Africa (FASA) initiative. Launched during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, FASA aims to close the financing gap for agri-SMEs, fostering growth and resilience in African agriculture through strategic investments.  

Looking Ahead 

As the AIM for Climate Innovation Sprints approach their conclusion in 2025, CGIAR is committed to building on its achievements. The recently unveiled AIM for Climate Report outlines key recommendations, including integrating climate-smart agriculture into national strategies, increasing investments, and scaling public-private partnerships, aligning with CGIAR’s vision for creating long-term solutions in food systems transformation. 

By leading on-the-ground innovations like these and forging valuable partnerships, CGIAR and Aim for Climate are ensuring that progress in climate-smart agriculture continues to benefit smallholder farmers and communities around the world. 

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) is a joint initiative by the United States and the United Arab Emirates 

Story by Sarah Morgan