CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)

This week, the world marks International Day of Rural Women, Thrive contemplates women farmers and how they are coping with today’s agricultural challenges. Take farmer Rachel from Kenya. With severe weather on the rise, Rachel’s farm is besieged by erosion. And downstream water users are also feeling the impacts. But researchers are finding that the right interventions can cut soil runoff by up to 40% – a benefit that might find its way into struggling farmers’ incomes. Jane Gicheha, a Researcher with The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) explores this topics for Farming First and Thrive.

Using water productively for agriculture is key, especially in the arid parts of our world. A new study shows that combining water and land interventions is the best way forward.

On the occasion of World Habitat Day, UN Habitat is calling for ‘waste-wise cities’ that recycle and reuse waste to help realize international agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. But how is that possible for cities in low-income countries that are still struggling to keep their streets and water ways clean? Accra, the capital city of Ghana, leads the way, with public authorities successfully turning city waste into safe and efficient fertilizer for farmers in and around the city.