Alice Ruhweza of #AGRA & I write about why the new #AfricanUnion Youth in Agrifood Systems Performance Index matters for understanding how to create work that offers real opportunity, as millions of young Africans enter the labor market every year. www.standardmedia.co.ke/smart-harves...

Why measuring youth opportunity in Africa's agrifood systems is essential for growing quality jobs

Better measurement can help governments and development partners move beyond counting youth participation toward tracking job quality, and identifying investment gaps.

standardmedia.co.ke

With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of Alberto Valdés, an accomplished agricultural economist and long-standing friend to many of us at IFPRI. He joined IFPRI in 1976 and served as a Program Director of the Food Trade & Food Security Program until 1989. 📰 https://on.cgiar.org/3SjIRpb

In Memoriam: Alberto Valdés (1935–2026)

IFPRI mourns the passing of Alberto Valdés, an accomplished agricultural economist and a long-standing colleague and friend.

on.cgiar.org

🆕 #Blog: Understanding agrifood systems in flux: Johan Swinnen and Christopher Barrett on the award-winning 2025 Global Food Policy Report. 📝 https://on.cgiar.org/3Tt5UOB #GFPR2025 @cgiar.org @aaea-economics.bsky.social @jo-swinnen.bsky.social

Congratulations, John! So well deserved for all your brilliant and impactful work.

International Food Policy Research Institute@ifpri.org · 2mo ago

IFPRI Nonresident Fellow John Hoddinott has been named a 2026 @aaea-economics.bsky.social Fellow. Congrats on this well-deserved honor, John, & thank you for your enduring contributions to IFPRI and the global development community! 👏 #AAEA #FoodSystems #Nutrition #SocialProtection @cgiar.org

🏆 IFPRI’s #GFPR2025 won the @aaea-economics.bsky.social 2026 Quality of Communication Award! Thank you for this honor and recognition that rigorous research & effective communication are equally important for informing better decisions & meaningful action. 📰: https://on.cgiar.org/3Tov9la @cgiar.org

Pleased to attend the 30th #ICABR Conference. I discussed how international research institutes should take on the role of facilitator among private, public, and philanthropic actors to help build trust, harmonize regulation, and expand the #bioeconomy frontier responsibly. @cgiar.org @ifpri.org

It was a pleasure to participate in the IFI Roundtable on #Fertilizer Resilience and #FoodSystems Transformation. I shared insights on global shocks, fertilizer markets, and food security. Thanks to all participants for the engaging discussion. @cgiar.org @adb.org @treasurydept.bsky.social

Last week, I discussed financing agricultural productivity growth in times of global disorder at the 19th #EWEPA @tum.de. As decades-long improvements in food security and poverty stall or reverse worldwide, increasing investments in agricultural productivity is imperative. @cgiar.org @ifpri.org

Honored to deliver the keynote at the Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA) Congress. We discussed the impacts of economic growth, conflict, climate extremes, and aid and trade disruptions on global food security and what it will take to build more resilient food systems.

Last week I spoke at the World Bank Land & Property Research Conference 2026 on how global conflicts affect food security & smallholders. I also discussed why data governance & digital public goods are key to keeping AI inclusive and avoiding a new “landlord” class. @cgiar.org @ifpri.org

I was pleased to join the World Bank to discuss #WDR2025 and agrifood standards for African development. Targeted investments and institutional innovations must be put in place along the value chain to ensure standards act as levers, not barriers, for smallholders and SMEs. @cgiar.org @ifpri.org

Pleased to co-host the launch of the next-gen HungerMapLIVE with @wfp.org. Stronger data, better forecasts and AI-enabled insight help us act earlier on food crises. It was an honor to welcome WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain to introduce the platform. @cgiar.org

Last week, I participated in a discussion on how agricultural insurance can unlock investment, resilience, and recovery for smallholder farmers hosted by @ifpri.org, @cgiar.org and @bmz.de. The key challenge now is scaling proven solutions to reach more farmers effectively and affordably.

IFPRI was grateful to host Her Excellency Éléonore Caroit of France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for the 35th Martin J. Forman Memorial Lecture. This year’s lecture recognized the leadership of France and Minister Caroit as a champion for international #nutrition. @cgiar.org

On Wednesday, I was delighted to join a World Bank Knowledge Café with Felix Nkulukusa, Treasury Secretary of Zambia, and Marianne Grosclaude, World Bank, to discuss why and how governments can make progress on agricultural subsidy reform and start spending smarter. @cgiar.org

Yesterday, I participated in a discussion on how the Middle East conflict is adding new pressure to global food systems, hosted by @ifpri.org, @cgiar.org, and the UK FCDO. Amid challenges facing global supply chains, strengthening resilience and investing in timely analysis are critical.

Yesterday I was glad to join the "Philanthropy and the Future of Food Security" event with @cgiar.org and @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social. Philanthropy cannot replace public development funding, but it can respond more rapidly, take risks, and help scale the innovations our food systems urgently need.

IFPRI is pleased to renew our partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) through a new MoU with goals to address regional agri-food policy needs, strengthen data systems, and share capacity with the Dakshin Global South Centre of Excellence. @cgiar.org

How can we ensure that women truly benefit from food, land and water systems? In this video in recognition of #IWD2026, @jo-swinnen.bsky.social discusses the importance of including women not just as participants but as co-designers. @cgiar.org #IYWF2026

At the Asia and the Pacific Food Systems Forum 2026 @adb.org, I joined a breadth of actors to explore scaling science-backed investments for climate-resilient food systems. Assistance that also builds resilience and is well-informed by evidence should be the norm. @cgiar.org #AFS2026

On #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate women shaping a more food-secure, equitable, and resilient world. From farms to policymaking, women drive innovation in food systems—yet barriers remain. At @ifpri.org, we’re committed to research and partnerships that empower women and girls. #IWD2026

Building #resilience is central for robust food chains amidst an uncertain future. At Economist Impact's inaugural Future of Food Summit, I emphasized the role of #data in illuminating the challenges agri-food chain actors face—and informing the most effective path ahead. @cgiar.org

Always a great pleasure to work with CIMMYT colleagues and welcome them at IFPRI. Here is to enhanced collaboration in 2026 and beyond!

International Food Policy Research Institute@ifpri.org · 8mo ago

🤝IFPRI and @cimmyt.bsky.social have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration on strategic #research and policy initiatives aimed at addressing today’s complex food security challenges. Read more in our joint #pressrelease ➡️ https://on.cgiar.org/49ZR9J2 @cgiar.org

Last week I attended the #WorldEconomicForum in #Davos where I engaged with public & private sector leaders on food systems and resilience. I joined a COP16 Presidency UNCCD panel, highlighting how data & research inform policy around drought, agricultural resilience, and food systems. @cgiar.org

Pleased to represent @ifpri.org and @cgiar.org at #GFFA2026. I moderated the breakout session “Finding Constructive Solutions for Competing Uses,” where ministers outlined policy strategies for integrated #water management among farmers and other sectors—an imperative for food security. #GFFA

Thank you to all the policymakers, researchers & partners who joined us for our “Shaping Food Policy in a Changing World: Research Priorities for Greater Impact” event. Proud to celebrate 50 years of @ifpri.org & continue advancing research that delivers impact in the years ahead. @cgiar.org

Last week I attended the #AGORA25 Conference in Palermo, Italy, exploring how to tackle Africa’s most urgent priorities: job creation and growth. Agriculture is an essential part of this. The #MatteiPlan and #AgriConnect show how partnerships can turn policy into progress. @cgiar.org

Honored to have spoken at the 1st Annual Food and Agricultural Policy Summit where I shared insights on global disorder and the urgent need to finance food systems transformation. Thank you to @foodtank.bsky.social, Global Food Institute at GW, Culinary Institute of America, and José Andrés Group.

I was honored to join Cary Fowler, @cgiar-emd.bsky.social, Michael Werz, and Sir Richard Roberts for “Peace on the Plate: A Legacy of Security” at the World Food Prize Foundation #BorlaugDialogue2025 to discuss the urgency of tackling acute food insecurity in fragile & conflict-affected settings.

Looking forward to speaking at the inaugural Food and Agriculture Policy Summit on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Thank you to @foodtank.bsky.social, the GW Global Food Institute, Culinary Institute of America, and José Andrés Group for hosting this event. www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual...