Podcast Summary: "Feeding the Future: Ismahane Elouafi on Soil, Science, and Survival"

Episode Release Date: March 26, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Der Große Neustart
• Host: Sibylle Barden, Publizistin
• Description: Exploring Revolutionary Ideas to Transform Our World
• Guest: Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIR

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Der Große Neustart, host Sibylle Barten engages in an in-depth conversation with Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, the Executive Managing Director of CGIR—the world's largest agricultural research network. Dr. Elouafi brings extensive expertise in climate-resilient agriculture, having led global initiatives that shape how the world grows food. Her credentials include shaping agricultural policies at the FAO, holding key roles at the UN, and receiving prestigious awards such as the National Award Medal by King Mohammed of Morocco.

Current Challenges in Global Agriculture

Sibylla Barten opens the discussion by highlighting the dire state of the world's agricultural systems. She references alarming statistics indicating that "one third of the world's land is degraded", and "food demand will rise by 60% by 2050," with "75% of what we eat comes from just five crops." These factors contribute to a fragile global food system susceptible to climate variability and geopolitical tensions.

Dr. Elouafi echoes this concern, emphasizing the urgent need for new, bold solutions. She states, "We are in the eye of the storm," underscoring the immediate crisis that demands innovative approaches beyond traditional agricultural practices. The conversation underscores the intersection of climate change, land degradation, and geopolitical instability as compounding threats to global food security.

The Role of Agriculture in Climate Mitigation

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on agriculture's dual role as both a contributor to and a solution for climate change. Dr. Elouafi explains that agriculture employs approximately 3 billion people worldwide and is integral to livelihood and food production. However, it is also responsible for "33% emission of greenhouse gases."

She highlights the potential of agricultural practices in carbon sequestration, particularly through soil management. "Soils have a huge capacity to sequester carbon," she notes, pointing out that enhancing this capacity through sustainable practices can significantly mitigate climate impacts. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of transforming food, land, and water systems to achieve both climate adaptation and mitigation.

Democratizing Science and Innovation

Sibylla brings attention to the concept of democratising science—a theme Dr. Elouafi passionately advocates. She asserts, "We need to democratize science and innovation," advocating for equitable access to scientific advancements and technologies. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by low-income countries in adopting innovations like gene editing, which Dr. Elouafi describes as a game-changer in agriculture.

She uses the example of gene editing technology, explaining its potential to enhance crop resilience and productivity. However, regulatory hurdles and intellectual property issues have limited its adoption in the Global South. Dr. Elouafi emphasizes the need for global cooperation to ensure that scientific breakthroughs benefit all regions, particularly those most affected by food insecurity and climate change.

Long-term and Short-term Solutions

The dialogue distinguishes between immediate actions and long-term strategies necessary to address global agricultural challenges.

In the short term, Dr. Elouafi emphasizes the urgency of tackling malnutrition and empowering small-scale farmers. She states, "We need to act very, very quickly... to tackle issues that are extremely important," highlighting strategies such as biofortification and enhancing productivity through sustainable practices.

In the long term, she envisions a fundamental shift in global perspectives on ownership and partnership. "We have to revisit our understanding of ownership, partnership," she explains, advocating for a more integrated and cooperative global approach. This involves rethinking geopolitical structures to foster collective responsibility for planetary health and human well-being.

Successes and Impact of CGIR

Dr. Elouafi proudly outlines the achievements of CGIR over the past 50 years, tracing its roots to the Green Revolution. She credits the discovery of the "nanism gene"—which produces shorter, higher-yielding wheat varieties—for averting widespread famine and improving global food security. "The Green Revolution... averted more than 1 billion people from malnutrition," she states.

She details CGIR's extensive impact, noting that the organization is behind nearly 60% of all wheat varieties and 50% of all rice varieties globally. These contributions have not only increased food production but also enhanced nutritional content, such as high-iron potato varieties that combat anemia in regions like the Andes.

Overcoming Obstacles and Changing Narratives

Despite CGIR's successes, Dr. Elouafi acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly the underfunding of agriculture within climate finance. She reveals a startling statistic: only "3% of climate finance is allocated to agriculture," a stark mismatch considering agriculture's significant greenhouse gas emissions.

The conversation explores how systemic inequalities and differing regional needs complicate global agricultural efforts. Dr. Elouafi advocates for tailored solutions that consider local contexts, such as varying dietary needs and ecosystem differences. She emphasizes the importance of *"diversifying our agri-food system," moving beyond a narrow focus on a few staple crops to embrace a broader range of species that are more adaptable and nutritious.

Empowering Women Farmers

A poignant segment of the discussion centers on gender equality and the empowerment of women in agriculture. Dr. Elouafi highlights programs aimed at enhancing women's financial literacy and agricultural practices. She explains, "Providing them with capabilities to understand their finance and to manage their finance better can go a long way," illustrating how empowering women leads to broader community benefits, including improved nutrition and education for children.

She shares specific examples from India, where programs teach women to diversify their crops and manage household finances, resulting in enhanced household stability and economic resilience. This focus on gender inclusivity is presented as a critical accelerator for achieving global food security and sustainability.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dr. Elouafi articulating a hopeful vision for the future of global agriculture. She emphasizes the importance of "willingness and political will" to implement the necessary changes. "It's about willingness and particularly political willingness that we are not seeing enough of," she remarks, calling for greater investment and partnerships across sectors to drive systemic transformation.

Sibylla Barten wraps up the conversation by underscoring the multifaceted approach needed to create a smarter, greener, and fairer world. The episode serves as a clarion call for immediate action and sustained commitment to revolutionizing agriculture to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Notable Quotes:

• "We are in the eye of the storm." — Sibylla Barten [02:11]
• "Soils have a huge capacity to sequester carbon." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [07:38]
• "We need to democratize science and innovation." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [13:06]
• "We need to act very, very quickly to tackle issues that are extremely important." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [18:28]
• "The Green Revolution... averted more than 1 billion people from malnutrition." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [21:20]
• "Providing them with capabilities to understand their finance and to manage their finance better can go a long way." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [56:43]
• "It's about willingness and particularly political willingness that we are not seeing enough of." — Dr. Ismahane Elouafi [38:45]

Key Takeaways:

• Urgency of Transformation: The global agricultural system is at a critical juncture, facing land degradation, rising food demand, and climate instability.

• Agriculture as a Solution: Sustainable agricultural practices, particularly soil management and carbon sequestration, are pivotal in mitigating climate change.

• Democratizing Science: Equitable access to scientific innovations is essential for empowering farmers globally and ensuring food security.

• Gender Empowerment: Empowering women farmers is a strategic accelerator for improving household nutrition and community well-being.

• Call for Political Will: Achieving a sustainable and resilient global food system requires concerted political commitment and substantial investment.

For more insights and transformative ideas on building a sustainable future, visit Sibylla Barden’s Official Site.