SNV strengthens global climate and food systems partnerships at AFSF

New memoranda of understanding with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the Global Green Growth Institute create a framework for deeper collaboration across food systems, climate action, finance and green investment.

While the two agreements have distinct areas of focus, they share a common rationale and bring together complementary expertise. With the Alliance, the focus is on strengthening the connection between agricultural research, innovation and implementation. With GGGI, the agreement creates a basis for deeper cooperation on climate policy, finance and green investment.

The partnership with the Alliance also creates a stronger link between research and experience on the ground. Evidence can help shape programmes and investment decisions, while implementation can show where approaches need to be adapted and where further research is needed.

Together, the agreements create new opportunities to connect evidence, policy, investment and practical experience in addressing interconnected challenges across food systems and climate action.

Bringing research and implementation closer together

The agreement with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT formalises a relationship that has developed over several years.

As part of CGIAR, the Alliance has a significant portfolio of agricultural research and innovation. SNV works with governments, businesses, farmers, and other local actors to apply and adapt approaches in different contexts. Closer collaboration will enable the organisations to test and apply research and innovation in practice, generate evidence from implementation, and explore opportunities to take effective approaches to greater scale.

The organisations will explore opportunities for joint work across food systems, climate and investment, as well as engagement in relevant international food systems and climate processes.

Expanding cooperation on climate finance and green investment

The agreement with GGGI builds on collaboration around green growth, climate action, and investment.

GGGI works closely with governments to develop green growth strategies, climate policy and investment, while SNV works with businesses, local institutions, and communities to translate climate and development priorities into practice.

The agreement provides a framework to identify opportunities for collaboration across countries and regions, including in areas such as climate and blended finance, nature-based solutions, low-carbon development and green investment.

Mobilising more climate finance is only part of the challenge. Investment also needs viable opportunities that reflect national priorities and respond to the realities facing businesses, institutions, and communities.

Connecting food systems, climate, and finance

The two agreements reflect a wider need for collaboration across areas that have often been approached separately.

In food systems, climate pressures affect how and what farmers can produce. Access to energy and finance shapes whether businesses can invest and grow. The way land, water and other natural resources are managed affects what is possible over the longer term.

Research, policy, finance, and implementation therefore need to inform one another more consistently.

AFSF provides a fitting setting for the two agreements. The Forum brings together governments, research organisations, businesses, investors and practitioners from across Africa and beyond, with a shared interest in the future of food systems.

For the Alliance, GGGI and SNV, the agreements provide a stronger basis for continued collaboration while opening up opportunities for new joint initiatives and shared learning.

About the partners

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is part of CGIAR. It delivers research-based solutions for food and land systems, working with partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

The Global Green Growth Institute is a treaty-based international, intergovernmental organisation that supports developing countries and emerging economies in pursuing green growth. It works with its members and partners on areas including climate action, policy and investment.

SNV

SNV is a global development partner rooted in and working across Africa and Asia. With a team of approximately 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform agri-food, energy and water systems to enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.