Balancing food security with environmental sustainability: CGIAR approach to nutrient management, food security, and environmental sustainability

In a rapidly changing world, where agricultural productivity must balance food security with environmental sustainability, the CGIAR is leading the charge. A global consortium of 15 international research centres, CGIAR is committed to developing innovative agricultural solutions that address the urgent challenges of food production, while keeping in mind the need for nutrient management and environmental conservation. Their work contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on reducing poverty, improving food and nutrition security, and promoting sustainable resource management.

At the heart of CGIAR's research lies soil nutrient management-a cornerstone of agricultural productivity and food security. However, soil nutrient management in agriculture presents a complex challenge that varies across regions. For instance, in many developed nations and developing countries where the Green Revolution has taken place, intensive fertilizer use has resulted in environmental problems like eutrophication and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In stark contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with nutrient deficits, as low fertilizer usage hampers crop productivity and food security.

"As a result, the continent is at a critical crossroads-African leaders committed during the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit to increasing fertilizer use in the coming decade to boost agricultural output. Yet, increasing fertilizer use poses a double-edged sword: while essential for enhancing food production, it risks long-term environmental harm if not managed correctly. The policy challenge for Sub-Saharan Africa is not just about increasing fertilizer consumption but ensuring it is done in a sustainable way. CGIAR's role, in this case, extends beyond developing agronomic technologies; it also involves advising governments on crafting actionable investment plans that consider environmental sustainability," stated Hua Xie, CGIAR Environmental Health and Biodiversity Impact Platform and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Hua made the remarks at the International Workshop on Soil Health and Environment that was held from 19-22 September 2024, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou during his presentation titles, Nutrient Management, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability: A CGIAR 's Perspective.

Xie noted that a significant effort of CGIAR's research is dedicated to developing knowledge and data products, modelling and analysis tools, and using these resources to advise investment decisions and policy-making by international development agencies and national governments. He showcased these efforts through three CGIAR projects.

Modelling the future: nutrient pollution and agricultural intensification

A significant portion of CGIAR's research focuses on understanding the broader implications of soil nutrient management and food production through modelling and analysis. One of these studies involves global-scale foresight modelling that projects nutrient water pollution risks associated with intensified food production. Using IFPRI's IMPACT (International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade) system, CGIAR researchers simulate various scenarios of agricultural expansion under different climate change and socioeconomic conditions.

"The results are clear: nutrient pollution from agriculture is expected to rise sharply, especially in low-income countries. This poses a substantial challenge to policymakers in these regions, who must balance the competing demands of boosting food production while mitigating environmental damage. For Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, the findings emphasize the need for more careful and nuanced nutrient management strategies as countries aim to scale up agricultural production," stated Xie.

Synergies between irrigation and nutrient management

In a separate study focused on Nigeria, CGIAR explored the interplay between irrigation investments and nutrient management. Nigeria, with much of its agriculture reliant on rain-fed systems, has significant potential to expand its irrigated cropland. However, when farmers adopt irrigation without increasing fertilizer use, crop yields are not fully optimized due to nutrient stress. By simulating different scenarios, CGIAR researchers demonstrated that coupling irrigation investments with improved fertilizer application dramatically boosts agricultural productivity.

He emphasised, "This research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to agricultural investments-coordinating irrigation and nutrient management to maximize efficiency. The insights gained from these simulations are crucial for shaping policy decisions in Nigeria and other regions where agricultural intensification is key to ensuring food security."

The promise of organic fertilizers

Recognizing the potential environmental pitfalls of synthetic fertilizers, CGIAR is also investigating alternative solutions, such as the use of organic fertilizers like manure. In Kenya, CGIAR researchers are evaluating the feasibility of replacing some synthetic fertilizers with organic alternatives. While organic fertilizers offer potential environmental benefits, questions remain about their long-term impact on soil health and crop productivity.

One of the key findings from this research is the nee

d for high-quality, localized data on fertilizer use and nutrient levels. The accuracy of predictive models, which inform policy and investment decisions, relies heavily on the quality of input data. Unfortunately, developing countries often have poor-quality nutrient data, leading to less reliable outcomes in nutrient management analysis. To address this, CGIAR is working to build localized nutrient datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, starting with Kenya, and aims to expand this work to other regions in the near future.

For a sustainable future for global agriculture, Hua called for collaboration, investment, and a commitment to both environmental sustainability and food security. 'Policymakers, international development agencies, and researchers must work together to ensure that agricultural intensification is balanced with nutrient conservation and ecosystem protection,' he emphasised.