Kenya is among 17 low- and middle-income countries set to benefit from a new global initiative aimed at transforming food systems through sustainable livestock and aquaculture innovations.

Dubbed the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) programme, this initiative by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) aims to boost productivity, enhance climate resilience, and promote inclusive economic growth across targeted regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

“SAAF aims to improve the lives and well-being of about 1.7 million people in these countries by sustainably transforming animal and aquatic food systems, so they foster inclusive, healthy and nutrient-dense food supply chains that are climate- and environmentally friendly,” said Dr Rodrigue Yossa (pictured), Interim director of the SAAF programme. According to him, this will be achieved through focusing on six interlinked areas of work.

These include improving productivity through genetics and animal health, advancing regenerative aquaculture and low-emission livestock systems, ensuring food production is safe and healthy for people, animals, and ecosystems using One Health approaches, and expanding opportunities for women and youth across value chains.

The programme will also leverage cutting-edge digital innovations such as AI and blockchain to drive smart decisions, while enabling inclusive, data-driven markets that support smallholder producers.

Apart from that, the programme seeks to unlock $84 million in funding, driving high-impact innovations such as methane-reducing tropical forages and carbon-sequestering seaweed farms.

Yossa noted that animal and aquatic food systems are under unprecedented pressure, and the group cannot afford business as usual. He said demand for animal-source foods is expected to rise by 30 per cent by 2050, with low- and middle-income countries driving this growth along with the associated emissions.

“SAAF aims to bridge science with action, ensuring farmers adopt innovations that boost productivity while protecting the planet,” he added.