In the hills of Kakamega, Oliver Mukunza, a dairy farmer, has discovered that simple practices, such as ensuring cow comfort, can make a significant difference in defining success. The low-cost innovations are championed by the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) initiative. “Farmers need affordable, practical technology—not just theories,” he says, adding that simple practices have helped cut costs and improve his income.
Oliver’s experience is one of many in a rippling change across 17 countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ghana, powered by science and driven by equity, designed to meet the soaring demand for animal and aquatic foods sustainably.
Small-scale producers, like Oliver, supply over 70% of Africa’s and Asia’s livestock-derived food and also contribute significantly to the total fish catch, accounting for 66% in Africa and 47% in Asia, making them crucial to feeding the growing global population, which is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050.
The rising demand for animal and aquatic foods, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, systematic inequities, and productivity gaps, threaten food security and livelihoods, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Moreover, producers face mounting challenges, among them soaring input costs, fragmented policies, and a lack of access to financing and technology, while livestock contribute 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable fishing practices endanger biodiversity.
CGIAR’s Science-Based, Equity-First Transformation via SAAF
To tackle the challenges, the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Science program, part of a Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) 2025–2030 research portfolio, is leading a transformation to make animal and aquatic food systems more nutritious, climate-smart, and inclusive.
Dr. Rodrigue Yossa, Interim Director of the SAAF Program, said animal and aquatic food systems are facing unprecedented pressure, and the global community cannot afford business as usual.
“Demand for animal-source foods will rise by 30% by 2050, LMICs will drive this growth- along with associated emissions. SAAF bridges science with action, ensuring farmers adopt innovations that boost productivity while protecting the planet,” he said.
The program seeks to unlock $84 million in funding, and address these challenges directly through six integrated areas of work that target the complexity of animal and aquatic food systems.
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 program also leverages cutting-edge digital innovations—such as AI and blockchain—to drive smart decisions while enabling inclusive, data-driven markets that support smallholder producers.
“Policy gaps and high feed costs stifle small-scale fishers. SAAF’s focus on aquaponics, digital tools, and gender equity will revolutionize Kenya’s blue economy.” said Lucy Obungu, Director of Fisheries in Kenya.
Rather than replacing local systems, SAAF boosts national capacity through technical support, extension training, and innovation hubs.,
“SMEs are the backbone of food systems,” said Kristen Girvetz, co-founder of AgThrive. “With 75% of agri-SMEs underfunded, SAAF’s investment readiness programs can unlock capital for scalable solutions.”
SAAF is on track to reach more than 1.7 million people through 18 targeted projects driving high-impact innovations such as methane-reducing tropical forages and carbon-sequestering seaweed farms.
