Megatrends and CGIAR’s Research Portfolio
Since the launch of CGIAR’s 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy in 2021, the trajectory, frequency and pace of known trends and cycles has changed, and the world has experienced an increasing array and severity of global shocks. Examining the effect of these changes is timely as CGIAR prepares its 2025-2027 research and innovation portfolio.
In 2023, ISDC implemented a megatrend commissioned project to answer the following.
- What megatrend dynamics have changed since the CGIAR Strategy was prepared?
- How do these changes affect the CGIAR Strategy and its collective global targets?
- Based on new insights into megatrend dynamics, how should the CGIAR respond?
Demographic Trends
Changing Consumptions
Patterns
Patterns
Market Concentration in the
Agrifood System
Agrifood System
Environmental Degradation
Climate Change
Shifting Global Health
Challenges
Challenges
Geopolitical Instability
Growing Inequalities
Frontier Technology and
Innovation
Innovation
The Concept Note of this project was presented at the 18th CGIAR System Council meeting held in Washington DC, USA on May 11-12, 2023. Preliminary findings and implications related to the Gender Equality, Youth, and Social Inclusion Impact Area were prepared for the 19th CGIAR System Council meeting held in Rabat, Morocco on October 20-21, 2023, and discussed at the 2023 ISDC Science Forum.
The Discussion Paper Responding to Evolving Megatrends was released on December 14, 2023. Its purpose is to advise CGIAR System Council, System Board and Management, and the CGIAR scientific community at large on the implications of the changing dynamics of megatrends. This should inform the evolution of the current research and innovation portfolio.
Impact Areas
- CGIAR research aims
- to create real,
- lasting, and positive
- impact in five key
- Impact Areas.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION &
MITIGATION
MITIGATION
Improving small-scale producers’ resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH & BIODIVERSITY
HEALTH & BIODIVERSITY
Increasing productivity in food systems while staying within environmental boundaries and maintaining
biodiversity.
GENDER EQUALITY, YOUTH & SOCIAL INCLUSION
Closing the gender gap and enhancing opportunities for youth in food, land, and water systems.
NUTRITION, HEALTH &
FOOD SECURITY
FOOD SECURITY
Ending hunger and enabling safe, affordable, healthy diets for the world's most vulnerable people.
POVERTY REDUCTION, LIVELIHOODS & JOBS
Building on a 50-year track record
of lifting millions out of poverty.
of lifting millions out of poverty.
Related Publications
Responding to Evolving Megatrends Interim Report: CGIAR Gender Equality, Youth, and Social Inclusion Impact Area
Transformation through Inclusive Innovation: Literature Review and Commentary
