Report on the CIMMYT-U.K. Partnership and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The strategic partnership between the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the United Kingdom has yielded significant economic and social benefits, directly contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration enhances agricultural productivity and resilience in the U.K. while simultaneously addressing global challenges of poverty and food insecurity, demonstrating a successful model for international cooperation under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

The partnership’s core focus on agricultural innovation directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by developing climate-resilient crop varieties.

Enhancing U.K. Agricultural Productivity and Food Security

• Approximately 65% of wheat cultivated in the U.K. originates from CIMMYT breeding material.
• These varieties incorporate critical genetic traits such as dwarfing for improved lodging resistance and increased yield potential.
• Enhanced resistance to wheat rusts and other diseases prevents significant crop losses.
• These advancements enable U.K. farmers to produce an additional 800,000 tons of wheat annually, generating over GBP 9 billion in increased profitability since 1971.

Building Climate Resilience

CIMMYT’s research provides a continuous supply of climate-adapted wheat varieties, which is increasingly vital as the world confronts the adverse effects of climate change. This work is fundamental to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of sustaining food production under new environmental pressures, a key target of SDG 13.

Fostering SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

The collaboration is a model of SDG 17, leveraging international partnerships to drive innovation in line with SDG 9.

Collaborative Research and Technological Innovation

The establishment of the UK-CGIAR Centre in 2023 formalizes the commitment to enhancing collaboration between CGIAR’s global agricultural innovation network and U.K. science. CIMMYT leads this effort, partnering with U.K. research organizations and universities to develop tools that benefit wheat improvement globally. Key innovations include:

1. Rapid Genotyping Tools: Advanced methods for the swift detection of wheat rust pathogens.
2. MARPLE Diagnostic Tool: A point-of-care technology developed with the John Innes Centre that provides early warnings of potential disease outbreaks, enabling preventative action.
3. Advanced Phenotyping Infrastructure: Cutting-edge facilities in Mexico allow U.K. scientists to conduct winter-season research on yield potential and climate resilience.

Driving Economic Growth and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 1, SDG 8, and SDG 10)

The impacts of the partnership extend beyond agriculture to foster broad economic growth and reduce inequalities, contributing to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Stimulating U.K. Economic Growth

CIMMYT’s work to improve livelihoods and incomes in lower-income countries has a direct positive effect on the U.K. economy. By alleviating poverty and increasing purchasing power abroad, the partnership helps create and expand markets for British exports. Estimates show this effect generates:

• An additional GBP 2.6 billion in annual exports for the U.K.
• Increased demand for British industrial equipment, consumer goods, and expertise in financial and technical services.

Alleviating Global Poverty

By developing improved maize and wheat varieties, CIMMYT’s research directly benefits populations in developing nations by increasing food availability and household income. This contribution to SDG 1 creates a virtuous cycle, where reduced global poverty opens new markets that benefit the U.K. economy.

Enhancing Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

The partnership’s success in boosting global food production contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by making nutritious food more affordable and accessible for U.K. consumers.

Improving Nutritional Outcomes in the U.K.

• CIMMYT’s global impact on food supply has reduced the cost of a healthy diet in the U.K. by an estimated 1.2%.
• This translates to an annual saving of GBP 46 for a family of four.
• Lower costs have facilitated increased consumption of healthy foods, including dairy, fruits, and vegetables, by British families.

Conclusion: A High-Impact Investment for Sustainable Development

The U.K.’s investment in CIMMYT, averaging approximately GBP 30 million in recent years, delivers a substantial return. The benefits are realized across multiple sectors, from increased profitability for farmers to expanded markets for exporters and improved nutrition for consumers. This partnership serves as a powerful example of how strategic investment in international agricultural research can generate significant domestic value while simultaneously advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus on agricultural research, food production, and international collaboration touches upon goals related to poverty, hunger, climate action, and partnerships.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text revolves around improving food security through agricultural innovation. It discusses increasing wheat and maize production, developing disease-resistant and climate-adapted crop varieties, and making food more accessible and affordable. The article explicitly mentions “global food security” and “global food production.”

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article connects agricultural improvements to poverty reduction. It states that CIMMYT’s work aims at “reducing global poverty” and that improved crop varieties help people in less developed countries by putting “more money in their pockets,” thereby improving their economic status.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article directly addresses the challenge of climate change on agriculture. It mentions the “adverse effects of climate change” and highlights CIMMYT’s role in developing “climate adapted varieties” and conducting research on “climate resilience” to help agriculture adapt to changing environmental conditions.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The core of the article is the “long partnership” between CIMMYT and the U.K. It details the collaboration between international research networks (CGIAR), national governments (U.K.), and research institutions (John Innes Centre) to achieve common goals in food security and scientific innovation. The creation of the “UK-CGIAR Centre” is a clear example of this SDG in action.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article is rich with examples of scientific innovation and the development of research infrastructure. It describes the creation of “rapid genotyping tools for wheat rust detection,” “field-based phenomics protocols,” and the “MARPLE” diagnostic tool. This focus on research, technology development, and scientific infrastructure aligns with fostering innovation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and outcomes described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food

   The article supports this target by describing how CIMMYT’s research has “increased global food production,” which has “made healthy and nutritious foods more accessible and less costly in the U.K.” This directly contributes to ensuring people have access to sufficient and nutritious food.

2. Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices

   This target is addressed through the development of improved wheat varieties. The article mentions creating varieties with “lodging resistance,” “resistance to wheat rusts and other pest and disease threats,” and “climate adapted varieties.” These are all examples of resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and help ecosystems adapt to climate change.

3. Target 2.a: Increase investment in agricultural research and extension services

   The article is a case study for this target. It highlights the “U.K. funding to CIMMYT” which has “averaged about GBP 30 million over recent years” and the creation of the “UK-CGIAR Centre” to improve collaboration. This demonstrates a clear investment in international agricultural research to enhance productive capacity.

4. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards

   The focus on developing “climate adapted varieties” and conducting research on “yield potential and climate resilience” directly contributes to strengthening the adaptive capacity of agricultural systems to climate-related hazards like drought or changing weather patterns.

5. Target 17.6: Enhance North-South cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation

   The partnership between the U.K. (a developed nation – North) and CIMMYT, which works in Mexico and other lower-income countries (South), is a perfect example of this target. The collaboration involves sharing “U.K. science,” developing tools like “MARPLE,” and providing U.K. scientists access to research infrastructure in Mexico.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicators for Agricultural Productivity and Resilience (Targets 2.4, 2.a)

  • Yield Increase: “an additional 800,000 tons of wheat per year” produced in the U.K.
  • Genetic Adoption Rate: “Approximately 65 percent of wheat grown in the U.K. can be traced back to CIMMYT breeding material.”
  • Economic Benefit for Farmers: “generating over GPB 9 billion in increased profitability since 1971.”
  • Financial Investment in Research: “U.K. funding to CIMMYT has averaged about GBP 30 million over recent years.”

• Indicators for Food Accessibility and Affordability (Target 2.1)

  • Reduction in Food Costs: “reduced the cost of a healthy diet in the U.K. by 1.2 percent.”
  • Household Savings: “an annual saving of GBP 46 per family of four.”

• Indicators for Innovation and Technology Transfer (Target 17.6)

  • Development of New Technologies: The creation and deployment of the “MARPLE” diagnostic tool for early detection of disease outbreaks.
  • Establishment of Collaborative Platforms: The creation of the “UK-CGIAR Centre” to improve collaboration between CGIAR and U.K. science.

• Indicators for Economic Growth and Trade (Relates to SDG 1, SDG 8)

  • Increase in Exports: CIMMYT investments result in an “additional GBP 2.6 billion in annual exports for the U.K.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cimmyt.org