Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs – CGIAR

Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods, and Jobs: CGIAR’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Objectives Aligned with SDGs

Through research and innovation, CGIAR aims to address critical global challenges related to poverty and livelihoods, directly contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The key objectives include:

1. Lift at least 500 million people living in rural areas above the extreme poverty line of US $1.90 per day (2011 PPP), supporting SDG 1.1.
2. Reduce by at least half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions, in line with SDG 1.2.

Strategic Activities Supporting SDGs

To achieve these objectives, CGIAR Initiatives implement targeted activities that foster inclusive and sustainable development across food systems. These activities contribute to multiple SDGs by enhancing economic opportunities, resilience, and social protection:

• Policy Research and Engagement: Conducting research and policy dialogues across all segments of food systems to improve access to productive resources, knowledge, finance, and markets. This supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting inclusive agricultural policies, social protection programs, and off-farm employment opportunities.
• Resilience and Competitiveness Solutions: Providing innovative solutions to strengthen resilience, risk management, and competitiveness of small-scale agriculture and agrifood chains. Special emphasis is placed on empowering women and youth, advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Improved Adoption of Resilient Varieties and Breeds: Enhancing the adoption of adapted and resilient crop varieties and livestock breeds to increase productivity and stability of farmer incomes. This activity supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and market access.

Impact and Future Directions

All CGIAR Initiatives contribute to the overarching goal of Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods, and Jobs, thereby advancing the global agenda for sustainable development. The integrated approach ensures alignment with the SDGs, fostering inclusive growth and resilience in rural communities worldwide.

Below is a selection of CGIAR Initiatives that primarily contribute to this impact area, reinforcing the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

The article primarily addresses the following SDGs:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article focuses on lifting people out of extreme poverty and reducing poverty in all its dimensions.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and access to markets, the article relates to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The emphasis on improving livelihoods, jobs, and income-generating opportunities aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The focus on women and youth inclusion in agriculture and value chains connects to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

Based on the article’s content, the following targets can be identified:

1. SDG 1 Targets:
   • Target 1.1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day.
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
2. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, and fishers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
3. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
4. SDG 5 Targets:
   • Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, including access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Proportion of population living below the international poverty line (US $1.90/day) – directly linked to Target 1.1.
• Proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty according to national definitions – related to Target 1.2.
• Income levels of small-scale food producers – measuring improvements in livelihoods and productivity, relevant to Target 2.3.
• Adoption rates of resilient and adapted crop varieties and breeds – linked to Target 2.4 for sustainable agriculture.
• Employment rates and quality of jobs in rural and agricultural sectors – connected to Targets 8.3 and 8.5.
• Access to productive resources, knowledge, finance, and markets for women and youth – related to Target 5.a and inclusion efforts described.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cgiar.org