What We Do

Asia has seen substantial growth and improvement in quality of life in the last few decades: between 1990 and 2003 the number of people living on less than US$1 a day dropped by nearly a third across the region. In many countries, and especially in East Asia, reductions in poverty have been dramatic; however, millions of people are still undernourished and many farmers remain vulnerable to droughts, floods, and other natural disasters. As one of the world’s primary producers of important crops such as rice, forages, and cassava, it is vital that agricultural production in Asia be managed in an effective and sustainable manner in order to ensure food security as well as work towards alleviating rural poverty.

CIAT’s presence in Asia was established in 1983 in Bangkok, Thailand, where work began on the genetic improvement and better management of cassava. Due to the success of cassava systems improvement and the adoption of new varieties, the research was extended into forages and livestock farming systems using participatory research methods. Improved forages became an entry point for improvements to livestock production, and over 50% of the cassava currently cultivated in Asia is planted with CIAT-related varieties, with average yields increasing by up to 100%.

As has been found with both the cassava and forages programs, linking production to markets can create economic opportunities, thereby accelerating technology adoption, rural development, and poverty alleviation. Our interventions, which include raising stakeholder awareness, collective action on marketing, and matching farmers’ production to industry requirements, have resulted in win-win situations for value chains.

Cassava Systems Improvement
Developing cassava-based farming systems through adoption of improved varieties and improved crop and soil management practices. More...

 

Forages and Livestock
Improving farmer’s livelihood through more efficient and sustainable agriculture and livestock production. More...

Linking Farmers to Markets
Linking smallholders to expanding markets so they can develop sustainable livelihoods in the rural sector. More... 

Integrated Research and Development
Linking research and development to combat poverty. More...