Rising demand for animal and aquatic foods, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, systemic inequities, productivity gaps, threatens food security and livelihoods particularly in low and middle-income countries, (LMICs).

Small-scale producers, who supply over 70% of Africa's and Asia's livestock-derived foods, as well as contributing significantly to the total fish catch – 66% in Africa and 47% in Asia – are crucial to feeding the growing global population. Yet they face mounting challenges: soaring input costs, fragmented policies, and a lack of access to financing and technology. Meanwhile, livestock contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while unsustainable fishing practices endanger biodiversity.

Amid these 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 bold transformation to make animal and aquatic food systems more nutritious, climate-smart, and inclusive. At a high-level session during CGIAR Science Week, experts, policymakers, investors, and farmers gathered to discuss a way forward, one rooted in science and equity.

"Animal and aquatic food systems are facing unprecedented pressure," said Dr. Rodrigue Yossa, Interim Director of the SAAF Program. "We 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."

SAAF directly addresses these challenges 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.

With implementation planned in 17 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ghana, SAAF is on track to reach more than 1.7 million people through 18 targeted projects. The program seeks to unlock $84 million in funding, driving high-impact innovations such as methane-reducing tropical forages and carbon-sequestering seaweed farms.

"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.

These ambitions are backed by a strong commitment to partnership. National governments, universities, particularly from the Global South, NGOs, and private sector actors are key collaborators in SAAF's design and execution. 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's farmer-first approach ensures on-the-ground impact. "Farmers need affordable, practical technology—not just theories," said Oliver Mukunza, a dairy farmer from Kakamega. "Simple practices like cow comfort have helped me cut costs and improved my income."

SAAF directly supports CGIAR's 2030 agenda – ensuring that food systems are climate-resilient, inclusive, nutrition-driven and powered by innovation. The program's ultimate vision is to sustainably transform animal and aquatic food systems into sources of nutrient-dense, low-emission foods that improve lives, health, and the environment across low- and middle-income countries.

"SAAF is more than a program, it's a platform for systemic change. By uniting research, policy, and private sector action, we can ensure nutritious, sustainable foods for all," said Ishmahane Elouafi, CGIAR Executive Managing Director.

Image credits: Saleef Nyambok/ILRI