WLE: Science Focal Point Meeting 2014

Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

Progress over the past year

We have appreciated the efforts that partners have gone to in preparation of POWB and Annual Reports

The resubmit of the ‘refresh’ document has been accepted by the CO and we await the recommendations from the CB

The ‘refresh’ includes changes to the structure of the Program with Flagships, Clusters and Core Themes

We were pleasantly surprised by the number of outcome stories that were submitted for this event – clearly demonstrating the diversity of work going on in the Program

WLE Program Structure

WLE At Scale

WLE ES&R Framework

What WLE is trying to achieve

Sustainable intensification provides a pathway for agriculture productivity, human development and resilient landscapes

Why

Increasing environmental degradation Rising risks associated with the current growth agenda Rapidly rising human demands and inequity – we need to meet the

human agenda• We are consuming natural capital in a way that is not sustainable and

equitable Recognition that sustainability agenda is at the heart of

development

How

Influencing development choices to improve sustainable agricultural intensification through nature based solutions by providing:

• Evidence-base knowledge that sustainable intensification provides improved food security, equity, livelihoods and landscapes

• Integrated solutions to better manage risk related to rising shocks

• Models and scenarios to understand trade-offs and synergies• Institutional innovations to address inequity and gender

imbalances, while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth

Unique selling points

We are not about protecting ecosystem for the sake of ecosystems We support human development by working with ecosystems and

people Ecosystems as the foundation for agriculture productivity, equity,

livelihoods and prosperity We go beyond the paradigm of minimizing the impacts of

agriculture We are exploring the interface between rural and urban systems Working across sectors to provide integrated solutions to reverse

land and water degradation Combining an ecological approach with a natural resource

management approach to build resilience

Managing salinity in Central Asia: licorice as a tool in rehabilitating

abandoned irrigated lands.

Dr Akmal Karimov,

IWMI Central Asia.

Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

The Issue

34 million hectares of globally equipped irrigated area is abandoned or underperforming due to salinity

In Central Asia, 50% of irrigated area affected by degrees of salinization

Elevated water tables that mobilize salt in the profile

Drainage systems do not work effectively – lack of maintenance and investments

The Research Approach

Dewatering the profile with deep rooted species endemic to Central Asia – Licorice

Tolerates salinity; market for root extracts – industrial uses; pharmaceuticals; food and beverages (Coca Cola)

Forage can be fed to livestock – protein content of 12%

Licorice is a perennial shrub; tolerates harsh winters -20C

The Research Results

Year

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Dry

mat

ter

yiel

d (

t h

a-1

)

0

2

4

6

8

10

Forage Roots

Year

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

De

pth

to s

urf

ace

(cm

)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Saline abandonedLicorice rehabilitated

Critical depth

Crop

Cotton Wheat

Yie

ld (

t h

a-1

)

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Saline abandonedLicorice rehabilitated

REVITALIZING DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMSReduce land degradation and increase resilience of small scale farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa and other hot spots across the globe

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for amelioration of salt-affected soils and income generation, Uzbekistan

2009 2010 2011 2012 20130

50010001500200025003000350040004500

Net profit from Licorice produc-tion

Natural conditions

Cultivated crop

Net i

ncom

e, U

SD/h

a

Salt-affected soils in Syr Darya, Uzbekistan, 2005

Growing licorice on abandoned salt-affected soils can: Ameliorate salt-effected soils Return them to productive use Improve fertility of soils Generate high income for poor farmers