Musalia Mudavadi Calls for Science-Led Solutions to Combat Hunger at CGIAR Science Week
He noted that although the world has made notable scientific strides, millions still face hunger, revealing a disconnect between innovation and practical application in addressing food insecurity.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Photo/Musalia Mudavadi.
By Robert Assad
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the critical role of science in achieving global food security and sustaining political stability, urging world leaders to prioritize science-driven approaches in agriculture and food systems.
Speaking during the official opening of the CGIAR Science Week 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Mudavadi addressed a key paradox facing the modern world — the persistence of hunger despite remarkable advancements in science and technology.
“Science drives food security and underpins political stability. Without it, building resilient food systems and stable nations is impossible,” said Mudavadi in his keynote speech.
He noted that although the world has made notable scientific strides, millions still face hunger, revealing a disconnect between innovation and practical application in addressing food insecurity.
“Why does hunger still exist when we have the tools to end it?” he posed, challenging global stakeholders to rethink current approaches and mobilize science to drive real-world solutions.
Mudavadi called for bold action from governments and leaders across the globe, emphasizing the urgency of integrating scientific knowledge into national policies, agricultural strategies, and food production systems.
He further highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture, noting that rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and pest outbreaks are wiping out crops and undermining food production across vulnerable regions.
“We must use science not only to boost yields but also to combat agricultural diseases and climate-related losses,” he added.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary urged governments to invest more in agricultural research, support farmers with innovative technologies, and create enabling environments for scientific collaboration.
He also called for partnerships between governments, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure that scientific breakthroughs reach the communities that need them most.
CGIAR Science Week brings together leading researchers, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to explore scientific approaches to solving global agricultural challenges.
This year’s theme centers on transforming food systems through climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Mudavadi’s message resonated with the broader conference goals, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a key advocate for science-led development on the African continent and globally.
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