WLE: Science Focal Point Meeting 2014

1. WLE: Science Focal Point Meeting 2014 Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

2. 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

3. WLE Program Structure

4. WLE At Scale

5. WLE ES&R Framework

6. What WLE is trying to achieve • Sustainable intensification provides a pathway for agriculture productivity, human development and resilient landscapes

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Managing salinity in Central Asia: licorice as a tool in rehabilitating abandoned irrigated lands. DrAkmalKarimov, IWMI Central Asia. Uniting Agriculture and Nature for Poverty Reduction

11. 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

12. 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

13. The Research Results

14. REVITALIZING DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS Reduce 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 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