Systems approach seen as strategic game-changer for drylands and rainfed regions

At the 33rd Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA) in Hyderabad, ICRISAT and CGIAR’s Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program convened a high-level session on “Scaling Pathways for Multifunctional Landscapes to Transform Agri-Food Systems.” Over 150 researchers, practitioners, and policymakers explored how landscape-scale, systems-based approaches can drive sustainable, equitable transformation in dryland and rainfed regions.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, highlighted the need to integrate climate-resilient varieties, women’s leadership, and innovation ecosystems into agri-food system transformation. Dr Shalander Kumar framed MFL as a strategic pivot for fragile regions, emphasizing integrated resource planning, multi-sectoral convergence, and value-chain scale interventions beyond administrative boundaries.

Keynote speaker Dr Ramesh Singh showcased successes in Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bundelkhand, where landscape-level collaboration between communities, governments, researchers, and markets has restored natural resources, improved productivity, and enhanced livelihoods.

A high-level panel called for a new cadre of systems professionals to tackle institutional bottlenecks, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and embed systems thinking across national and state programs. Real-time audience polling validated the need for governance reforms, decentralised decision-making, and evidence-driven, landscape-scale planning.

The session concluded that MFL is emerging as a new development grammar for drylands and rainfed regions—a systemic, governance-anchored approach that simultaneously regenerates resources, boosts livelihoods, harnesses markets, and builds resilience. ICRISAT and CGIAR will continue working with national and state stakeholders to co-develop and scale blueprints for landscape-based transformation.