Feeding the Future: Ismahane Elouafi on Soil, Science, and Survival

In this moving and timely episode, Der Große Neustart welcomes Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research network—leading 9,000 scientists across 89 countries. CGIAR’s research powers 60% of the world’s wheat and 50% of its rice, and for over 50 years has shaped how the world grows food—securing food systems and lifting millions out of poverty. We speak with Dr. Elouafi about what it takes to feed 10 billion people in a world of climate shocks, shrinking biodiversity, and deep global inequality—and how science must be at the center of the solution. She reminds us: “Eight hundred million people go hungry today. With a 2-degree rise in temperature, that number could rise by 180 million. With a 4-degree rise? Two billion.” 🔍 Topics we explore: - Why soil, science, and survival are inseparable - The launch of CGIAR’s new 2025–2030 global research portfolio - The promise of gene editing—and why it shows the need to democratize science - Why old models can’t guide our future in a time of irreversible biodiversity loss - The need for differentiated climate policy, with stark global disparities in consumption: → Americans eat 128kg of meat/year → Nigerians: 7kg, Indians: less than 1kg - Why we must diversify beyond a handful of crops: “There are 30,000 edible plants in the world. Why are we relying on just a few?” - How investing in women farmers unlocks food security and community transformation Recognized by The New York Times as one of 10 women redefining leadership, Dr. Elouafi offers not only scientific clarity, but a compelling call to action—grounded in public good, equity, and dignity. “We must design a system that benefits everyone—especially the most vulnerable.”