Opuntia stricta biocontrol seen as “a success” in Kenya by local communities
Opuntia stricta, an invasive cactus, threatens the livelihoods of thousands of people living in rural communities across Africa. Working with local partners, CABI has released a biocontrol agent, a sap-sucking bug commonly known as cochineal, which is helping to control the plant, reducing its impact. A new CABI study has found that local communities perceive the biocontrol to be a success.
UK Minister visits CABI to strengthen action against Britain’s most destructive invasive species
Invasive species are a growing threat to biodiversity, economies, and everyday life in the UK and globally. During Invasive Species Week, a Defra minister’s visit to CABI highlighted the role of science, collaboration, and practical action in tackling their spread and protecting ecosystems, livelihoods, and public wellbeing for the future.
How CABI helped Zambia revive maize seed exports and strengthen plant health systems
Zambia’s maize seed trade faced crisis in 2020 when shipments were rejected over phytosanitary concerns, risking millions and reputation. With CABI’s rapid scientific support, the country restored trade, strengthened plant health systems, and built resilience. The case highlights how collaboration, evidence, and swift response can safeguard markets and livelihoods sustainably.
Community-led management of invasive cactus in Kenya’s rangelands
Communities in Kenya’s Koija rangelands are leading efforts to control invasive cactus using biological control, manual removal, and Integrated Landscape Management approaches.
Local action to national impact: Pakistan’s emerging community-led conservation story
Pakistan is exploring new ways to protect biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas, with local communities playing a vital role. Through sustainable land management and collaborative conservation efforts, these initiatives highlight the potential of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to safeguard ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and support livelihoods across the country.
International Day for Biological Diversity: Why local action matters
Marking the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, this blog explores how CABI is supporting locally led, science-based action to restore ecosystems, manage invasive species, and protect biodiversity worldwide.
Valuing trusted knowledge in the age of AI
As AI systems increasingly use and reshape trusted knowledge, how should publishers respond? This blog explores practical approaches to pricing and licensing content for AI, drawing on insights from the GAIA project and CABI’s wider work on data governance.
Regional knowledge exchange advances pesticide risk reduction in Ethiopia
Across Ethiopia, smallholder farmers continue to face growing pressure from pests that threaten horticulture production, incomes, and food security. In response, many rely heavily on chemical pesticides, sometimes as the only available option. How do we shift from short-term pest control to long-term resilience? Increasingly, the solution lies in pesticide risk reduction approaches like Integrated…
Why data stewardship matters for understanding crop loss
CABI is strengthening data stewardship to improve how crop loss data is managed, shared and used. Through the GBCL and EDA projects, this work embeds FAIR principles, resolves data challenges, and supports the production of reliable, accessible evidence to inform decision-making on global crop loss.
Closing the gaps: Food safety and women’s empowerment in Uganda’s agrifood policies
A study recently published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems examines the connection between food safety and gender in Uganda’s agrifood policies. The research, led by CABI scientists and supported by CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme and AWARD, highlights how food safety is critical to public health, economic stability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, agrifood…