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.”