The DeSIRA initiative has driven agricultural innovation across 65 countries through 80 research projects aimed at tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty. While systemic transformation remains a long-term goal, DeSIRA has yielded significant outcomes by fostering multidimensional innovations—combining technological, social, and policy approaches. A key challenge now is scaling these innovations beyond pilot phases, ensuring continuity through strengthened research capacities and governance.

This bookhighlights 15 case studies showcasing DeSIRA’s strategies for sustaining impact. The first section explores social innovations that empower communities and local leaders to drive change. The second focuses on technological and supply chain innovations, particularly climate-smart solutions and value chain improvements. The third examines policy innovations, detailing how projects have influenced regulatory frameworks through multi-stakeholder platforms and evidence-based policymaking.

A crucial takeaway is that successful scaling requires bundling innovations, integrating community-driven change, technological advancements, and policy support. However, sustaining these beyond project lifespans remains challenging, particularly in regions where policy frameworks are weak. The book underscores the need for government-led scaling efforts, ensuring that DeSIRA’s pioneering approaches continue to transform agrifood systems at scale.