This study assesses the impact of conservation agriculture practices on soil conditions and maize yields in a sub-humid region of western Kenya. Results from a long-term field experiment show that residue retention significantly increases soil moisture, while practices such as ripping reduce soil penetration resistance. Crop diversification, particularly maize–soybean rotation, further enhances soil moisture and substantially improves yields compared to continuous maize systems. Combined with appropriate fertilization, these practices lead to marked yield gains, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated soil and crop management strategies in improving productivity under rainfed conditions.

This study examines how long-term cassava-based conservation agriculture systems affect soil greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia. Drawing on experimental data since 2009, it compares conventional tillage with no-tillage systems that include cover crops and residue retention. The results show that conservation agriculture can improve the greenhouse gas balance by increasing soil carbon inputs and reducing emissions per unit of yield. The findings highlight the potential of integrated soil and crop management practices to reconcile productivity with climate mitigation in tropical farming systems.

The 2025 Swiss Panel survey shows strong and consistent public support for Switzerland’s engagement in international cooperation. A clear majority of respondents (77%) oppose further cuts to development cooperation spending, a share that increases significantly when respondents are informed about the relatively low per capita contribution.

Across the political spectrum, there is broad convergence on priority areas. Education and health are most frequently identified, followed by food security and agriculture, which rank among the top areas for investment irrespective of political affiliation. This alignment suggests that sectoral priorities are not the main source of disagreement in Swiss development cooperation.

At the same time, recent budgetary developments indicate a shift in resource allocation, with reduced funding for poverty reduction and increased allocations to defence and Ukraine-related measures. Public opinion reflects a nuanced position, with limited support for reallocating funds away from lower-income regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa.

Overall, the findings indicate that while opinions diverge on specific objectives—such as climate action, migration, or inequality—there is a shared emphasis on contributing to global stability and well-being, alongside a relatively stable consensus on key sectors of engagement.

The World Food System Center has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting research, education, and dialogue activities aimed at advancing sustainable food systems. Key initiatives include projects on data-driven farm management, regenerative agriculture, and innovative food processing technologies. The report also emphasizes the Center’s role in fostering international dialogue and training future professionals through interdisciplinary education. With strengthened partnerships and new leadership, the Center aims to further accelerate food system transformation in the coming years.

New research from ETH Zurich shows that plant water uptake under drought conditions is primarily limited by soil properties rather than plant physiology. Published in Science, the study demonstrates that increasing capillary forces in drying soils prevent plants from extracting water, helping explain why efforts to breed drought-resistant crops have had limited success. These findings have important implications for global agriculture, suggesting that improving soil management and water retention may be more effective than focusing solely on plant genetics in addressing drought stress.