Our Research

We have carried out research in food security in the UK and overseas for decades, and the former CARIAD (CAZS Natural Resources) had almost 30 years' experience of rural development work in some of the world's poorest countries. A central focus is the promotion of agricultural and forestry development and the provision of technological and scientific innovation to improve natural resource development and management. Earlier work concentrated on arid and semi-arid lands, but in recent years has evolved to encompass virtually all agro-ecological zones and span many countries across Africa, Asia and Europe.

We are an internationally recognised centre for research in participatory crop improvement and renewable natural resources. The research is directed at farmer, community and policy levels, mainly in developing countries of Asia and Africa.

Our research in crop improvement, and in climate and crop production, has a strong focus on working closely with farmers, in particular with marginal farmers in Africa and Asia. This has had a major impact on the livelihoods and food security of farmers and their families in a large number of countries. With local partners, we have developed and released a number of cereal and grain legume varieties in different countries. These are all well-adapted for local, often marginal, environments and carry traits that farmers in these areas prefer.

In these days of climate change, burgeoning human population and accessibility and availability of fertilisers in parts of the world, resource-use efficiency is a major theme running through all our work.

Publications from our projects are all available via our Virtual Library, and websites and synopses of our recent research projects are available to visit and download via the Research Themes page.