The Systems Agronomy for Global Development program at Cornell University conjunctively uses the tools and perspectives of modern agronomy (e.g. field trials, large-n farm surveys, remote sensing, dynamic simulation, data mining, and scenario analysis) to understanding how cropping systems function, to establish key entry points for sustainable intensification, and to devise and evaluate the performance of promising innovations.  We also dedicate significant effort to translational research that seeks efficient pathways for operationalizing research-based insights through decision support frameworks, analytics-based scaling of solutions, and the development of comprehensive ‘theories of change’ with partners in the public and private sectors to speed sustainability transitions.

Current thematic priorities include:

1. Characterizing the drivers and consequences of agricultural burning in South Asia (supported by: Atkinson Venture Fund)
2. Devising precision fertility and water management solutions for complex smallholder-dominated systems (supported by: the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia / BMGF)
3. Optimizing time management to increase climate resilience and water productivity in stress-prone production ecologies (supported by: the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia / BMGF)
4. Quantifying the functional dimensions of cropping systems diversification and transition pathways that support change (supported by: Tata-Cornell Institute)
5. Understanding landscape and management controls on greenhouse gas emissions in rice-based cropping systems (supported by: Data-Cornell Institute)
6. Regional yield gap and nitrogen use efficiency assessments (supported by: Excellence in Agronomy + IRRI / BMGF)
7. Development of mixed methods approaches for climate change adaptation planning and priority setting (supported by: Excellence in Agronomy / BMGF)