Food systems science for peace and security: Is research for development key for achieving systematic change?

•There is strong evidence that climate variability leading to the failure of food systems is an important driver of conflict in many places.•Food systems science such as CGIAR and partners have the potential to contribute to peacebuilding, for instance by.•Developing climate-smart technologies, insurance packages and approaches to linking conflict reduction with reversing forest degradation.•Partnerships between scientific, humanitarian, peacebuilding, governmental and finance institutions might reduce conflict in the future.