Securing sustainable crop nutrition: the role of fertilizers in regenerative agriculture

25 April 2024, 14:00- 15:00 (CEST). Securing sustainable crop nutrition: the role of fertilizers in regenerative agriculture

While the use of fertilizers in agriculture has historically been associated with environmental harm, when strategically integrated within regenerative practices, they can foster soil health and bolster nutrient cycles, leading to resilient yields and food security.

• Which fertilizers can be employed within a regenerative farming approach, and how?
• The ecological benefits that a sustainable use of certain fertilizers can help to achieve​​​
• The role of fertilizers in enabling sustainable crop nutrition through robust and regenerative food systems

Speakers:

• Marina Ettl, Director for Funded Projects and Regenerative Agriculture Business Intelligence, Yara International
• Jan Willem Sepers, Senior Director Agriculture EMEA, Lamb Weston
• Paz Panunzio Moscoso, Research Scientist Sustainability and Strategic Research, Yara International
• moderated by Tanya Ricard, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation Forum.

  

EU Missions & cross-cutting activities: A Soil Deal for Europe Mission

25 April 2024. This event aimed to inform potential applicants about the new topics included in the EU Missions and Cross-cutting Activities work programme 2024.

Call: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-09: 

Assessment of Soil Health in Africa (see page 295 - 299: Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025: Missions and Cross-cutting Activities #376 p.)

Activities under this topic will advance the international dimension of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ and contribute to its specific objectives, in particular objective 4 "reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration". Activities will also contribute to the EU-Africa Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture, African Union strategies, initiatives and action plans relevant for soil health and support global commitments and SDGs, in particular in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, biodiversity, and climate. 

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: 

1. Enhanced and accessible data for policy makers and intergovernmental organisations to inform a continental 'convergence of evidence' map that indicates areas in Africa that are likely to be affected by soil degradation processes (as has been implemented for Europe with the EUSO Soil Health Dashboard). 
2. Enhanced access to knowledge that can be used by a wide range of stakeholders to inform soil and land management policies and practices, prioritize areas for intervention and research and development, and support improved advisory services for farmers in Africa. 
3. Improved datasets are available on soil threats/properties which will contribute to the development of an interactive Soil Health Dashboard for Africa.  

Young changemakers revolutionise scaling agroecology using video

Van Mele, P., Mohapatra, S., Tabet, L. and Flao, B. 2024. Young changemakers: Scaling agroecology using video in Africa and India. Access Agriculture, Brussels, 175 pp.

24 April 2024. Access Agriculture announced the release of its new book “Young changemakers,” which offers a rich diversity of perspectives and insights from real-life experiences of 42 inspiring teams of youths in Africa and India who are blazing a trail as private extension and advisory service providers promoting agroecology through farmer-to-farmer learning videos. 

Each of the deeply compelling stories presented in this book spark new ideas on how young people can drive change and create sustainable jobs that contribute to more resilient food systems. The stories reveal not only the passion, motivation, creativity and commitment of the young changemakers to promoting agroecology and sustainable agricultural practices, but also their ability to turn their challenges into opportunities. Their impact in their communities has been profound, as evidenced by the success stories shared in this book.

• 
  From 2019 onwards, the organisation has empowered over 120 teams of young Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) across 17 countries in Africa and India. Its coaching and support have been instrumental in providing the ERAs with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their endeavours. 
• These ERAs have been equipped with a solar powered smart projector – containing a vast library of more than 270 videos in over 100 languages – which enables them to disseminate knowledge on agroecological practices to farming communities.
• Targeting their services to schools, rural clinics, youth clubs, farmer organisations and refugee settlements, over three years the ERA teams presented in the book screened agricultural training videos to nearly 200,000 people, of whom 60% were below the age of 35. 

Young changemakers provides valuable takeaways for both aspiring and existing agripreneurs and is sure to resonate with all those who wish to support and expand this unique model of young digitally equipped extension and advisory service providers in driving meaningful change in agriculture and food systems. 

A free e-version of the book can be downloaded on the Access Agriculture website: www.accessagriculture.org/our-young-entrepreneurs

Measuring inclusive access to quality seeds

25 April 2024. 3:00 to 4:00 pm East Africa Time/12:00 to 1:00pm UTC The Seed Equal Webinar Series: Measuring inclusive access to quality seeds-the why, how and what next

• Women and poor smallholder farmers in many developing countries across regions continue to face challenges in accessing good quality seed of preferred varieties at the time and place they need, due a range of challenges and barriers.
• The Africa Seed Access Index (TASAI) will present on a newly developed indicators of inclusive access, primarily interpreted as access by women and youth, to quality seed of preferred varieties.

Speakers: 

• Dr. Miriam Kyotalimye
• Mainza Mugoya
• Dr. Krisztina Tihanyi (TASAI)

Related: 

22 - 24 April 2024. 2nd General Assembly of the Africa Seed and Biotechnology Program (ASBP)

ASBP is a continental program that frames the development of the seed sector in Africa. ASBP was developed under the auspices of the African Union (AU) with substantial support by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is designed to contribute towards agricultural transformation, economic growth, food security and nutrition and overall prosperity in
Africa.

FARA’s Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios Cluster Lead and African Seed and Biotechnology Partnership Platform (ASBPP) coordinator under the auspices of the African Union, Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, facilitated the 2nd ASBPP General Assembly.

This collaborative effort, led by ASBPP under the purview of African Union‘s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment DARBE -AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, FARA, and the Wageningen Center for Development Innovation (WCDI) of Wageningen University & Research, brought together 120 stakeholders from across Africa’s seed sector.

Soil health and global food security: Research & innovation

25 April 2024. 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Brussels. TP Organics Soil health and global food security: Research & innovation for productive and sustainable agriculture.

• download the agenda.

The event will feature presentations and discussions on practical approaches to integrating biological inputs into farming practices, drawing insights from experiences in both the European Union and Africa.

• Herman Van Mellaert, President at International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), the voice of the Biocontrol technologies industry, will give a key-note speech setting the scene, introducing the topic of biocontrol and why it is crucial for sustainable agriculture, while also presenting the activities of IBMA: Keynote: Biocontrol – green innovative and effective technologies for sustainable agri-food
• Lakshmi Manavalan, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will showcase projects and practices the Gates Foundation has carried out, applying biocontrol technology in different scenarios. Overview of importance of biofertilizers, Gates investments in this area and the need for more investment
• Stefaan De Neve, professor at Ghent University, will share insights from his research on soil nutrients while also raising the critical question of sourcing nitrogen in the future, when there will be no more mineral fertiliser produced. Scientific research on soil nutrients and challenge of replacing mineral nitrogen fertiliser.
• 
  Raveendran Muthurajan, Director of research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), will delve into TNAU’s research and case studies on biocontrol and agroecology from an Indian point of view. Barriers to adoption and TNAU’s projects on biostimulants efficacy testing from South Asian perspective
• Bernard Vanlauwe, R4D Director at IITA, will present their current research project in Nigeria. Future research needs for product development and current research projects of IITA, the lead research partner facilitating agricultural solutions in the Sub-Saharan region

Panel discussion: Barriers to and options for uptake of biocontrol and biostimulants as well as future research needs for sustainable and productive agri-food systems at EU and international level

• Klaus Berend, Deputy Director General for Food Sustainability at DG SANTE, European Commission, will join the high-level panel debate and bring in the policy perspective.
• Gisela Quaglia, Research Programme Officer at DG AGRI, European Commission, is specialist for biocontrol and bio-pesticides and fertilisers and related research topics under the Horizon programmes.
• Inge Van Daele, Portfolio and ESG Manager at Aphea.Bio, will present this Belgian technology platform dedicated to food security and ensuring a safe and healthy food chain.
• Herman Van Mellaert 
• Bernard Vanlauwe 
• Moderator: Rose O’Donovan, Editor, AGRA FACTS

Fertilizers, soil health and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa

25 April 2024. 14:00- 15:00 (CEST). InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: "Fertilizers, soil health and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa"

Recording forthcoming

Funded by the European commission, the "Sustainable Agrifood System Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface Initiative (SASi-SPi)" will present a food system perspective on the debate surrounding the use of fertilizers, soil health, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This InfoPoint Conference aims to contribute to the discussions planned in the African Union Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health (Nairobi, May 7- 9, 2024).

Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface (SASi-SPi) is a 5-year € 11.5 million project with the overall objective to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Aquatic and Agri-Food Systems in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Agrinatura-led SASi-SPi will share preliminary findings of an ongoing study that uses a systemic approach to look at the fertilizers and soil health topics, with a focus on the following issues:

• While integrating agroecological approaches with synthetic inputs is essential, the optimal combination of fertilizer use and agroecological practices depends on local soil conditions. Agroecological practices are all the more necessary as the soil is degraded.
• The average productivity of fertilizer is greater in Africa than in the rest of the world. Some rebalancing would probably also yield aggregate environmental benefits.
• The key driver for increased and sustained productivity is the effective demand for food and its impact on crop profitability which ensures the incentives for farmers to invest in soil health and fertilizer. 

This InfoPoint Conference will gather researchers, policy-makers, agri-food systems actors and look from a new perspective at the role of fertilizers in increasing agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa: 

• Why is their role in food security such a pressing and debated issue? 
• What are the relevant agronomic, socio-economic, and policy challenges at stake? 
• How do we deal with such challenges from a policy-making perspective? 
• How evidence can be helpful to inform decision-making?

The challenges assessed in SASi-SPi research are prompting Africa to envision its own pathway for sustainable agri-food system development. African policymakers are undeniably grappling with these immense challenges as they determine the types of intensification suited to each context and explore diverse strategies to feed a growing population better. African policymakers also weigh the short and long-term trade-offs of agri-food systems while addressing their impacts on sustainability. 

In this regard, SASi-SPi is developing an agri-food system approach where the often conflicting objectives, key sustainability issues and interactions of agri-food system components are considered.
Speakers

• Leonard MIZZI, Head of Unit, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
  
• Dr Tristan LE COTTY, Economist, CIRAD
• Christophe LAROSE, Head of Sector, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
• Nuno Santos, Deputy Director (Business Development), FAO Investment Centre
• Dr Godfrey BAHIIGWA, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission
• Marie-Claire KALIHANGABO, Coordinator, African Fertilizers Financing Mechanism, African Development Bank AFDB
• Dr Million BELAY, General Coordinator, African Food Sovereignty Alliance

Resource:

Article: 04/10/2023

In sub-Saharan Africa, mineral fertilization and agroecology are not incompatible

The article highlights five reasons why more mineral fertilizer is needed in sub-Saharan Africa:

1. Farming systems are characterized by very low mineral fertilizer use, widespread mixed crop-livestock systems, and significant crop diversity, including legumes. Inputs of mineral elements to crops by farmers are insufficient, resulting in a widespread decline in soil fertility due to soil nutrient mining.
2. The nitrogen requirements of crops cannot be met solely through biological nitrogen fixation by legumes and manure recycling. Legumes can only fix atmospheric nitrogen if symbiosis with soil bacteria functions correctly, which requires absorption of different mineral elements by the plant. Ken Giller of Wageningen University, highlights that the ability of legumes to capture nitrogen from the air through their symbiosis with rhizobium bacteria is a fantastic opportunity for smallholder farmers, “but the amounts on nitrogen fixed are very small unless other nutrients such as phosphorus are supplied through fertilizers”.
3. Phosphorus and potassium are often the main limiting factors of the functioning of plants and living organisms, including symbiotic bacteria: if there is not enough phosphorus and potassium in soils, then there is no nitrogen fixation. These nutrient elements, phosphorus, potassium and micro-elements, need to be provided by fertilizers, since they cannot be provided by legumes, which draw these elements directly from the soil. In the case of manure, this is simply a transfer from grazing areas to cultivated areas, which gradually reduces fertility in grazing areas.
4. If used appropriately, mineral fertilizers have little impact on the environment. The greenhouse gas emissions linked to nitrogen fertilizer use can be controlled through a balanced and efficient application. In addition, mineral fertilizers can be produced more efficiently in order to reduce the impact of their production on greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind that this impact is low, at around 1% of total anthropogenic emissions.
5. Further reducing mineral fertilizer use in SSA would hamper productivity gains and would contribute directly to increasing food insecurity and indirectly to agricultural expansion and deforestation. Producing for a population that will double by 2050 is likely to require the use of more agricultural land. An extensive strategy thus harms biodiversity and contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, contrary to an agroecological intensification strategy combined with efficient and moderate mineral fertilizer use.

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Soil Health

25 April 2024, 3:00 pm CET. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Soil Health

Recording forthcoming

• Lulseged Tamene Desta, a Principal Scientist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, will discuss the development and impact of the NextGen agro advisory system, which significantly enhances soil health and crop yields through targeted fertilizer recommendations. 
• Anirudh Keny from Boomitra will showcase how AI is a game-changer in optimizing soil carbon sequestration, enabling even the smallest farms to contribute to the carbon market and fostering a healthier planet. 
• Alesha Miller, Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Green
• Katie Kennedy Freeman, Senior Agriculture Economist in the Agriculture and Food Global Practice in the West and Central Africa region at the World Bank.

Boomitra

Boomitra uses satellite and AI technology to measure, report, and verify soil carbon credits across the globe. Alongside an ecosystem of international partners, Boomitra equips every farmer and rancher to increase their soil carbon and yields, while securing additional income through carbon credits. Recarbonizing soils through improved land management practices is one of the most affordable ways to sequester carbon and has the potential to remove 10% of humanity’s annual emissions. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners worldwide can store carbon in the soil while benefiting climate, communities, and biodiversity.

• Boomitra partners with local organizations that work with these farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices, including reduced tilling, mulching with crop residues, organic manure application, water management, and agroforestry activities. These practices are proven to increase soil organic carbon and enable farmers to improve their productivity. CUs may be issued for the greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals associated with the production of cereals, grains, pulses, sugars, fibers, and other crops in this region.
• Due to its proven impact in the climate space, Boomitra was recently awarded the third-annual Earthshot Prize in the “Fix Our Climate” category. Boomitra will be awarded GBP 1 million and engage in the year-long Earthshot Fellowship programme, where they will receive dedicated support to continue scaling Boomitra and reaching more farmers worldwide.

Boomitra: A WFP Innovation Accelerator Supported Innovation and a Earthshot Prize winner
Boomitra’s carbon-credit financing can increase farmers’ income by 10-20 per cent each year. Their pilot in Kenya, supported by the Farm to Market Alliance, will reach 1,200 more farmers this year. Read Hannah's story, who is working with Boomitra and the Farm to Market Alliance to take climate action on her farm.

Boomitra Carbon Farming in East Africa through Soil Enrichment

• Hannah joined Boomitra and the farmer-focused global consortium Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) for their pilot in Kenya in 2022, which will provide Hannah with further guidance on regenerative agriculture and new income streams through a carbon removal credit system. 
• The pilot project was launched under the WFP Innovation Accelerator and will reach more than 1,200 farmers in Kenya, who will become eligible to receive carbon financing in the coming year.

Boomitra’s approach to regenerative agriculture is unique in the following ways:

• Farmer-first training. Farmers and ranchers are the centre of Boomitra’s innovative approach to restoring the planet’s soils. With its network of partners, Boomitra provides participating farmers with free support to introduce regenerative agriculture on their farms. Farmers are empowered to make decisions on their farm that best fits their context, environment, and needs. When implemented practices lead to carbon sequestration, farmers become eligible for carbon financing.
• AI-powered remote soil monitoring. Boomitra’s proprietary AI and remote sensing technology measures soil moisture, nutrients, and carbon more accurately and efficiently than traditional soil monitoring technology. With accurate and timely data, farmers can reduce their water and nutrient usage by 30 percent while enhancing soil fertility. Boomitra’s technology is based on models developed from more than one million accredited soil samples and analyses. By pairing this data with satellite technology, Boomitra can accurately and continuously monitor soil conditions without the need for additional soil sample collections and analyses, which require additional time and resources.
• Equal access to carbon markets. Boomitra provides supplementary revenue streams for smallholder farmers through carbon credit payments, which compensate farmers for the carbon stored in their soil due to their regenerative practices. Unlike other carbon market systems, Boomitra’s technology makes it possible for agricultural producers of any size, growing any crop anywhere in the world to engage in carbon removal markets, removing barriers to access additional income for smallholder farmers.

Resources:

Evaluating the potential and eligibility of conservation agriculture practices for carbon credits

Published: 22 April 2024. 

Carbon credits, a voluntary market mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, can incentivize climate action. We evaluate the potential and eligibility of Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices for carbon credit generation in India under Verra's VM0042 methodology. 

Using farmer surveys and remote sensing data, it assessed the eligibility based on the following conditions: 

• Additionality Condition (GHG emission reductions to exceed legal requirements and the weighted mean adoption rate to be < 20% of area in the baseline), 
• Yield Penalty Condition (no > 5% decrease in crop yields), and 
• Quantitative Adjustment Condition (reduction in chemical fertilizer use by > 5%). 

The analysis shows that CA has the potential to increase farmers’ carbon credit earnings by USD 18/ha and USD 30/ha in Bihar and Punjab, respectively.

Improving the Speed and Efficiency of Agricultural Extension with AI
Farmer.Chat is designed to deliver tailored assistance to hundreds of thousands of extension workers providing advice to tens of millions of small-scale farmers around the world.

“Using the assistant, I was able to answer farmer questions about climate-smart pest management immediately and confidently.”  - Female extension agent in Bihar, India

Innovations in packaging: opportunities for African entrepreneurs and SMEs

24 April 2024. Innovations Session n°18: Innovations in packaging: opportunities for African entrepreneurs and SMEs

• Programme: English, French, Portuguese
• Biodata: English, French

Recording forthcoming

The Innovations Session n°18 organised by PAFO-COLEAD showcased innovations in packaging by African entrepreneurs.

• Improving packaging systems will contribute to strengthening the entire food supply chain, improve the competitiveness of enterprises and benefit all food chain actors and consumers.
• The need for efficient supply chains and logistics systems which ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of packaged goods remains a complex task.
• More and more packaging is no longer considered as a cost item by businesses but as an investment which adds value to the finished product. This is crucial as a consumer’s decision to buy is made largely by looking at the packaged product, and consumers are captivated by unique products.

Appropriate packaging has a significant impact in improving food quality and safety, thereby reducing food losses, whilst enhancing the competitiveness of Africa’s agro-enterprises and boosting trade. Furthermore, packaging plays a key role in improving the marketing of produce and is an important part of a strategy to enhance competitiveness of agro-SMEs.

• To reducing the overall environmental impact of food packaging systems, the continent should also consider the environmental impact of the packaging material itself.
• African enterprises must lead in green packaging. To achieve this, they will need facilities to test new packaging designs, information platforms to inform processors about available materials and equipment, and advisory support services to help enterprises adapt production and product design to reduce costs, waste and pollution. 
• Also, there is a need to attract investors to develop scalable and recyclable packaging manufacturing facilities.

Speakers:

Highlights

• Phronesis Foods is a food processing hub, dedicated to providing food processing mechanization and automation equipment and resources to small businesses in Nigeria. Phronesis Foods  provides food processing equipment to control food waste in the communities. Phronesis Foods also maximizes local raw materials by creating new food products from them.
• 
  Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK) The main focus is to enhance the skills of packaging professionals by imparting current knowledge and expertise in packaging technology, science, access, and engineering. The ultimate goal is to improve the competitiveness of packaged products in both local and export markets by optimizing the supply and demand chains across all industries.
• African Packaging Organisation objectives:
  
• 
  to bring to the attention of African states the role that packaging can play in addressing some of the continent's major development challenges. 
• to build packaging capability in Africa by promoting and maintaining the status and business of those engaged in packaging, and by the recognition of packaging as a profession, this to be achieved by international collaboration, and by establishing, publishing and disseminating educational standards and training information,
  examinations, and the awarding of bursaries and qualifications as may seem appropriate from time to time; 
• to encourage the competitiveness of African exports by assisting where possible in the improvement of product presentation through effective packaging; 
• to promote and support the packaging industry as represented by its members and to serve as a forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge between its members and other organisation or persons interested in packaging

Opportunity

Promoting Packaging Excellence in Africa

This new packaging awards programme is designed to showcase the very best of the African packaging industry. The AfriStar Awards are introduced as a pan-African Awards programme alongside the established Gold Pack Awards. Entrants who wish to only participate in the AfriStar Category of the Gold Pack Awards are not required to pay any entrance fee.

The special AfriStar Category will be judged in two parts -
1. Packaging entries from anywhere in Africa but outside of South Africa
2. Entries produced in South Africa specifically for markets in Africa but outside of South Africa.

Previous session:

21 February 2014. The 17th session of this series launched by PAFO and COLEAD focused on "Potential of African regional markets: Successes from SMEs and Smallholders". 

• The full programme of this session is available here: https://bit.ly/3tKZtd5 
• Speakers’ biodata are available here: https://bit.ly/3PfwcPl 

Global Community of Practice on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils

23 April 2024. Inaugural Webinar of the Global Community of Practice (CoP) on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils VACS - Theme: Optimizing the Vison for Adapted Crops and Soils in Africa 

The VACS represents the latest wave in the global attempt to firmly integrate the forgotten/ indigenous food opportunity into the food system. The Africa Community of Practice on Forgotten Food was established following the UN Food System drive; this has laid the foundation to ride on for the integration of forgotten foods; it has developed the Africa Manifesto on Forgotten Food in alliance with AU led Africa Common Position on the Food System. 

• The VACS CoP is the global community and will integrate and strengthen the existing Africa CoP by providing opportunity to align with a global movement on the same subject. VACS is a global movement that aims to foster more resilient food systems by focusing on the fundamentals of food security: --adapted crops and healthy soils. 
•  VACS was launched by the U.S. Department of State, the African Union (AU), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). 
• VACS seeks to boost agricultural productivity, nutrition, and farmer livelihoods through diverse, climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils, and by promoting land use and management decisions to ensure that soils will be conserved for the nutrition of future generations. 
• VACS provides a unified investment framework for stakeholders to advance these goals. 
•  VACS prioritizes nutrition as the endpoint for resilient food systems. 

 The Webinar offer an opportunity to understand the VACS and leverage the global movement in the direction of Africa's interest. We will have the opportunity to influence how VACS should run in Africa through the engagement.

Tipping points on soil erosion in the global south

24 April 2024. Webinar on tipping points on soil erosion in the global south

This webinar delved into the critical tipping points in soil erosion and their implications, particularly in regions of the global south where the impacts are currently most pronounced.

A recording will be available after the event.

The Tipping points discussion series supports efforts to increase consistency in of tipping elements in the scientific community, develop a research agenda, and design joint experiments and ideas for a Tipping Element Model Intercomparison Project (TipMip). 

It is a joint activity of the Analysis, Integration, and Modeling of the Earth System (AIMES) global research project of Future Earth, the Earth Commission Working Group 1 Earth and Human Systems Intercomparison Modelling Project (EHSMIP) under the Global Commons Alliance, and the Safe Landing Climates Light House Activity of World Climate Research Program (WCRP). IIASA co-hosts the scientific secretariat of Working Group 1 of the Earth Commission and is one of the organizers of
these events.

• Global inequalities and tipping points in soil erosion by Amaury Frankl (Ghent University)
• Human impacts on soils: Avoiding tipping points and restoring soil ecosystem services by Nikolaos Nikolaidis (Technical University of Crete)
• moderated by Amandine Erktan (IRD, UMR Eco&Sols, Montpellier).

Sustainable Intensification of Soils and Agroecosystems

23-25 April 2024, Dakar, Senegal International Conference on Sustainable Intensification of Soils and Agroecosystems

The objective of this conference is to bring together researchers, teacher-researchers, students, experts and professionals to present the latest scientific results and discuss the challenges and opportunities for sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Download the programme here # 134 p
• Follow online on zoom here 

Organized by the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA), the Center for International Cooperation in agronomic research for development (CIRAD), the Agricultural Prospective Initiative and rural (IPAR), the “Dynamics for an Agroecological Transition in Senegal” (DyTAES) and their partners, with the support of the African Center of Excellence in Agriculture for Security food and nutrition (CEA AGRISAN) and the French scientific committee of the desertification (CSFD), this international scientific conference will allow researchers and researchers, as well as civil society to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

23/04 Session 1 : Des modes d’usage des terres renouvelés face aux enjeux de l’agenda 2030 du développement durable

This session presented research results on alternative agricultural and pastoral practices and on the responses provided by these practices to global issues and the needs of farming communities. Particular attention was paid to alternative practices allowing adaptation to the effects of climate change in the region, in particular the management of the health of soils, plants, animals and that of water resources. This session will also question the capacity of alternative practices for controlling greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through their potential for carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.

24/04 Session 2 : Co-construire et co-évaluer les futures pratiques agricoles et les voies d’adaptation des agrosystèmes : quelles méthodologies ?

This session highlighted approaches that have integrated from their initiation a diversity of actors in the search for sustainable alternatives, in particular through innovative methods of co-design and consultation (living labs, collaborative or participatory research platform, modeling support, deliberative approach, etc.)

24/04 Session 3 : La transition agroécologique pour plus de durabilité et de souveraineté alimentaire

This session discussed the latest advances in terms of knowledge on agricultural and livestock techniques or practices, social arrangements and public policies which respond through agroecology to questions of sustainability on a scale. local, territorial, or national. It involved assessing the impact of these possible transformations on renewed food sovereignty policies.

25/04 Session 4 : Intensification durable à l’ère du numérique, de l’intelligence artificielle et des nouvelles technologies ?

• Application des images drone en RGB et de l’Intelligence Artificielle (IA) pour dénombrer les pieds de mils et estimer leur taux de couverture à l’échelle de parcelles dans un système agroforestier dominé par Faidherbia albida. Niang A. et al
• S4-3. Deep learning approach for diagnosing and estimating the severity of mango diseases in developing countries : the case of Senegal. Faye D. et al
• S4-4. Spatial Characterization of Agroforestry System Performance in Faidherbia/Pearl Millet Intercrops Using a Probabilistic Atlas of UAV Data. Diene S. et al
• S4-12. Association cultural mil-niébé comme défit de l’intensification agroécologique au Sénégal : capacité du modèle STICS à simuler ces performances agronomiques. Senghor Y. et al
• S4-11. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) sur l’Agroécologie adapté au contexte de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : outils numérique efficace pour appuyer la transition agroécologique. Sall SN. et al.

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Agroecology specific to West Africa (page 115 of the programme) - MOOC sur l’Agroécologie adapté au contexte de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : outils numérique efficace pour appuyer la transition agroécologique 

For a better understanding and good use of agroecological techniques and meeting the challenge of the agroecological transition, it is necessary to innovate and adapt information and sharing systems of knowledge on agricultural practices, agri-food systems and sectors, the orientations of the research, initial and continuing training for actors in the agricultural and rural world, and the system support for farmers (the agricultural council). For this, the use of tools to strengthen The most accessible and least expensive capacity will better satisfy stakeholders. Among these tools, there are training courses accessible everywhere (online), free and very interactive which are MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course). 

Agroecology is above all diversity, a diversity of ways in understanding and construction of agroecological systems, in the analysis and implementation of principles. This is why the Agroecology MOOC in West Africa takes into account the contexts regional know-how in its application and the food system as a whole. The objective of the tool created in West Africa is to adapt the content of agroecology MOOCs to the standards of West African context, to co-create new adapted case studies and new lessons illustrating the agroecological transition and co-constructing an animation system supported by the partners. The development of the MOOC Agroecology specific to West Africa constitutes a real opportunity in capacity building for teaching staff, students and development stakeholders agricultural, and thus an important lever to support the sustainable intensification of its production systems agricultural.

23/04 Table ronde 1 : Quelle transition agroécologique pour une souveraineté alimentaire en Afrique de l’Ouest ? (organisée par DyTAES)

The objectives of this round table were: to take stock of experiences around the agroecological transition; to dialogue on the place of the agroecological transition in policies and expected agricultural transformations; to identify the challenges for a successful agroecological transition.

24/04 Table ronde 2 : L’intensification durable dans l’agenda de la prochaine Conférence des Parties (COP16) de la Convention des Nations Unies de Lutte contre la Désertification (CNULCD) ? Quels messages portés à la COP16 ?

The objective of this round table is to debate: on issues of scientific diplomacy with regard to the CNCLD; on priority messages to highlight in anticipation of the next “Desertification” COP

on modalities (Policy brief) to make these messages visible.

4th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum

22 - 24 April 2024.  4th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum.

The Forum’s core objective is leveraging digital technologies to extend the scope of scientific collaboration and ensure inclusive participation across Africa. The agenda includes discussions on significant policy frameworks and strategic plans, such as the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the AUC Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030), the EU Comprehensive Strategy with Africa, and key programmes and instruments, including Horizon Europe, FP10 and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). These dialogues aim to bolster sustainable development, healthcare, biodiversity, and digital advancements, resonating with the collaborative and unified approach foundational to Team Europe.

Extract of the programme

22/04 The Vision for Africa: Realizing Our Potential through Scientific Advancement

• Eudy Mabuza – Senior Science and Innovation Representative (SSIR) Brussels, South Africa
• Marleen Temmerman – Agha Khan University, Kenya
• Muhammad Sharif – Advisor Science and Technology, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Morocco
• Lise Korsten – President, African Academy of Sciences (AAS)
• Petronella Chaminuka – Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
• Sampson Mamphweli – Head Energy Secretariat, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)
• Glenda Grey – South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
• Declan Kirrane – Africa-Europe Science Collaboration and Innovation Platform (AERAP)

23/04 Thematic Session 3: Green Transition: Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Security

• 
  Petronella Chaminuka – Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
• Daniel Adeniyi – European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), Belgium
• Giulia Campodonico – European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), Soil Health Living Labs
  
  She referred to the upcoming conference: 25-27 September 2024 in Timisoara, Romania LIVING LABS FRONTIERS. Driving systemic change through Soci(et)al Engagement, for real impact​ 
  
  and to the upcoming call: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-09: Assessment of Soil Health in Africa (see page 295: Horizon EuropeWork Programme 2023-2025: Missions and Cross-cutting Activities #376 p.)
  
  SOILL-Startup is the first in a series of support schemes for the implementation of the ambitious objectives of the Horizon Europe Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ which aims to establish 100 Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses (SHLLs/LHs).
  
  The SOILL-Startup will run in 2024-2025 and aims to support and empower a growing soil health community in Europe. To this end, SOILL-Startup will provide practical support to local and regional stakeholders and capitalise learning from LLs and LHs already established. In a second phase, from 2026-2030,
  
  
  SOILL will pave the way for scaling up the initiative and widening the community in the forthcoming years.
  
  The project will set up and run an effective and transdisciplinary one-stop-shop to coordinate, support, enlarge and promote the network of 100 Soil Mission Living Labs and Lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils across different settings, geographical and socio-economic contexts all over Europe.
  
  
  

24/04 Connecting Global Priorities: How to Build a Sustainable Long-term African-European Partnership for Renewable Energies?

• Sigfried Tivana – Department of Science and Technology, South Africa
• Tanja Woronowicz – DLR Projektträger
• Isayvani Naicker – Director of Evidence and Insights
• Léonard LÉVÊQUE – LGI Sustainable Innovation, EU-project LEAP-RE
• Robert Burmanjer – Senior Advisor on International Research Partnerships, APRE

24/04 Science, Technology and Innovation Roundtable: Policy Perspectives

• Daan du Toit – Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), South Africa
• Maria Cristina Russo – DG Research and Innovation, European Commission

25/04 A Global Perspective: the UN’s Contribution to Science in Africa

• Wei Liu – Technology Facilitation Mechanism, United Nations
• Minerva Novero-Belec – Office for South-South Cooperation, United Nations
• Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary – COMSATS