Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The Trade House pavilion at COP28

1 - 12 December 2023. The Trade House pavilion at this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is a dedicated space to spark discussions and solutions on how trade can help drive climate and sustainable development actions. For the first time, trade is featured as a specific theme at the conference, as part of the United Arab Emirates’ COP28 Presidency Programme. The pavilion is hosted by four international agencies: the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat. Activities at the Trade House will focus on accelerating climate action through trade-led development, using coordinated and inclusive approaches to ensure a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

Extracts of the program


5/12 Protecting the world's forests: Learnings from local efforts & international trade measures on deforestation-free Global Value Chains


The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlights that forest conservation, improved management, and restoration offer the most substantial potential for economic mitigation. This panel will facilitate a meaningful and solutions-oriented dialogue toward achieving deforestation-free global value chains. The conversation will highlight national and international efforts of forest protection, private sector initiatives, innovative sustainable business models, and key enabling policy solutions. In recognizing that deforestation is just one factor that exacerbates climate change and nature loss challenges, the panellists will explore how businesses, including smallholders, local communities and indigenous peoples can prepare for changing frameworks on environmental sustainability, and how trade and related policies can support this transition.
  • Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Center 
  • Mahmood Patel, Coco Hill – regenerative agroforestry project, Barbados 
  • Hung Tran, Climate Excellence Centre, Fairtrade Association, Vietnam 
  • Mario Boccucci, Head, UN-REDD Programme Secretariat 
  • ITC Partner – European Union 
  • ITC Partner country – Malaysia 
  • TC Partner country – Brazil 
  • ITC Partner country – Ghana 
Recording @2:29:23

9/12 Unlocking inclusion on Nature and Bioeconomy - the role of trade


Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihood, including some 70 million indigenous people. At the same time, the small business sector represents 90% of the world’s businesses and more than half of global employment. Fostering sustainable business models of nature-based value chains is essential to delivering inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, and to accelerating the green transition. Particularly within developing economies and countries with significant biodiversity, the bioeconomy offers a path to better livelihoods, while preserving native flora and fauna. The session will bring together parties, practitioners, international and regional agencies and SMEs to explore the role trade can play in fostering sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy value chains. 
  • Ana Margarida Castro Euler, Business Executive Director, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa – Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Brazil
  • Sofia Rubio, Chief Executive Officer, Shiwi, Peru
  • Mahmood Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Coco Hill, Barbados
  • Fiona Shera, Director Sustainable and Inclusive Trade, International Trade Centre 
  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 


10/12 Global green deal: How would it fit the Global South?How can the agroecology transition play a role in it?


The need, opportunities and impact for transforming global food systems in the face of climate change must be understood and assessed as many countries design their measures to address the climate goals and those measures will likely impact the global trade. To secure the low carbon future, producers organizations, small holder farmers, Agri-MSMEs and rural communities cannot be left behind. They are living through the changes in climate, are vulnerable from it, while at the same time are already providing sustainable and inclusive solutions for transforming food system. This session will discuss the role that food systems can and should play to promote social, economic and environmental development and help deliver a just agroecology transition.
  • Moderation: Hernan Manson, Head Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, International Trade Centre
  • Juan Pablo Solis, Senior Advisor Climate and Environment, Fairtrade International 
  • Butch Bacani, Programme Leader, UN Environment Programme’s Principles for Sustainable Insurance Initiative 
  • Dinesh Prasad Parajuli, Managing Director at Agriculture Enterprise Center, FNCCI, Nepal 
  • Josephine Akia Luyimbazi, Country Coordinator Uganda, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) 
  • Mario Cerrutti, Chief Institutional Relations and Sustainability Officer, Lavazza Foundation 

10/12 Shaping Sustainable Food Systems: Trade Dynamics and Agricultural Policies

This session will delve into the intricate relationship between trade dynamics, agricultural policies, and sustainability within global food systems. The session aims to foster a deep understanding of how international trade practices and policies impact sustainable food systems, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities in global agricultural trade. By examining diverse agricultural policies, the discussion will highlight their crucial role in ensuring sustainable practices, fair trade, and food security. Additionally, the session will explore innovative solutions and collaborative approaches, promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and social equity in the agricultural sector. Participants can expect insightful discussions that encourage collaboration and offer actionable strategies for a more sustainable and equitable global food system.
  • Moderator: Dhanush Dinesh, Founder and Chief Climate Catalyst, Clim-Eat Speakers: 
  • Marion Jansen, Director, Trade and Agriculture, OECD 
  • Juan Carlos Mendoza, Director, Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division, IFAD ▪ Aik Hoe Lim, Director, Trade and Environment Division, WTO 
  • Gaurav Pundir, Coordinator, Trade and Investment Working Group, G20 Presidency of India 
  • Martien van Nieuwkoop, Global Director for the Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World Bank 

10/12 Trading safely: Why stronger SPS systems matter for climate change resilience?

Facilitating safe trade to regional and international markets offers a pathway for farmers, small businesses and governments in developing countries to transform agricultural development, deepen regional integration and promote sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and food security. But climate change is creating new and increased sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) risks for agri-food trade, as recognized by WTO Members in the 12th Ministerial Conference SPS Declaration. Against this backdrop, this dialogue will ask: How does investing in SPS capacity support more sustainable agri-food systems and markets that protect biodiversity and the environment, and are more resilient to climate change? Why is collaboration key? What are the innovations and lessons from STDF's safe trade partnership? The event will build on STDF work on climate change and SPS systems. The discussions will inform an ongoing STDF learning assessment to improve mainstreaming of the environment, biodiversity and climate change in SPS capacity development.
  • Moderator: Marlynne Hopper, Deputy Head, STDF 
  • David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division (ESA), FAO 
  • Martien van Nieuwkoop, Global Director, Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World Bank Group 
  • Jeremy Adamson, Senior Policy Advisor, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, United States 
  • Dr Dinesh Prasad Parajuli, CEO, Agro-Enterprise Centre, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (AEC/FNCCI), Nepal
 

2SCALE Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness in Africa

6 - 7 December 2023. Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. 2SCALE, Africa's leading incubator and accelerator dedicated to inclusive agribusiness, celebrates a Decade of Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness in Africa.

This event will be streamed live via our YouTube Channel.


Extracts of the Program


06/12 PÔLES D'ENTREPRISES AGRICOLES (PEA) - (ABC)

La transformation des petites entreprises Agro-industrielles faibles en un groupe d’entreprises fortes et résilientes.

  • Tahirou Dembélé - Président Union Siguida
  • Yeleen BATIOBO Odilon - Responsable SAE/Coach PEA
  • Jean Marie Kouadio - Gérant GRONOVA
  • Youssouf Traoré - Conseiller Inclusif Agricole

06/12 INCLUSION FINANCIÈRE 

Problématiques, Stratégies et innovations de financement inclusif pour les acteurs-trices des PEA et des chaines de valeurs

  • GBETCHI Kodjo Laurent, President CA, UROPC
  • Mamadou Makadji, PDG Dounka fa
  • Alice Dakiélé, Productrice de maïs et femme leader dans les associations villageoises d’épargne et de crédit de Daloa
  • Mamadou Traoré, Directeur adjoint CARE Côte d'Ivoire
  • Youssouf Traoré, Conseiller- agribusiness 2SCALE 

06/12 INCLUSION DES JEUNES 

 Les partenariats Public Privés en agrobusiness pour l’employabilité et l’entrepreneuriat des Jeunes.
  • Jean Paul Aka - Directeur Général -Locagri 
  • Bade Kouassi - Coach communautaire - PPP-Volaille 
  • Aïssata Diakité - Directrice Générale - Zabbaan Holding 
  • Alladjodjo Dieudonne - Directeur, Promofruit

07/12 INCLUSION DU GENRE 

La transformation des petites entreprises Agro-industrielles faibles en un groupe d’entreprises fortes et résilientes 
  • Aminata Bonkoungou - Directrice APMR 
  • Patricia Zoundi - Promotrice de Canaan Land 
  • Talatou Nassirou - Directeur General CCPHN 
  • Mahamadou Almoctar - Coach principal APGR 
  • Aminatou Issoufou - SAE à Feder

07/12 INNOVATIONS VERTES INCLUSIVES 

La contribution des innovations verts inclusives dans la transformation du secteur agroalimentaire.
  • Ange Mohamed - Coach PEA de Kamelesso 
  • Tahirou Dembélé - Union Siguida Yeleen &Agriculteur/Mali
  • Aminatou Feder - SAE- Feder moringa/Niger

07/12 BoP (Base de la Pyramide - Consommateurs à faibles revenus) 

Un vecteur d'innovation et de croissance pour les entreprises Africaines et d’inclusion pour les consommateurs à faible revenu.
  • Ndiaye Djeneba - Responsable Commerciale de Nebnooma SARL 
  • Gislain Kouakou - PDG de MIENSAH Group 
  • Dialia Keita - Keitala Negoce From Mali products Soya 
  • Loba Youa Hélène - Promotrice de Mamie Attiéké  
  • Talatou Nassirou - Directeur Général CCPHN, Niger

07/12 CHANGEMENT SYSTÉMIQUE 

Le changement systémique sous-sectoriel porte sur les défis qui dépassent la portée d’un PPP et qui adresse des solutions pour que l’agro-industrie devienne plus inclusive, durable, résiliente et compétitive. 
  • Coulibaly Aly - Conseiller Agribusiness Inclusif 
  • Savadogo Arsene - Directeur Général 
  • Amegankpoe Marlène - Directrice Générale 
  • Niamoye Traoré - Conseiller Agribusiness Inclusif 

07/12 PANEL DE PERSPECTIVES 

  • Veyrl Adell - Directrice du développement des systèmes de marché (IFDC) 
  • Emile Schmitz - Directeur Général mondial (Bopinc) 
  • André de Jager - Directeur général des secteurs agro-alimentaires, de l’énergie et de l’eau (SNV)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Foresight Processes for Food Systems Transformation through Agroecology

5 December 2023
Harnessing Foresight Processes for Food Systems Transformation Through Agroecology co-organized by FAO, CIRAD and GIZ.

In view of this challenges, in 2022, FAO launched a global project entitled “Foresight on Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Food Systems & Agro-Ecological Transition” in close collaboration with CIRAD as a scientific partner and with financial support from GIZ on behalf of the German
BMZ. The project aimed at developing global guidance on the use of foresight processes to support food systems transformations through agroecology. Between 2022 and 2023, a thorough stocktaking exercise on the use of foresight processes to support food systems transformations through agroecology was carried out. It involved diverse expertise, practitioners, and initiatives from the agroecology and foresight communities. 

As a result, a “Guidance Document on the Use of Foresight Processes to Support Food System Transformations through Agroecology” has emerged. The Guidance Document caters to a diverse readership, with two primary audiences in focus. 
  1. The first group comprises foresight practitioners—individuals engaged in the strategic analysis of future scenarios and trends within the realm of food systems transformation towards sustainability. For foresight practitioners, this Document aims to answer the question: "How do we do foresight differently to better integrate agroecology to support transformation towards sustainable food systems?". 
  2. The second pivotal audience for this Guidance Document comprises agroecology practitioners, who play a vital role in advocating and implementing sustainable and biodiverse practices. For them, this report investigates the questions: "What is foresight, which insights about agroecology do foresight processes provide, and why is it important in supporting sustainable food system transformation through agroecology?"
  • Martin Vincent, Director, Office of Innovation, FAO
  • Ute Rieckmann, Team Leader, Support of Agroecological transformation processes in India (SuATI), GIZ
  • Anne-Sophie Poisot, Assistant-Team Leader, Pest and Pesticide Management Unit, Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO
Overview of “Guidance Document on the Use of Foresight Processes to Support Food System Transformations through Agroecology” + panel discussion
  • Marie de Lattre-Gasquet, Senior Researcher, CIRAD and Fatma Rostom, Researcher, CIRAD
  • Oliver Oliveros, Coordinator, Agroecology Coalition.
  • Monika Zurek, Co-lead, Foresight4Food Initiative.
  • Bruno Dorin, Senior Researcher, CIRAD.
  • Marie de Lattre-Gasquet, Senior Researcher, CIRAD
  • Sylvain Perret, Director of Department Environment and Societies, CIRAD

Fighting Zinc Deficiency through Large Scale Food Fortification

5 December 2023. Fighting Zinc Deficiency through Large Scale Food Fortification

Over the past four years, IZiNCG’s Zinc Fortification Task Force has generated evidence and advocacy materials on large-scale food fortification (LSFF) with zinc. This webinar will showcase work undertaken by the Task Force, and discuss country experiences and actions.

Zinc is an essential nutrient for immune function, child health and development, and reproductive health. Based on available data, zinc deficiency is estimated to be a public health problem in 40 countries, concentrated primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

LSFF is one of the most scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective tools available to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition worldwide. Recent publications have demonstrated that LSFF with zinc is effective, safe and cost-effective. However, at present, LSFF with zinc is an underutilized strategy for addressing zinc deficiency in countries where zinc deficiency is a public health problem.
  • Moderator: Dr Mduduzi Mbuya | Director, Knowledge Leadership, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
  • Dr Christine McDonald | Director of IZiNCG and Associate Professor, University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr Mari Skar Manger | Deputy Director of IZiNCG, University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr Ryan Wessells | Associate Project Scientist, University of California, Davis
  • Mr Frederick Grant | Senior Program Officer, Nutrition, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Ethiopia
  • Dr Ndèye Fatou Ndiaye | Coordinator of Senegalese Committee for Food Fortification (COSFAM), Ministry of Industry and Industrial Development, Government of Senegal
  • Mr Alex Marco Ongla Ndjebayi | Project Coordinator, Helen Keller International Cameroon

Monday, December 4, 2023

EC report Food 2030 Research and Innovation

EC (2023) Food 2030 Research and Innovation – Pathways for action 2.0: Research and innovation policy as a driver  for sustainable, healthy, climate-resilient and inclusive food systems #160 p.

This publication provides an update on the European Commission’s Food 2030 initiative and aims to guide future research and innovation policy reflections related to Horizon Europe, the farm-to-fork strategy, the European Green Deal and beyond.

It sets out eleven pathways for action where research and innovation can concretely deliver co-benefits related to nutrition, climate, circularity, and communities, at multiple levels: from local to international:
  1. Governance for Food Systems Change
  2. Urban Food Systems Transformation
  3. Food from the Ocean and Freshwater Resources
  4. Alternative Proteins for Dietary Shift
  5. Food Waste and Resource-efficient Food Systems
  6. The Microbiome World
  7. Nutrition and Sustainable Healthy Diets
  8.  Food Safety Systems of the Future
  9. Food Systems Africa
  10. Data & Digital Transformation
  11. Zero Pollution Food Systems

This report also underlines that a systemic interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to research and innovation is crucial for success and improved impact.

The Food 2030 pathways are being deployed via Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework programme for R&I (2021–2027), which provides funding to support a diversity of projects and initiatives, in Europe and beyond. The modernisation of the pathways was supported by a participatory expert workshop held on 10 March 2023 in Brussels, where about 90 experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences were invited to collectively reflect on the way forward. 

Extracts of the report:

The market for food in Africa is expanding rapidly, largely fueled by an increasing middle class. By 2030, food demand is projected to increase, bringing the size of Africa’s food and agribusiness to EUR 0.94 trillion119 and opening up employment opportunities all across food systems. (...) The African Development Bank estimates that Africa’s annual import bill of food will triple from EUR 35 billion in 2017 to about EUR 110 billion in 2025. (...) The need to strengthen the resilience of African food systems and actors is more important than ever in order to reduce the dependency on imports and increase food security by strengthening local production systems. (page 123)

The FAO estimates that one third of food is lost or wasted across the whole supply chain, and in Africa this food loss mostly occurs at the farm level (page 124)

The pathway ‘Food systems Africa’ is relevant to EU policies such as the EU Green and, in particular, the farm-to-fork, biodiversity and bioeconomy strategies. This pathway is part of the EU–AU R&I partnership on FNSSA, which was identified as the first priority of the AU–EU HLPD on Science, Technology and Innovation. It is pursuing a 10-year roadmap (2016–2026)130 with four priorities: (i) sustainable intensification, (ii) agriculture and food systems for nutrition, (iii) expansion and improvement of agricultural trade and markets and (iv) a group of cross-cutting topics. (...) The pathway is also closely related to the activities of SCAR, in particular the SCAR strategic working group on European agricultural research towards greater impact on global challenges.   (page 125)

In the context of societal challenge 2 of Horizon 2020 and cluster 6 of Horizon Europe, pages 129 and consecutive pages describe the range of thematic issues covered, identifies future R&I needed such as:
  • linking food-system-related enterprises with local and regional financial intermediaries to fund profitable and sustainable entrepreneurial ideas, eventually linking these to payment for ecosystem services as security for repayment of loans;
  • enabling healthy and sustainable food environments, including the use of local and forgotten food types and protein-rich crops (e.g. legumes) to promote healthy diets
  • boosting food processing by SMEs, ensuring food safety and observing sociocultural preferences, while taking into account regional innovation profiles and, if applicable, geographical indications;
and provides a summary of Food 2020 projects.
  • Inno Food Africa:  Locally-driven co-development of plant-based value chains towards more sustainable African food system with healthier diets and export potential 2020–2024, EUR 6.5 million  (Horizon 2020), RIA, Food 2030
  • Healthy Food Africa. Improving nutrition in Africa by strengthening the diversity, sustainability, resilience and connectivity of food systems 2020–2024, EUR 7 million (Horizon 2020), RIA, Food 2030
  • FOODLAND Food and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity 2020–2024, EUR 7 million  (Horizon 2020), RIA, Food 2030
  • AfriFOOD-Links. Transforming Africa`s Urban Food  Environment through Strengthening Linkages beween Systems Stakeholders in Cities across the Continent and Europe 2022–2026, EUR 12 million  (Horizon Europe), RIA, Food 2030
  • INCiTiS-FOOD. Integrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa 2023–2026, EUR 6 million  (Horizon Europe), RIA, Food 2030
  • Healthy Diets 4 Africa Combating malnutrition in Africa through diversification of the food system 2023–2028, EUR 10.3 million (Horizon Europe), RIA, Food 2030
  • LEAP-AGRI A long term EU–Africa research and innovation partnership on food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture 2016–2022, EUR 9.2 million  (Horizon 2020), ERA-NET, Food 2030
  • FOSC Food System and Climate (FOSC): Assessing the impact of climate change on food and nutrition security and designing more sustainable and resilient food systems in Europe and beyond 2019–2024, EUR 5 million  (Horizon 2020), ERA-NET, Food 2030

Extracts of the programme:


05/12 @9:50 - 10:50 CET International Partnerships - Breakout session 3: 

  • Leonard Mizzi (EC)
  • Hugo de Vries (INRAE)
  • Angelo Riccaboni (PRIMA)
  • Irene Frempong (FARA)

05/12 @11:20 - 12:20 CET Global Food Systems governance and Science-Policy interfaces - Breakout session 6: 

  • Jacqueline Broerse (VUA)
  • Patrick Caron (CGIAR)
  • Stefanos Fotiou (FAO)

Film screening and debate 04/12


2,121,078 views YouTube; 10,000,000 views Netflix  #Climatecrisis #Documentary #EatingOurWaytoExtinction

Narrated by Kate Winslet, ‘Eating Our Way to Extinction,’ a Cinematic Feature Documentary addresses the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about... Will we be the next species on the path toward extinction?

Friday, December 1, 2023

Private sector engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area

1 December 2023. InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: Private sector engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area

African countries have embarked on an ambitious process of integrating their markets beyond existing regional arrangements to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While a trade agreement, the ambitions of the AfCFTA go far beyond raising intra-African trade, to establishing regional value chains (RVCs) and promoting continent-wide industrialisation. Beyond the reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, the AfCFTA’s success will therefore depend on a range of other factors, including its ability to encourage domestic and foreign investment to take advantage of expanded markets.

At the same time, the EU’s Global Gateway seeks to connect support to trade corridors with investments and access to critical raw materials. Against this backdrop, the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment represents an important step towards creating an environment conducive to investment within the African Continent. Nonetheless, such formal, legal mechanisms must be implemented and used to have an effect, raising questions for policymakers in Africa and their partners about how best to build on and support such mechanisms to promote the underlying goal of African economic transformation.

The InfoPoint addressed: (a) To what extent do harmonised legal frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms address the key barriers to domestic and foreign investment in Africa to take advantage of a larger continental market? (b) What additional accompanying measures or support will be required to ensure the effectiveness of the Investment protocol and ensure the industrialisation and RVC ambitions can be met? (c) With the EU's Global Gateway intended to encourage public and private investments along African trade corridors, how should these initiatives be shaped to encourage investments that contribute to AfCFTA objectives of intra-African trade, investment and value-addition?
  • Francis Mangeni, Coordinator of Regional Advisors on the African Continental Free Trade Area, Secretariat of the AfCFTA
    Francis referred to the report

    UNDP (2020) The Futures Report: Making the AfCFTA Work for Women and Youth #102 p.

    The need for intra-African cross-border trade in food cannot be overemphasized. In the European Union, intra-EU trade of agri-food products represents 72.7 percent.  In sharp contrast, trade of food products within African countries accounts for a meagre 13 percent of total trade, dominated by small-scale maize, tea, tobacco, palm oil and sugar traders, as opposed to large-scale food conglomerates. The African countries that lead the way are South Africa, the major exporter and importer in the inter-African trade segment, followed by Egypt, Uganda, Kenya and Libya. (page 51)

    Cross-border trade of value-added agricultural products is even lower than that of food products in Africa despite the growing focus on value addition by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent. High costs of doing business, limited access to finance and restrictive regulations continue to limit the impact that SMEs have on value addition in the sector. (page 52)

  • Professor Dirk Willem te Velde, Director, International Economic Development group, Principal Research Fellow, ODI
  • Suzy Nikièma, Director Investment, IISD
  • Professor Felix Okatch, Chairman Emeritus, Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA)
  • Moderated by Bruce Byiers, ECDPM

Webinars December 2023

30 November 2023. Presentation Report Cereals milling sector in Tanzania by Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC).

30 November 2023 (09h00 - 11h00 GMT) R-CEP-AOC: Webinaire sur l'agriculture biologique

30 November 2023. 13:00-15:00 GMT+2. Regional Conference on Transformation of Higher Education in Agriculture by GFRAS

1 December, 11:00-13:00 CET. InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: "Private sector engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area"

30 November - 12 December 2023 | UN Climate Change Conference COP28
  • Africa Pavilion hosted by the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with other regional entities, including the Africa Risk Capacity
  • Food Pavilion (hosted by CGIAR, FAO, IFAD and the Rockefeller Foundation)
  • Food Systems Pavilion (hosted by the Netherlands) – including 8 thematic days highlighting the critical role that transforming food systems must play in climate mitigation, adaptation and building resilience.
  • Health Pavilion (hosted by WHO)
  • Food4Climate Pavilion (hosted by ProVeg)
  • Nutrition-related COP28 events listed on the UN-Nutrition website
Discover the CGIAR, FAO, IFAD and The Rockefeller Foundation Food Pavilion

4 - 5 December 2023 Food 2030 Conference - Green and Resilient Food Systems
  • Conference to showcase achievements of EU food systems related projects, explore future research and innovation orientations and levers of change.
  • The EC aims to convene a wide range of actors and policy makers for this in-person event, which will also be web streamed and recorded for those unable to travel.

5 December 2023 | 14:00 –16:00 CET “Harnessing Foresight Processes for Food Systems Transformation Through Agroecology” 
  • co-organized by FAO, CIRAD and GIZ.

5 December 2023. 1200 EAT, 1100 Southern Africa, 1000 Central and parts of West Africa, online session of the Water School Africa (WSA) 
  • Ferdinand Wafula of BIOGI and some of the farmers of Kathonzweni subcounty of Makueni, Kenya will share their experiences, aspirations and learnings on creating structures and other conditions that conserve water to help them in their food production.
5 - 7 December 2023 The Second International Conference on farmer-centric On-Farm Experimentation

6 December 2023. InfoPoint conference: Taking Integrated Action on Climate and Nutrition

6 December 2023. between 16:00 and 17:15 Swiss Time (GMT+1) Kick-off meeting of the GFRAS Community of Practice in Extension and Rural Advisory Services
  • GFRAS, the “Enabling Farmers for Agricultural Transformation (EFAT)” Project, Winrock International and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are collaborating to strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services and systems (EAS) globally.
  • this first online meeting, will present the results of a survey collecting the main topics of interest in RAS and food-systems, present an overview of what the online platform has to offer, and how to interact with other members
6 - 7 December 2023. 2SCALE Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness in Africa

7 December 2023. Networking and resource mobilisation to support the process of integrating PID concepts and practices into universities, and research Institutions - by Prolinnova

7 December 2023. Nairobi. 8:45AM- 1:30 PM EAT/ 6:45AM- 11:30AM CET. Allocating Impact Investing in Emerging Markets
  • During the event ATNI will present its business case for investing in nutrition and metrics for impact investors and learn from others in the impact investing space. The event brings together stakeholders with expertise on the topic including donors, development finance institutions, impact investors, Agri-SMEs, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, health professionals and more.
  • the critical role of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) within USAID’s Feed the Future (FTF) strategy
  • the webinar will facilitate discussions to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration between USAID and CAADP in navigating the Post-Malabo agenda, emphasizing collective efforts towards sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa.
12 - 14 December 2023, Accra, Ghana. ACAFP 2023 Food Safety Conference - African Continental Association of Food Protection (ACAFP)

12 - 15 December 2023. Kigali, Rwanda. 5th African Organic Conference (AOC)
  • Conference of four (4) days in collaboration with the organic agriculture actors in Africa, the African Union Commission and other strategic organizations outside Africa.
  • The theme of the conference is “Strengthening Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa Through Organic Agriculture”.
  • Please find attached the call for papers for the 5th African Organic Conference. Abstract not more than 250 words were to be submitted to Deadline – September 30, 2023. Full papers of accepted Abstracts to be submitted before 30 October, 2023. All finally accepted manuscripts will be published in the Conference Proceedings, while scientific ones that are evaluated acceptable for journal publication will have the opportunity to be published in the African Journal of Organic Agriculture and Ecology (AJOAE).
  • VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION: Early bird Registration (before 15th October, 2023) 90 USD / Regular Registration : 100 USD
13 - 14 December 2023. 7th Annual India Food Safety & Nutrition Summit
  • This summit is the only dedicated summit in India which provides a common platform for the Food & Nutrition industry to come together to discuss the key challenges. learn from the best practices adopted across the country. India Food & Nutrition Summit is India’s the most authoritative congregation of the Food, Dairy, Nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements and Health Foods Industry in India.
26 February to 1 March 2024. 5th All Africa Horticulture Congres (AAHC)
  • The preliminary programme is available online and abstract submission is open until November 2023.
  • This fifth edition of the AAHC, initiated in 2009 by GlobalHort, will complement the African sub-regions hosting the event.
  • The event will strengthen scientific relations and partnerships between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, and highlight the place and role of horticulture in meeting the continent's global challenges: food and nutritional security, youth employment, and sustainable management of natural resources (water and biodiversity).
5 - 6 March 2024 AFMASS Ethiopia Food Expo co-located with Africa Food Safety Summit – Eastern Africa

10 June 2024. Nairobi, Kenya Africa Future Food Summit

12 - 14 June 2024. . Nairobi, Kenya AFMASS Food Expo Eastern Africa co-located with Dairy Manufacturing Africa Expo

1 3 August 2024. Nairobi, Kenya Africa Fresh Produce Expo co-located with Africa FarmTech Expo

August 2024. AFMASS Nigeria Food Expo co-located with Africa Dairy Manufacturing Expo and Africa Food Safety Summit – Western Africa

Thursday, November 30, 2023

CGIAR, FAO, IFAD and The Rockefeller Foundation @ COP28

30 November - 12 December 2023.
  • Africa Pavilion hosted by the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with other regional entities, including the Africa Risk Capacity
  • Food Pavilion (hosted by CGIAR, FAO, IFAD and the Rockefeller Foundation)
  • Food Systems Pavilion (hosted by the Netherlands)
  • Health Pavilion (hosted by WHO)
  • Food4Climate Pavilion (hosted by ProVeg)
  • Nutrition-related COP28 events listed on the UN-Nutrition website
Discover the CGIAR, FAO, IFAD and The Rockefeller Foundation Food Pavilion

At COP 28, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) will address two of humanity’s most urgent challenges—climate change and food security—making the case that the world cannot meet its climate or development goals without transforming food systems. Its programme of events will engage with global experts and leaders accelerating action and investment to transform food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, including through the involvement of key partners such as youth. CGIAR will also co-host the Food and Agriculture Pavilion, along with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Rockefeller Foundation. 

See also: IFPRI @ 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28)

Extract of the programme

December 1, 2023 @ Agrivoltaics: Sustainable Solutions at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Security


This panel explored policy dimensions that inhibit faster adoption of agrivoltaic practices and investments in this area.

December 1, 2023 @10:00–11:00 Climate change and food security: The role of nuclear science


The High-level event will showcase how the Food and Agriculture Organization and International Atomic Energy Agency through the Joint Centre have supported Member States with: research and development, reduction of GHG emissions, and capacity building and technology transfer to increase the resilience of global agrifood systems against the ravishes of climate change. This panel explored policy dimensions that inhibit faster adoption of agrivoltaic practices and investments in this area.



A philanthropic theory of transformation – How 20+ funders are aligning to unlock the resources needed to shift food systems. Unveiling the first ever global price tag for the cost of regenerative and agroecological transitions, underpinned by regional case studies, outlining global and national priorities for scaling up investment in landscape transformations around the world, making the case for alignment and coordination to meet global targets.



December 1, 2023 @15:30 - 16:30 Bridging the gap: IFAD’s role in climate finance for smallholder farmers


This event aims to shed light on the global climate finance, to underline the challenges and gaps, and to introduce innovative mechanisms to address these issues, with a focus on adaptation and nature financing for smallholder rural communities. The event will present findings from the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), which reflects the global landscape of climate finance.


December 1, 2023 @17:00–18:00 Loss and damage in agrifood systems: Addressing gaps and challenges


COP28 calls for ambitious mobilization of finance for climate action, including arrangements and a new fund for loss and damage. Through a high-level panel discussion, the event aims to launch a report focuses on Loss and Damage in agrifood systems.


December 2, 2023 @09:30–10:30 Appropriate governance of the implementation bodies of the Sustainable Oases Initiative


The objective of this side event is to gather insights from those interested in oasis ecosystems on the ‘appropriate governance of the implementing bodies of the Sustainable Oases Initiative. This aims to operationalize the Sustainable Oases Initiative, incorporating it into major international trends related to sustainable agroecosystem management and climate change adaptation.

December 2, 2023 @11:00–12:00 Launch of ARCAFIM – The Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Financing Mechanism


The Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM) is a blended finance risk-sharing facility, together with a technical assistance facility, that catalyzes up to USD 700 million of private sector climate change adaptation (CCA) investments in small producers and MSMEs in rural areas of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.


December 2, 2023 @12:30–13:30 Analyzing global commitments on food security and diets


Progress against food insecurity and poor diet quality has stalled. Governments across the world have made commitments to actions that address food insecurity and poor diets in numerous settings; however, what remains uncertain, is which commitments are most salient towards achieving SDG2

December 2, 2023 @14:00–15:00 Pioneering evidence-based blended finance instruments for food systems transformation


Food systems are grappling with a large financing shortfall to transition towards a net-zero, nature-positive, and inclusive economy. The existing financing architecture alone cannot bridge this gap without innovative and scalable financing solutions grounded in robust evidence.

December 2, 2023 @17:00–18:00 Political action for the AMR and environment on the road to the UNGA HLM on AMR in 2024


The session will bring high-level attention to AMR and the need to transform agrifood systems to optimize animal, plant and environmental health, ensure responsible and sustainable use of antimicrobials and most importantly, reduce the need to use antimicrobials and promote innovation for evidence-based and sustainable alternatives.


December 2, 2023 @18:30–19:30 Financing the regenerative agriculture transition


This event will showcase progress towards developing ground-breaking cross sector financial solutions which aim to accelerate the global transition to a regenerative agricultural system – enabling farming communities throughout the world to deliver positive impacts on climate, nature and health.



December 3, 2023 @11:00–12:00 Scaling up integrated actions to address malnutrition and climate change: an intersectional and intergenerational dialogue


FAO is collaborating with partners to present the advances of the Initiative on Climate Action and Nutrition (I-CAN) and its work to catalyse integrated actions that address the challenges of climate change and malnutrition simultaneously.


December 3, 2023 @12:30–13:30 Implications of climate-related mobility for peace and security


This regional launch event of CGIAR’s MENA Regional Climate Security Hub explores the interactions between climate change, peace, and human mobility. This nexus is particularly relevant in a context of rapid urbanization, where cities are at the forefront of the climate emergency while dealing with inflows of internal migrants and increasing human security concerns.

December 3, 2023 @15:30–16:30 Transforming drylands: Integrating agriculture innovations towards achieving WEF Nexus for climate resilience in the MENA region


Climate change is heavily impacting rural communities in global drylands. Transforming deserts into sustainable and productive lands is crucial to building resilience. This event showcases integrated farming innovations for MENA and the global drylands.

December 3, 2023 @17:00–18:00 Addressing loss and damage and advancing climate action in agriculture and food security: a perspective on the upcoming negotiations


Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to global agriculture and food security, with vulnerable communities experiencing tangible and often irreversible losses and damages. With agriculture being responsible for one third of global greenhouse gas emission, it is urgent to agree on a way forward to step up implementation of climate action in this sector, and more broadly in food systems.

December 3, 2023 @18:30–19:30 Strengthening climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation through food loss and waste reduction


Food loss and waste (FLW) is responsible for 8 to 10 percent of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, while contributing to many factors that drive climate change, such as degradation of natural ecosystems, biodiversity loss and unsustainable use of natural resources. On the other hand, climate change can be a significant causative factor of FLW, for example by increasing the incidence of post-harvest pests, while FLW reduction and related value addition activities provide avenues for building resilience and adapting to climate change.


December 4, 2023 @ 11:00–12:00 Transforming the food system, solving for climate: The role of private finance


The food system has the potential to become a significant nature-based solution for climate change. However, this will require transformation in many areas. This event will set out what private finance needs to do, and by when, the economic risks if financial institutions fail to act, and the climate, nature and societal benefits if they do.

December 4, 2023 @ 14:00–15:00 Unlocking climate finance in fragile and conflict affected settings: Advancing conflict-sensitive approaches in multilateral climate finance


Fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCS) face unique challenges that can impede the effective utilization of climate finance. These settings not only grapple with socio-political instability but also bear a disproportionate impact of climate change. This panel discussion aims to shed light on the importance of conflict-sensitive approaches in the design, allocation, and management of climate finance from the perspective of donors, funds, and executing entities.

December 4, 2023 @ 15:30–16:30 Climate action and finance to address food crises in fragile and conflict-affected contexts


How can climate action tackle food crises and build resilience in fragile and conflict-affected countries? This technical session will provide evidence for mobilizing investment in climate actions that build resilient agrifood systems from the ground up in humanitarian and food crises contexts.

December 4, 2023 @ 17:00–18:00 Untangling the nexus between gender and climate: the Gender Transformative Mechanism in the context of climate adaptation


How to unravel the dynamic interplay between the negative consequences of climate change and gender inequalities? How to promote gender transformative results in the context of adaptation strategies? How can innovative partnerships bundle transformative approaches, capacity development and rural investments to deliver long lasting results at scale in these different – yet strictly connected – spaces?

December 4, 2023 @ 18:30–19:30 The true cost of food: Driving food system transformation at local and global levels


Two reports on True Cost Accounting (TCA) by FAO and the Food System Economics Commission find over USD 10 trillion in hidden costs of the global food system. This figure exceeds current estimates of the food system’s contribution to the global economy.

December 4, 2023 @ 19:45–20:45 Harvesting resilience: exploring underutilized crops in Africa as climate-smart solutions for food and nutritional security


Lost Crop, led by chef Pierre Thiam will host this event promoting Africa’s forgotten and under-utilized crops for climate resilience and improved nutrition.

December 5, 2023 09:30–10:30 Power shift: Why we need to wean industrial food systems off fossil fuels


Food and energy systems are fundamentally intertwined. Industrial food systems, in particular, are highly energy intensive and dependent on fossil fuels. This event will highlight findings and recommendations from a new report and feature a moderated panel discussion on the opportunities for action.

December 5, 2023 @ 11:00–12:00 The nexus for water, food and energy (NWFE): Bridging the financing gap in climate adaptation programmes


This side event will showcase how national programmes like the Nexus of Water Food & Energy (NWFE) can bridge the financial and collaboration gap to achieve the common national and global climate commitments. It will explore the modalities of blending climate finance, leveraging private sector finance towards rural transformational livelihoods and climate adaptation programmes.

December 5, 2023 @ 12:30–13:30 The state of carbon payments and the voluntary carbon market in agriculture


Despite increasing interest in and the pressing need for agricultural sector innovation and transformation, challenges persist in scaling low-emission solutions for resilient agriculture due to limited incentives and investments for farmers. The untapped potential of agriculture in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) is significant, offering numerous socio-economic benefits.

December 5, 2023 @ 14:00–15:00 A just transition to more sustainable and healthy livestock production systems


Livestock products are vital for fulfilling nutrition requirements of the majority of the world’s population and particularly in LMICs. However, livestock emissions need to be reduced if climate change targets are to be reached. The session will describe different approaches to reducing emissions in HICs and LMICs.

December 5, 2023 @15:30–16:30 National actions for climate and food: Launch of new NDC guidance tool for agriculture and food systems


To reach the goals of the Paris Agreement the world needs to raise ambition and scale up implementation in agriculture and food systems, given the fact that up to 42% of GHG emissions are from food production and consumption. The transformation towards sustainable, equitable and just agriculture and food systems within planetary boundaries is at the core of the German development agenda.

December 5, 2023 @17:00–18:00 Water, food security and nutrition in a climate-constrained world: Enabling research, innovations and learnings for resilient food systems


Three billion people do not have access to nutritious and safe foods, making the diversification of diets an essential tenet of the CGIAR research and innovation agenda. However, the increased consumption of high-valued products has led to significant food safety risks, magnified by climate extremes, water insecurity, and lack of access to clean water across food supply chains.

December 6, 2023 @09:30–10:30 Crop diversity for climate change adaptation and mitigation contributing to resilient and nature positive futures for farmers globally


The event will show the power of crop genetic diversity to serve as a cost-effective strategy for enhancing climate resilience for food production globally across a range of species contributing to diversified diets. Exploring roots and tubers, cereals, and legumes, including underutilized crops, experts from the global community of crop research and practitioners will highlight various benefits of within and across species diversity.

December 6, 2023 @11:00–12:00 Building resilience in fragile contexts: Lessons learned from the Sahel and Djibouti


The impacts of climate change are particularly devastating in fragile regions. The Sahel is experiencing changing weather patterns and decreased food production that exacerbate insecurity and poverty lead to mass migration and cross-border conflict. The region is ripe with opportunity thanks to abundant natural resources, but these must be managed in a way that allows rural transformation using innovative solutions, including renewable energy, community-led initiatives and targeted investment.

December 6, 2023 @14:00–15:00 Accelerating climate and agriculture solutions to advance global food security and nutrition outcomes


The event would include high-level speeches and a panel discussion focused on opportunities to improve nutritious food systems in the face of climate change.

December 6, 2023 @17:00–18:00 Avoiding the perfect storm: Enabling aquatic foods climate solutions through policy, science and finance


While aquatic food dependent communities are known to be amongst the most exposed and vulnerable to climate change impacts, less than 30% of aquatic food producing countries have requested adaptation finance which demonstrates a lack of capacity, awareness and ability to navigate the currently complex pathways to access resources to help improve adaptive capacity and preparedness.

December 8, 2023 @09:30–10:30 International Land Coalition: Strengthening land tenure rights of smallholder farmers for sustainable food systems and climate resilience


A quarter of the planet's GHG emissions are attributed to the agriculture sector. Yet not all forms of agriculture are the same. IPCC reports highlight that ecosystem-based approaches to agriculture such as agroecology can promote carbon sequestration and strengthen the resilience of food systems against climate change, while supporting biodiversity, food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

December 8, 2023 @12:30–13:30 Less emissions with better livestock production: Climate solutions for sustainable livestock transformation


The release of the new FAO global assessment on livestock’s GHG emissions and the FAO report on methane emissions in livestock and rice systems provide a foundation for informed action and decision-making towards more low-emissions and climate-resilient practices.

December 8, 2023 @15:30–16:30 Innovate for change: Empowering youth in climate and agribusiness


This extraordinary event combines passion, innovation, and creative arts to empower rural youth and young agri-preneurs in their mission to combat climate change and drive innovation in agriculture. This is not just a panel discussion; it’s an immersive experience.

December 8, 2023 @17:00–18:00 A COP Week 2 Waystation for Those Raising the Ambition on Food Systems: The State of Food Systems at COP 28 and the Road to COP 30


COP28 offers the most ambitious set of opportunities to advance multiple facets of the food systems transition agenda, including the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action, a new roadmap for the Sharm el-Sheikh joint work on implementation of climate action on agriculture and food systems (SSJW) the Non State Actors Call to Action on Food System Transformation.

December 8, 2023 @18:30–19:30 Partnerships that mobilize investments for climate-resilient food systems in fragile and conflict-affected regions


CGIAR and the World Food Programme (WFP) will launch a new partnership that will support food systems innovators in fragile contexts (Nigeria, Mozambique, Yemen, Jordan) through science-driven entrepreneurship support and invite public and private stakeholders to collaborate, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

December 9, 2023 @09:30–10:30 From planning to practices: Integrating land use planning (ILUP) for climate-smart agriculture and food security


Land and water resources are finite natural resources on the planet. These resources are degraded due to both human and climatic impacts. Innovative approaches are needed to use resources sustainably to support agri-food systems transformation. This event will demonstrate a climate-informed and water-wise integrated land use planning guidelines recently being updated by FAO.

December 9, 2023 @11:00–12:00 The state of agri-food systems in a climate crisis and the role of IPCC-IPBES and other global assessments


The world’s poor heavily rely on agrifood systems, which are vulnerable to climate change. Agri-food systems also contribute to up to a third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To reduce GHG emissions, various options exist, but they don’t always align with sustainable development goals like zero hunger.

December 9, 2023 @14:00–15:00 Barriers and levers for scaling nature-based solutions to build smallholder’s climate resilience


Natural resource degradation and climatic changes are threatening the viability of smallholder farmers, fishers, forest producers, and rural communities. These rural community groups often bear the brunt of land degradation, climate-related disruptions, resource constraints, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
 

December 9, 2023 @16:00–17:15 From commitment to action: How can existing initiatives and tools help advance the COP28 Food Systems Transformation Agenda?


Agriculture and food security featured prominently at COP26 and COP27, and the COP28 President’s Action Agenda makes it clear that we need to take action to achieve resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems that provide affordable, safe and nutritious food for all.

December 9, 2023 @18:30–19:30 Landscape transformation for climate, nature, people, and culture: Voices of regenerative landscape leaders


Regeneration needs to occur at 4 spatial levels – farm, regional, national, value-chain; much of the corporate and investor focus has been on value chains and farms, ignoring landscapes layer, which is a vital entry point for organizing, incentivizing, and observing regenerative outcomes.


December 10, 2023 @09:30–10:30 The future of food: How to sustainably keep our plates full?


Ensuring sustainable food systems that can feed a growing population, while safeguarding the planet, is one of the biggest challenges in a generation. A big challenge needs a big response. Join us for an event looking at innovative approaches to financing and private sector involvement.
 

December 10, 2023 @11:30–12:30 Moving from planning to implementation: solutions on how to accelerate transformative adaptation action in agrifood systems


FAO will provide a space for exchange on system-level approaches to adaptation in agrifood systems, highlighting country achievements on the journey from planning NAPs and NDCs to implementing transformative action. The event will launch FAO’s latest collection of success stories on implementing solutions for climate change adaptation.

December 10, 2023 @14:30–15:30 Design guidance for the Harmonized Regenerative Outcomes Measurement Framework: World launch event


Shifting from conventional regenerative and agroecological production would contribute substantially to climate, nature, and equity goals. However, the transition is hamstrung by a lack of a shared definition or common measurement framework that speaks to farmers, landscape stewards, business and investors.

December 10, 2023 @16:00–17:00 Responsible consumption and sustainable production: pathways for climate-friendly food systems


While 783 million people still face hunger, a significant portion of the world’s population now grapples with overconsumption and unhealthy eating habits. At the same time, the expansion of agricultural frontiers is reaching its limit, leading to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

December 11, 2023 @11:00–12:00 Digital innovations for climate-resilient agriculture: A pathway to sustainable food systems


The event will focus on digital solutions for climate-smart agriculture. IFAD will showcase digital tools such as mobile applications, geographic information systems (GIS), precision agriculture, and earth observation data analysis, and highlight their role in promoting climate resilience among smallholder farmers.

December 11, 2023 @15:30–16:30 By Africa, for Africa: A new approach to collaboration between Africa’s institutions and CGIAR for climate action in agriculture


CGIAR has played a critical role in global agricultural development for five decades, but lacks resources to deliver innovations in challenging agroecological conditions across Africa on the scale needed to address climate change. Strong national and regional partners are essential, but African institutions (especially NARES) remain dependent on international research organisations.

December 11, 2023 @ 17:00–18:00 Financing nutrition for a healthier climate: The power of sustainable diets


The Initiative on Climate Action and Nutrition (I-CAN) baseline analysis demonstrates that financing and investing for programmes that link nutrition and climate is very low. Our current food systems do not ensure access to healthy diets for everyone and contribute to diet-related health issues; at the same time they put immense pressure on our environment.