Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Monday, June 30, 2025

Crop diversity for global food security and nutrition

28 June – 4 July 2025. 44th Session of the FAO Conference.

With the backdrop of FAO’s 80th anniversary, members are debating critical global agrifood issues—including reshaping policy frameworks, adopting a medium-term plan, and endorsing a biennial theme on innovation for food security. 

Director-General Qu Dongyu’s opening call emphasized the urgency of transforming food systems through collective action, efficiency, and partnerships to address intertwined challenges like hunger, environmental sustainability, and resilient agriculture. Highlights of the session included the inaugural Treaty Ceremony, where Member States can deposit instruments for treaties on fisheries, plant protection, animal health and more 

Extracts of the program

30/06. South-South cooperation for food and nutrition security  

30/06 Driving change: Youth in Action for agrifood systems transformation

  • See the recording
  • Youth Panel I: From Global Policy to Local Action – Youth Driving Change
  • Youth Panel II: Nurturing youth-led solutions for agrifood systems transformation

02/07 Crop diversity for global food security and nutrition


FAO under the auspices of its Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and in collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, has recently published The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Third Report). The Third Report, prepared by FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division, provides an assessment of the global status and trends of the conservation and use of PGRFA from 2011 to 2022 based on data provided by 128 Member Countries and 17 international and regional centres. The themes covered by the Third Report are in situ conservation and on-farm management.

Resource:

FAO (2025) The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture # 374 pp.

Based on information from 128 countries and four regional and 13 international research centres and the contribution from over 1 600 experts, this report presents an overview of progress since 2012, as well as current needs and challenges in the future management of PGRFA. This report provides a sound basis for recalibrating relevant polices and strategies, including the rolling Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Forgotten foods and neglected and underutilised species (NUS):

Here are the key extracts from the document "Plant Genetic Resources.pdf" related to forgotten foods and neglected and underutilised species (NUS):

 Surveys of farmers’ varieties/landraces (FV/LR) found that an average of 6 percent of their diversity was threatened globally, although results from nine of 18 subregions were more alarming with 18 percent or more of FV/LR diversity reported as threatened. Page XXV

Nearly 1 400 programmes on research, crop improvement, improving processing, public awareness, seed distribution, market development and policy changes for FV/LR and underutilized crops or species, were reported by 75 countries. Of these programmes, 412 are considered specific to FV/LR, whereas 159 specifically target underutilized crops or species. Page XXX
Recognition of Underutilized Species in PGRFA Management

"Despite their potential contribution to diversified and sustainable food systems, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) often receive limited attention in national programmes and policies."

The document emphasizes the need to integrate NUS more fully into national strategies for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) conservation and sustainable use.

Development and Commercialization of Underutilized Crops see pages 166 - 170

"Some countries reported activities aimed at the development and commercialization of underutilized crop species, such as amaranth, quinoa, fonio, millets and indigenous legumes."

These initiatives are tied to nutrition enhancement, climate resilience, and livelihood diversification. See page 168 - TABLE 4.12 Number of underutilized crop species with potential for commercialization, by crop group and region

Colocasia esculenta (taro) is the underutilized crop species with potential for commercialization that was reported by the largest number of countries, namely Cuba, Ghana, El Salvador, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and Uganda. In Cuba and El Salvador, it was assigned a high priority. 

Finger millet and pearl millet were reported by six countries each, the former with medium-high priority in Ethiopia, Nepal and Zambia and lower priorities in Bhutan, and Zimbabwe, and the latter with high priority in the Islamic Republic of Iran, medium priority in the Sudan and Togo and lower priorities in, Bangladesh, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. 

Amaranth, roselle, sorghum, lentil, common bean and sweet potato are among the other crops reported by large numbers of countries as having potential for commercialization.

In Uganda, renewed interest in the development and commercialization of products from previously neglected and underutilized species has yielded dividends. There is a growing desire among the country’s emerging middle class for healthier diets and healthier food products. Neglected and underutilized species targeted for product development and commercialization to meet this demand have included Tamarindus indica, Telfairia occidentalis, Mondia whitei, Psorospermum species, Persea americana, Abelmoschus esculentus, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Cucurbita species, Cymbopogon citratus, Serenoa repens and Dioscorea species. Page 171

Support for Farmers’ Varieties and Landraces

"Efforts to support farmers’ varieties and landraces have contributed to increased attention to neglected crops... For example, community seed banks have played a role in conserving and reintroducing these varieties."

Farmer-led conservation practices are central to reviving forgotten foods. So-called niche or high-value markets are expanding, as consumers are increasingly willing to pay higher prices for better quality, novel foods from known sources. New legal mechanisms are enabling farmers to market “lost” heritage crops and farmers’ varieties, and legislation supporting the marketing of geographically identified products has been put in place, providing incentives for farmers to conserve and use local crop genetic diversity. Page 165

Mainstreaming Forgotten Foods

"The promotion of forgotten foods is increasingly linked to national strategies on nutrition, climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture. However, scaling up remains limited due to market, research and policy gaps." Page 139

This identifies the main barriers to bringing NUS into the mainstream and highlights their cross-cutting relevance to multiple national goals .

FAO-Led Initiatives

"Several international initiatives led by FAO and partners, such as the International Year of Millets, have helped raise the profile of these species."

Such global campaigns are positioned as critical entry points for mainstreaming forgotten and underutilized species into food systems.




FfD4 (1) Financing Agrifood Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity

30 June - 3 July 2025
. Seville, Spain. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). This global summit is convened by the UN to mobilize and align public and private financing for sustainable development, with a focus on tackling poverty, climate change, inequality, and food system transformation.
Opening & 1st Plenary- 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 Sevilla, Spain

  • Pedro Sánchez, President of the Conference and the President of the Government of Spain
  • António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
  • Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly
  • Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC
  • Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group
  • Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO
  • Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the Conference and a Representative of the International Monetary Fund. 

Following the opening remarks, the Conference addressed key procedural matters followed by a general debate and statements by Heads of State or Government, ministers, and heads of delegation, setting the stage for a week of high-level discussions on mobilizing financing for the SDGs.


Some sessions were related to agriculture and nutrition.




30 June 2025. Financing Agrifood Systems for People, Planet, and Prosperity: Towards a new pact for mobilizing capital, reforming systems, and driving transformation at scale


The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) held an official virtual side event at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) to facilitate a strategic dialogue on financing agrifood systems transformation.

The event presented the new GDPRD White Paper outlining a bold yet practical agenda for mobilizing capital and transforming agrifood systems at scale.
  • Presentation of the GDPRD White Paper - Jim Woodhill, GDPRD Senior Advisor
  • Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA
  • Chris Isaac, Chief Investment Officer, AgDevCo
  • Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
  • Excused: Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - Replaced by David Laborde (FAO)
  • Roel Messie, Chief Investment Officer, IDH Investment Management
  • Ron Hartman, Director, Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • Maurizio Navarra, GDPRD Secretariat Coordinator

Resources


GDPRD (2025) Summary Financing Agrifood Systems # 2 pp.

Transforming agrifood systems is economically sound. The cost of transformation is estimated at
US$1.2 - US$1.4 trillion annually, only a fraction of the current system’s hidden costs, which amount to
approximately US$12 trillion per year due to poor health, environmental damage and poverty.
Transforming agrifood systems could deliver at least a tenfold economic, social and environmental return.

Responsible private investment in agrifood systems could unlock as much as US$4.5 trillion annually in new business opportunities. It is one of the smartest investments that can be made to ensure future prosperity, security, sustainability and resilience.

6th African Union (AU) – European Union (EU) Agriculture Ministerial Conference


27 June 2025.
6th African Union (AU) – European Union (EU) Agriculture Ministerial Conference

In the framework of the Africa-EU Partnership, the sixth AU-EU agriculture ministerial conference centered around strengthening the collaboration and addressing current challenges facing both Continents’ agri-food systems.
The conference discussed in depth four topics that will feed into the overall theme with a good potential for concrete EU-AU partnership. The four topics were:
  • Investment and Financing in agri-food value chains
  • Sustainable Practices and Climate Resilience
  • Research, Innovation, and Technology
  • Market Access and Trade Facilitation
AU and EU Ministers of Agriculture, together with representatives of other international organisations convened in the afternoon plenary session to take stock of the thematic discussions and pave the way for the future cooperation.

High level thematic sessions


Concept note for the panel on investment and financing in agri-food value chains  # 3 pp.

Concept note for the panel on sustainable practices and climate resilience # 2 pp.

Concept note for the panel on research, innovation and technology # 3 pp.

Concept note for the panel on market access and trade facilitation # 3 pp.

Side events

1: Enhancing investment, sustainability, and trade: The role of farmers and farmer organisations

  • The Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP) programme (2019-2025) aimed to increase the incomes and improve the livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and safety of organized smallholders and family farmers in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries by strengthening regional, national and local farmers’ organizations. This program consistsed of 23 projects in various countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. The projects were implemented by nine (9) of the twelve (12) AGRICORD member agri-agencies and trusted Farmer Organizations on the national, subnational and local level ranging from country-wide federations to primary producer cooperatives.
  • Farmers' Organizations Leading Research & Innovation on agroecology for sustainable food systems (FO-RI, 2022-2026), - managed by AgriCord. 
  • A new farmers’ organization’s global capacity building program FO4IMPACT is expected to be implemented in Africa through the Panafrican Farmers Organisation (PAFO), its members and AgriCord.
Speakers:
  • Keynote – Ms Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of EAFF, Board member of PAFO
  • Unlocking finance for smallholder farmers, including youth, and addressing barriers to market access, Mr Musa Sowe, President of National Coordinating Organizations for Farmers Association of the Gambia and, Vice-president of ROPPA
  • FOs’ role in IFAD programs and IFAD investments contributing to scaling up, Mr Ron Hartman, Director for Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, IFAD
  • Relevance of supporting FOs within EU policy framework, Mr Philippe Le Clerc Policy Officer, Sustainable Food Systems/DG INTPA, European Commission
  • Agroecological/climate-smart farming practices and compensation for ecosystem services, Ms Kati Partanen, Board member of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners/MTK, Finland and Board member of the WFO
  • Summary remarks – Mr Pieter Verhelst, Board member of Boerenbond, Belgium and President of AgriCord

This side event explored how the AU and EU can strategically contribute to global efforts to address inequality, achieve climate justice and the right to food. It linked the conversation to global processes: These include the G20 - now under the Presidency of South Africa - and its Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil, the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 53), and the recent pledges at the Nutrition for Growth Summit. 



This event explored how the recent Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration alongside the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, can further strengthen collaboration opportunities to strengthen the evidence-base of economic analysis of policies. 
  • Opening A. Agumya, Executive Director (FARA)
  • Introduction M. Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AU)
  • PANAP: Bridging science and policy presentation - E. Ferrari, Scientific Project Officer (EC-JRC) & Kweku Antwi, Cluster Lead (FARA)
Bridging science-policy in current Africa-EU agri-food policy: opportunities for partnerships
  • M. Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (Republic of Ireland)
  • Senator A. Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (Federal Republic of Nigeria)
  • E. Fotabong, Director of Agriculture (NEPAD)
  • L. Mizzi, Head of Unit (EC-DG INTPA)
  • O. Badiane, Executive Chairperson (AKADEMIYA2063)
  • P. Quartey, Professor (ISSER- University of Ghana)
  • Moderator - K. Dekeyser, Policy Analyst (ECDPM)
  • Wrap-up and take aways A. Zampieri, Director Sustainable Resources (EC-JRC)


The traditional knowledge of the territories where they are rooted, require supportive public
policies to thrive. These policies must secure a favorable legal and administrative framework for their management and protection, support stakeholders in their collective efforts, and help turn these high-quality agricultural and food products into genuine engines of sustainable territorial development.

Strong policies for strong GIs 
  • Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, France
  • Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture
GIs: Perspectives from Africa and Europe
  • Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of FAO
  • Alaa Farouk Zaki El-Sayed, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Egypt
  • Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, Livestock, Senegal
  • Assoumani Mondoha, Comores ambassador
  • Mr. Tahirou Pape Kanoute, Executive Director of the NGO and consultancy firm ETDS – Economy, Territory and Development Services, Senegal (via video)
Conclusion and thanks 
  • Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture
  • Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Italy

Webinar Agroecology Finance Assessment ad Tracking Tool

10 June 2025
. Webinar Agroecology Finance Assessment ad Tracking Tool.

This webinar—organized by the Agroecology Coalition and Agroecology Fund—focused on two-year updates and practical experiences from major funders. The updated platform now provides enhanced portfolio-level analysis and visual dashboards, helping users evaluate funding aligned with the 13 agroecological principles 
Built on a robust methodology co-developed by Stats4SD and Coventry University-based experts, the tool ensures secure, open-source, and institution-specific data handling, while enabling aggregate trend reports.
  • Opening Oliver Oliveros, Agroecology Coalition 
  • Daniel Moss, Agroecology Fund Presentation of the Tool and New Features: 
  • Emile Frison, Agroecology Coalition 
  • David Mills, Statistics for Sustainable Development Experiences from users: Alexander Lingenthal, BMZ, Germany 
  • Anja Müting-van Loon, GIZ, Germany 
  • Marion Michaud, European Commission 
  • Elisa Pettinati, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Italy 
  • Anna Paskal, International Development Research Centre (IDRC) 




Biopesticide research in Sri Lanka and Russia

30 June 2025. APAARI Asia Pacific Biopesticides

The Asia‑Pacific Biopesticide Community of Practice (ABCoP), launched by APAARI in May 2024, is a vibrant cross‑sectoral platform that unites researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, NGOs and government agencies across the Asia‑Pacific region. Its primary mission is to promote knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and accelerate the development, regulation, and trade of biopesticides—a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pest control. 
  • Mr. Igor Rylkov, International Affairs Manager, All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center, under the authority of Rosselkhoznadzor (Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation), Moscow Oblast, “Biological Crop Protection – Key Facts on the Current Situation in Russia.” rilkov.igor@vniikr.ru

    The All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center (ФГБУ «ВНИИКР»), under Rosselkhoznadzor in Moscow Oblast, actively promotes biological crop protection across Russia through several integrated approaches. As a core scientific institution within the Federal Service, it leads the development and deployment of biological control methods—such as introducing entomophagous insects, pheromone-based traps, and biovaccines—to combat quarantine and invasive pests in both field and greenhouse crops. 
    It also hosts forums and round‑table discussions with agricultural stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and research centers to refine regulatory frameworks and disseminate best practices in bio‑protection. In addition, VNIIKR serves as an educational hub: through its licensed Training and Methodology Department, it offers certification courses, practical seminars, and internships to Rosselkhoznadzor personnel and regional phytosanitary specialists in biological plant protection techniques and quarantine monitoring. By combining R&D, regulatory input, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement, the Center fosters widespread adoption of safer, more sustainable biocontrol solutions throughout Russia’s agricultural sectors.

    The Union of Biological Producers in Russia (Союз биологических производителей России) is an industry association that represents the interests of companies and organizations involved in the development, production, and promotion of biological products in Russia.
  • Dr. A.D.N.T. Kumara, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Southeastern University of Sri Lanka, “Advancements and Prospects of Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture: Global Trends and Insights from Sri Lanka.”

    Under integrated pest management frameworks, bio-agents can effectively suppress pests without harming non-target species, thus aiding in biodiversity conservation and food safety. Nonetheless, challenges such as inconsistent product quality, lack of farmer awareness, regulatory limitations, and higher initial costs are noted as barriers to large-scale adoption. Overall, the analysis calls for strengthened local research (often dependent on short term external research funding without follow up), improved regulatory pathways, targeted extension services, and public–private partnerships to fully realize the potential of biopesticides in Sri Lanka’s transition to a more sustainable agricultural future.

Background

Building on foundational work from a 2020–2023 STDF‑supported initiative led in partnership with AgAligned Global, ABCoP aims to harmonize regulatory frameworks (especially around Maximum Residue Limits), strengthen technical capacities in residue analysis, biopesticide production, and data validation, and thereby enhance safe trade opportunities. With monthly sessions open to all interested experts and newcomers, ABCoP ensures continuous regional engagement. The community supports APAARI’s broader vision of sustainable agriculture by bridging national decision‑makers and the private sector to advance biopesticides as a cornerstone of integrated pest management in the Asia‑Pacific

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Financing Africa's Development

26 June 2025
.  This online session on Financing Africa's Development, wanted to elevate the voices of migration governance actors in the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). At this FfD4 meeting, the African Non-State Actors Platform on Migration and Development will be represented by a Delegation of actors from civil society, diaspora and trade unions. It will also host an in-person official side event: Game Changers: Role of Remittances & Diaspora Contributions. 

The GFAiR Collective Action on Forgotten Foods will be represented at 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) by Maureen Duru of Foodbridge. 

During the online session of 26/06 Maureen Duru of Foodbridge pleaded for going beyond the remittances but also valorise entrepreneurship, in particular in the food sector. (see: Forgotten food and the UK diaspora of African origin).

Picture: delegation of the African Non-State Actors Platform on Migration and Development which will participate in 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).

Upcoming event


Background:

The African Non-State Actors Platform on Migration and Development is a regional initiative that brings together civil society organizations, diaspora groups, research institutions, labor unions, and other non-governmental stakeholders to engage in migration and development discourse across the African continent. The platform provides a coordinated voice for non-state actors to influence migration policy, advocate for the rights of migrants, and contribute to the implementation of regional and global migration frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework. By facilitating dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and joint action, the platform enhances the visibility and effectiveness of civil society participation in migration governance.

A core function of the Platform is to ensure that migration policies and development strategies are rooted in human rights, social justice, and sustainable development principles. It seeks to address the structural drivers of forced migration, promote safe and regular migration channels, and highlight the contributions of migrants to both origin and destination communities. 

Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building, the Platform empowers non-state actors to hold governments accountable, influence decision-making processes, and ensure that the voices of migrants, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, are heard in regional and international fora.

Rethinking Public–Private Partnerships: From Funding Gaps to Shared Goals

26 June 2025. Rethinking Public–Private Partnerships: From Funding Gaps to Shared Goals

Second session of the APAARI Community of Practice on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP CoP)—a platform dedicated to strengthening public-private collaborations to enhance agricultural trade.

Dr. Romano De Vivo emphasized the vital role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in agriculture and sustainable development, highlighting their global significance in mobilizing over $100 billion annually. These partnerships are endorsed by major institutions and UN frameworks such as the SDGs and Rio Conventions, underscoring their relevance for climate resilience and inclusive development. However, he insisted that true partnerships go beyond mere transactions or sponsorships—they must be grounded in co-design, shared purpose, and trust. Partnerships should not involve unilateral control or outsourcing, but rather mutual ownership and co-creation of solutions, where both public and private sectors contribute equally and align their objectives.

A successful partnership requires shared values, early engagement, and balanced responsibilities. Partnerships often fail due to unclear objectives, mismatched timelines, incompatible success metrics, and rigid contracts. While the public sector tends to prioritize implementation and short-term goals, the private sector focuses on long-term impact and financial returns. These differences, unless reconciled, lead to mistrust. Effective collaboration requires transparent governance, aligned KPIs, and careful consideration of reputational risks—especially when involving multinational corporations or local startups. The public sector must not compromise its mission but rather ensure that partnerships serve community needs and public interest first.

In closing, Dr. Romano De Vivo urged public institutions—especially National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and regional fora—to explore new roles as service providers and facilitators for the private sector. Given their deep understanding of local contexts, networks, and regulatory environments, public entities can guide private actors through complex local challenges, such as benefit-sharing or sustainability disclosure requirements. He encouraged reexamining foundational frameworks—like GFAiR’s own partnership principles—as a guide to forming high-impact, locally grounded, and ethically sound partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to build models that are context-specific but anchored in strategic alignment, shared benefits, and lasting impact.

Background


What is the APAARI PPP CoP?
  • A dedicated forum by APAARI to foster public–private partnerships focused on advancing agri‑trade in the Asia‑Pacific region 
  • Engages a wide mix of stakeholders: government (e.g., Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh), private sector, NGOs, universities, and research institutions 
  • Designed to cultivate ongoing knowledge-sharing, joint problem-solving, and policy dialogue.
Launch & Key Sessions
  • The inaugural event, held ~4 months ago, attracted 80+ participants from 9 countries, with a focus on Bangladesh 
  • February 24, 2025 session brought together experts and stakeholders for a targeted discussion on agri‑trade partnerships 
Objectives and Outcomes
  • Expert Insights & Perspectives
  • Panel sessions featuring voices from APAARI, government (e.g., DAE), and private agribusiness investors to shape PPP roles in agricultural trade 
Identifying Challenges & Opportunities
  • In-depth discussions on trade compliance, policy advocacy, standards harmonization, and private‑sector engagement 
  • Commitment to Continued Engagement
  • Participants agreed to hold regular CoP meetings to sustain momentum and collaboration 
Contextual Linkages
  • Builds on related APAARI initiatives such as the seed‑trade PPP project, focusing on phytosanitary compliance and private‑public collaboration in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, 
  • Reinforces APAARI’s broader initiative to strengthen agricultural innovation systems and capacity development across the region.
Why It Matters
  • Serves as a bridging mechanism between policy-makers, agribusiness, research, and farmers to unlock new trade opportunities.
  • Addresses key bottlenecks—such as compliance and market access—through collective action.
  • Supports APAARI's mission to enhance agri‑trade, sustainability, and innovation via multi-stakeholder platforms.
Moving Forward
  • Regular sessions are planned across different member countries to share successful PPP models, align policy frameworks, and facilitate on‑the‑ground collaboration.
  • Through this CoP, APAARI aims to build scalable, repeatable PPP models that enhance agriculture trade and market access throughout the region.

Impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts on food security and nutrition

JRC (2025) The Impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts on food security and nutrition – a Knowledge Review

The main recommendations from key players to address the current challenges include reducing the fragmentation of the ODA landscape; finding innovative, low cost and technology-based sources of data; enhancing ownership and leadership in development assistance by national states; and joining forces with private donors.

The shortfall of the US cannot be offset by other ODA donors, which shift their priorities from development aid towards strategic national interests, notably migration control and defence.
  • The US was the largest contributors to FAO, supporting 14% of agency’s total budget. FAO’s Director-General reported on April 7th that 106 projects were terminated due to recent decisions of the US government, with a total value of $348 m (source). This includes $250 m under the Global Health security Program, focused on monitoring and rapid response to transboundary animal diseases. Terminated programmes include surveillance of avian flu in Central America, monitoring of avian flu outbreaks in key Asian hotspots (Cambodia and Vietnam), and support to veterinary laboratories to quick diagnose avian influenza in Western and Central Africa (source). FAO announced that it would eliminate 600 staff positions due to funding cuts (source)
  • The Word Food Program (WFP) funding outlook in 2025 shows a reduction of 34%, decreasing from $9.8 bn last year to $6.4 bn this year (source). The agency will slash 25% to 30% of its workforce, or up to 6 000 jobs, by next year (source). Large donors reviewing their contribution to WFP are the reason for this expected drop in funding forecasts. With a total of $4.4 bn the US was in 2024 the biggest donor of the WFP (source). However, other countries are also decreasing their budget for multilateral development cooperation.
The analysis by the Centre for Global Development (source), based on the March 26 list, shows that considering the absolute amount of cuts, the most affected country is by far Ukraine ($1.4 bn). 
The second most affected country is Ethiopia ($386.9 mn), followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo ($386.7 mn) Colombia ($309.3 mn), Uganda ($306.8 mn), South Africa ($260.6 mn), Palestine ($240 mn) Bangladesh ($229.2 mn), Kenya ($224.7 mn), Afghanistan ($223.1 mn) and Tanzania ($215.7 mn).

It does not seem that the shortfall of the US can be offset by other countries, as ODA is declining worldwide: according to an analysis that used OECD data and projections based on announced cuts to ODA by the main 17 DAC countries (accounting for 95% of total ODA from DAC), to decline from $213.1 in 2023 to $152.7 bn in 2026, meaning -28.3% (source).

The first draft of the Outcome document of the 2024 Seville conference on Financing for
Development
recommends and commits to strengthening the SDG indicator framework, broader reporting by South-South providers, promoting open, interoperable data platforms to improve data sharing and accessibility, and enhancing coordination on data among IFIs, national and international statistical agencies, the United Nations, Member States, development agencies and relevant stakeholders (source, section II, point no. 57).

The report Global Outlook on Financing Sustainable Development 2025, published ahead of the upcoming Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, calls for redirecting the capital available globally, starting with balancing ambition and practicality in addressing sustainable development priorities. Inclusive governance and policy coherence are critical to overcoming the hurdles, as disparities in decision-making structures and resource allocation undermine global trust and co-operation. It also includes the mobilisation of national funds through improved tax collection and private investments. To enhance accountability and transparency in resource allocation, the report urges strengthening the global financing for development monitoring system to restore trust among all countries (source, source).

Leading nutritionists commented on the journal Nature that the unprecedented crisis requires the world to rethink aid to nutrition, as well as to prioritize and expand financing options; saying that global development partners, governments and donors should mobilize immediately to safeguard nutrition for the world’s most vulnerable populations. Governments in Low and Middle Income Countries should be supported and developmentfinance institutions should further increase global funding for nutrition programmes. Funding from outside the nutrition sector could be leveraged by accelerating efforts to make agricultural, workforce and climate investments more ‘nutrition smart’ (source).

Forthcoming:


30 June - 3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)


Friday, June 20, 2025

Delivering the Kampala Strategy for Agricultural R&D in Africa

16 - 19 June 2025
. Cairo, Egypt. From Commitment to Action: Delivering the Kampala Strategy for Agricultural R&D in Africa

This meeting was organized by AU‑SAFGRAD (the African Union’s Semi‑Arid Food Grains Research & Development office). It served as a key strategy session aimed at operationalizing the newly launched CAADP Kampala Strategy (covering 2026–2035), which is Africa's post‑Malabo framework for transforming agriculture through science and innovation.

It is important to strengthen joint African action to address the risks and challenges facing the region, as well as the optimal and effective exploitation of the vast and diverse economic and natural resources possessed by the African continent, to achieve intra-African economic integration and address the new global reality. Egypt develops agriculture through several axes, including: horizontal expansion through the reclamation of approximately 4 million acres to support the production of strategic crops and reduce the food gap therein, as well as vertical expansion through the development of new varieties with high productivity, early maturity, low water requirements, and tolerance to climate change.  
Egyptian state's efforts include adopting modern technologies to develop irrigation systems and increase the efficiency of water resource use by building giant agricultural wastewater treatment plants. This is in addition to supporting the transition to healthy and safe food systems, reducing loss and waste by expanding the scope of the National Silos Program and diversifying import sources for strategic grain commodities. This is in addition to strengthening and expanding the social protection network through the "Takaful and Karama" programs and launching the presidential "Decent Life" initiative, which aims to alleviate the burden on citizens in the most needy communities in rural areas and urban slums, representing more than 60% of the Egyptian population. 
The Ministry of Agriculture and its scientists from the Agricultural Research Center and the Desert Research Center are fully prepared to provide the necessary expertise and all means of support to cooperate with our brothers from the African continent, harnessing all capabilities to ensure the success of this cooperation and achieve food security. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt
The workshop was attended by: the Director of the African Union Office for Research and Development at the African Union Commission; the Executive Secretary of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa; the Executive Secretary of the Arab Fund for Technical Support to African Countries; Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, Head of the Agricultural Research Center; Dr. Saad Moussa, Supervisor of External Agricultural Relations; and representatives of African Union bodies and organizations.

Objectives of the Meeting
  • Translate the Kampala Strategy into a concrete Action Plan: Participants focused on identifying R&D priorities, setting targets, defining implementation pathways, and establishing an M&E (monitoring & evaluation) framework .
  • Engage key stakeholders: A broad range of actors from national agricultural research centers, CGIAR institutes, regional bodies like FARA, and AU entities (e.g., SAFGRAD, AUC) were consulted to ensure ownership at all levels.
  • Mobilize support and funding mechanisms: The meeting also explored ways to build strong public–private partnerships, secure donor engagement, and tap into new financing instruments to support agricultural research in Africa.
Key Themes Covered
  • Strengthening R&D infrastructure up to 2035.
  • Enhancing tech transfer—including mechanization, digital agriculture, AI, climate-smart practices.
  • Establishing robust institutional frameworks and governance for implementation and monitoring.
  • Formulating resource mobilization strategies.
This event marked the first major consultative workshop aimed at driving the shift from high‑level commitment—to the Kampala Strategy—toward tangible, on‑the‑ground action across Africa. The ultimate goal: to build sustainable, resilient, and innovation-led agri-food systems across the continent.

Extracts of the programma

Panel 1: CAADP Kampala Strategy – From Vision to Action 

  • Moderator: Dr. Irene Annor Frempong (Facilitator) 
  • Kenao Lao (AUC/CAADP) 
  • Dr. Samuel Benin (IFPRI/CGIAR) 
  • Dr. Clement Adjorlolo (AU-NEPAD) 
  • Dr. Moses Odeke (ASARECA) 
  • Representative ARC Egypt 

Panel 2: Building Resilient Agricultural Research Systems 

  • Moderator: Dr. Niéyidouba Lamien (CORAF) 
  • Dr. Majola Lawrence Mabuza (CCARDESA) 
  • Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (CGIAR) 
  • Dr. Sokona Dagnoko (RUFORUM) 
  • Dr. Charity Kagiso K-Kruger (NARDI, Botswana) 
  • Dr. Fredah Maina Wangui (KALRO, Kenya) 
  • Representative ARC Egypt 

Panel 3: Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Agri-Transformation 

  • Moderator: Dr. Charles Kleinermann (CGIAR/ ICARDA) 
  • Dr. Baboucarr Manneh (AfricaRice) 
  • Dr. Oladunjoye Michael Adeyinka (Pan African University) 
  • Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye (YPARD) 
  • Dr. Niéyidouba Lamien (CORAF) 
  • Dr. Hernán D. Muñoz, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
  • Representative ARC Egypt 

Panel 4: Bridging the Research-to-Practice Gap 

  • Moderator: Dr. Lilian Lihasi Kidula (AFAAS) 
  • Dr. Oyewole Babafemi (PAFO) 
  • Representative ROPPA/PROPAC 
  • Prof. Quirico Migheli, Director, Desertification Research Centre (EWA 
  • BELT) 
  • Dr. Uffelen, Gerrit-Jan van (WUR) 
  • Representative ARC/Cairo University 

Panel 5: Gender, Youth and Inclusive Research Systems 

  • Moderator: Fatma Bensadok (Algeria – Gender/Training) 
  • Lovin Kobusingye (Uganda National Women Fish Organization) 
  • Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye (YPARD) 
  • Jenniffer Wairimu Waruingi (Kenya Youth) 
  • Dr. Jennie Van der Mheen (WUR) University 
  • Dr. Laura Altea (EWA BELT ) 
  • Representative ARC Egypt 

Panel 6: Institutional Collaboration and Policy Engagement for Kampala Delivery 

  • Moderator: Dr. AKwesi Ntiamoah Atta-Krah, Senior advisor to the Regional Director for Africa   
  • Dr. Uffelen, Gerrit-Jan van (WUR) 
  • Dr. Aliou Faye (ISRA, Senegal) 
  • Representative ARC/Cairo University 
  • Dr. Moyo Siboniso, ILRI Deputy Director General 

Panel 7: Resource Mobilization and Public-Private Partnerships 

  • Moderator: Dr Kwaku Antwi (FARA) 
  • Dr. Oyewole Babafemi (PAFO – Farmer/PPP links) 
  • Dr. Tapsoba François (EWA Scientific Board) 
  • Peter Claver Anyeembey (Ministry of Agriculture, Ghana) 
  • Dr. Mohammed Ssemwanga (AGRENES-Private Sector) 
  • Representative Cairo University 
  • Representatives from AFTAAC 
  • Representative ARC Egypt 

Key Outcomes & Next Steps

  • Drafting of an AU-SAFGRAD Action Plan. Outlining thematic priorities, institutional roles, performance indicators, and implementation timelines.
  • Governance Frameworks Initiated. Draft TORs for coordinating bodies, partnership agreements, and M&E systems were proposed for adoption at continental and regional levels 
  • Resource Mobilization Framework Drafted. Including proposals for public–private funding, donor coordination, and engagement with “Team Africa” financing mechanisms 
  • Research Priorities Finalized. Soil health, digital/agri-tech, AI, mechanization, climate-smart practices and value-chain R&D were signed off as flagship areas 
  • Partnership Agreements Under Development. Including a roadmap for AARIEIs (Africa‑wide Agricultural Research & Innovation Excellence Institutions) aligned with Kampala goals 
  • RUFORUM-Led Capacity Support Planned. RUFORUM to roll out training programs aiding national implementation efforts

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Webinars organised by the (European) Agroecology Partnership

19-21 May 2025. Brussels. AGROECOLOGY Partnership Valorisation Workshop and Kick-Off Meeting. Organised by the Agroecology Partnership. The Partnership is funded by Horizon Europe and unites the European Commission and 72 partners across 26 Member States, Associated Countries, and Third Countries.

Zie ook 19/03: The Agroecology Partnership, funded by Horizon Europe

Valorisation Workshop & Kick-Off Meeting of the 1st co-funded call projects, 
The 1st co-funded call “Fostering agroecology at farm and landscape levels” resulted in the selection of 19 projects with a total funding of €37 million. A kick-off meeting of the 1st co-funded call projects was held on May 20-21 (2025) in Brussels. The meeting was organised back-to-back with a valorisation workshop, aimed at discussing the utilization and application of research projects funded under H2020 whose results are of benefit for the AGROECOLOGY Partnership.


Webinars organised by the Agroecology Partnership

12 June 2025. Legume-cereal intercropping for sustainable agriculture across Europe

Organised by the Agroecology Partnership. The Partnership is funded by Horizon Europe and unites the European Commission and 72 partners across 26 Member States, Associated Countries, and Third Countries 



28 May 2025. Conversation on Agroecology: Monitoring agroecological transition – from theory to practice



26 May 2025. Conversation on Agroecology: Agroecology living labs to transform food systems


Topic 1: 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬: 𝐀 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲-𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞
  • Tiffanie F. Stone from the Aarhus University in Denmark
Tiffanie F. Stone presented a critical review developed by an interdisciplinary team of research in work package 7 of the Agroecology Partnership describing key characteristics and possibilities of transformative agroecology Living Labs (LL). Sustainable transition and innovation theories, and literature on agricultural knowledge and innovation systems were reviewed and connected with three core components of transformative agroecology LL: 1) aligning methods with agroecology principles, 2) utilizing place-based transformation approaches and 3) supporting a paradigm shift to participatory knowledge production. The team then identified three seeds of transformation which hold potential for supporting transformative agroecology LL as a new participatory paradigm at the science-policy-society nexus in Europe.

Topic 2: 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐬: 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
  • Ana Allamand from Soil Association in Scotland
Ana Allamand brought LLs concept to practice, highlighting common challenges and opportunities when implementing LLs and suggesting tools to address these challenges and maximise LL potential and impact. She also explored how to plan for LLs long term viability (beyond limited funding) to leverage them in the long run to sustain agricultural and food systems transformation.


Prof. Per Kudsk presented the outcomes of the EU-funded IWMPRAISE project, which explored practical, sustainable solutions for weed control through Integrated Weed Management (IWM) across Europe. Learn how innovative, low-input strategies can reduce herbicide reliance, support biodiversity, and improve resilience in farming systems.

Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

16 - 18 June 2025,
FAO HQ, Rome, Italy. Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

This conference discussed the latest advancements, opportunities and risks associated with biotechnologies, and to examine how biotechnologies can drive agrifood systems transformation, ensuring equitable access and delivering meaningful impacts at all levels.

Objectives 
  • Highlight past achievements, recent advancements and future trends in biotechnologies and their transformative potential for achieving efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
  • Explore how biotechnologies, including low-tech tools and advanced innovations, such as genome editing and synthetic biology, can empower small-scale producers, processors, traders and retailors to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and build resilience to climate challenges.
  • Share good practices in integrating digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and bioinformatics, to advance research, improve access, and scale biotechnological innovations.
  • Discuss the experience in development of policies and legislation to ensure the safe, equitable, and responsible application of biotechnologies, addressing risks and building public trust.
  • Foster global collaboration by connecting policymakers, scientists, civil society organizations, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to drive inclusive biotechnological solutions, ensuring no one is left behind in the transformation of agrifood systems.
"Biotechnology is not a substitute for traditional knowledge, but instead it is a valuable complement. It must be accessible to those on the front lines of agrifood systems: farmers, rural communities, and stewards of the environment. Responsible governance, appropriate regulatory frameworks, public trust, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to ensure that no one is left behind in this era of rapid transformation." QU Dongyu FAO Director-General 

Extracts of the programme

16/06 Opening plenary session

The panel highlighted some of the recent advancements such as synthetic biology, microbial metabolic engineering, molecular data science, analytics, computational methods including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to development and application of biotechnological solutions. 

FAO Webcast
  • Welcome and opening Address, Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO 
  • Vincent Martin, moderator
  • Science-based approaches to support food security, better nutrition and food safety in the context of transforming agrifood systems - Mr. Carlos Goulart, Secretary of Animal and Plant Health at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil
  • Biotechnologies as catalysts for agrifood systems transformation and its role in achieving multiple SDGs - Mr Víctor Manuel Villalobos Arámbula, Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mexico 
  • Role of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in development and application of BiotechnologiesMr Sanwen Huang, President, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Hainan, China
  • Application of biotechnologies for smallholders - Mr Papa Abdoulaye Seck, Former Director General, Africa Rice Center and Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senegal
  • Taking stock of the past achievements, status and recent breakthroughs in biotechnological research and development - Ms Louise Fresco Professor & Former President, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands: She stressed the promises of biotechnology 1.0 and biotehnology 2.0

The panel discussion highlighted some of the recent advancements such as synthetic biology, microbial metabolic engineering, molecular data science, analytics, computational methods including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to development and application of biotechnological solutions.

FAO Webcast
  • Looking at the future: International cooperation and partnerships for promoting biotechnologies for efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems - Ms Jelena Begovic, Chair, Board of Governors, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy and Former Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Government of Serbia.
  • Application of synthetic biology and microbial metabolic engineering for food security and nutrition - Ms Claudia Vickers, Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
  • Molecular data science - Analytics and computational methods, including AI, applied to genome, protein sequence, and small molecule data - Mr Justin Gerke, Sr. Data Science Manager, Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, IN, USA
  • Exploring the Future of biotechnologies: Integrating foresight across UN and Beyond - Mr Chris Earney, Head UN Futures Lab/Global Hub, UN Futures Lab/Global Hub Executive Office of the Secretary General at the Unities Nations, New York, USA
  • Biotechnologies at work for smallholder farmers: Lessons of the past, challenges and opportunities of the future - Mr Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj, Indian Farmers Forum, New Delhi, India: Phylantropic organizations should not influence policy
  • Role of private sector in promoting biotechnological solutions: Increasing investments and engagements - Mr Michael Keller, Secretary General, International Seeds Federation, Nyon, Switzerland

    + 22:35:50 Intervention from Ms Louise Fresco

16/06 FAO/IAEA Joint centre and the Biotechnologies abstract winners

Atrium side event: Extract: Evaluation of transgenic cowpea with combined resistance to the Legume pod borer and cowpea weevil - Mr Jerry Nboyine, Principal Research Scientist (Entomologist) at CSIR - Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale. Ghana

16/06 Biotechnological innovations and sustainability frontiers

The session focused on some recent and specific biotechnological innovations including gene editing, synthetic biology, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, cell based products and its wide range of novel solutions for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

FAO Webcast
  • Biotechnologies to the most vulnerable communities: Participatory action research with indigenous peoples and peasant communities, and advice on public policies and programs - Ms Georgina Catacora-Vargas, Member of the IPES-Food panel, and professor at the Academic Peasant Unit ‘Tiawanacu’ of the Bolivian Catholic University, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
  • Revolutionary gene editing technology for affordable and accessible solutions in agrifood systems - Mr Brad Ringeisen, Executive Director, Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), Berkeley, California, USA (On-line)
  • Application of the latest DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics methods to advance scientific understanding of crop genetics and interaction with their environment - Mr Mario Caccamo, Chief Executive Officer and Director, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • Biotechnological and food innovation – How plant and cell- based products will transform our agrifood systems? - Mr Bruce Friedrich, President and Founder, The Good Food Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
  • Molecular biological research for development of stress tolerance and resilient crops - Mr. Yasunari Fujita, Food Program, Program Director, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Japan
  • Role of structural and functional changes in the genome, diversity and population’s structure - adaptation to natural environmental variations or human-induced changes - Mr Yves Vigouroux, Director, DIADE Research Unit (Diversity - Adaptation - Plant Development), Institute of Research for Development (IRD), Montpellier, France
  • Delivering the benefits of biotechnology tools to farmers: Facilitating the transfer of appropriate biotechnology applications to farmers - Ms Margaret Karembu, Director, International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA), Africa Center, Nairobi, Kenya (On-line)

16/06 Genetic improvement for sustainable crop production systems

The presentation focused on topics such as next generation genomics, molecular breeding, gene editing and synthetic biology for sustainable crop production systems. 

16/06 Biotechnological Innovations in livestock management

The session provided a platform for interactive dialogue on the latest biotechnological applications in animal breeding, conservation of genetic diversity, improvement of feed efficiency and product quality, and the development of next-generation vaccines.


16/06 Youth and women in Biotech: Innovating for Tomorrow


FAO Webcast 45 applications were received and 6 were selected for presentation
+ 2:05:00 Intervention from Ms Louise Fresco: "South - South collaboration is really important" "Vasilov vs Lisenko  in Russia: we are go to be evidence driven" "Only a fully rounded individual can bë a good scientist

17/06 Innovation Pathways for development and localization of biotechnologies

The session highlighted some practical examples from the United States and China on product development, localization and commercialization, and safe and appropriate use of technologies to help meet agricultural challenges and consumer needs.

  • Role of Agricultural education and extension to promote development and localization of biotechnologies: Pathways for promoting biotechnologies in South Africa - Ms Lerato Bame Tsalaemang Matsaunyane, Research Team Manager: Farmer Support, Commercialisation and Enterprise Development, Agricultural Research Council – Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP), Pretoria, South Africa (On-line)

17/06 Biotechnologies in managing forest genetic resources

  • Biotechnologies to enhance the conservation and use of African tree germplasm - Ms Alice Muchugi (Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, World Agroforestry, Kenya)

17/06 Fish breeding, diagnostic tools and vaccines for aquatic animals

Brief overview of the main areas where biotechnologies are currently been applied in the fisheries and aquaculture.

17/06 Biotechnological applications for improving nutrition and food quality

  • Applying genomics to enhance the use of nutritionally important underutilized crops and trees species: African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) Initiative - Ms Alice Muchugi, Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, CIFOR-ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya 

 17/06 Biotechnology applications in a sustainable bioeconomy

This session discussed the current issues of sustainability assessments and barriers to adoption of biotechnologies

FAO Webcast
  • Platforms to enable knowledge transfer and bioeconomy development - Mr. Julius Ecuru, Manager, BioInnovate Africa at ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya 

17/06 Collaborative approaches for ensuring safety of biotechnological applications in food

  • Case 2: Importance of information sharing under the Convention of Biological Diversity: Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) - Ms Wadzanayi Mandivenyi, Biosafety Clearing House Manager, Biosafety Unit, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Canada
FAO Webcast

17/06 Climate-Resilient Future: Adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses through biotechnologies


This session highlighted accessible and affordable biotechnological innovations for climate change adaptation, and discuss specificity of some regional initiatives, and opportunities of plant microbiomes research and the development of microbial pro- and pre-biotic products for a more sustainable agriculture.
  • Biotechnologies for adapting to climate change: Improving resilience of smallholders in Africa - Mr Sylvester Oikeh Manager Biotech Maize seed system AATF, Nairobi, Kenya (On-line)
  • Developing next-generation plant breeding technologies to accelerate the creation of resilient and diverse crops, particularly in response to climate change - Ms Ying Shao, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Plantik Biosciences, Paris, France 

17/06 Private sector in development, uptake and scaling of biotech solutions


The session highlighted some selected cases from Sweden, Switzerland, Nigeria, USA and Canada. The discussions focused on application of biotechnologies in livestock herd health management, plant breeding, high-quality and high yielding varieties of seeds and scaling efforts. 
  • Development of Nigeria’s seed sector by improving access to high-quality, high-yielding varieties for smallholder farmers and promoting agronomic practices that support food security and rural livelihoods - Mr Moses Igyuve, Value Seeds Ltd, Nigeria 

18/06 Scaling Innovations in Biotech: From research to context specific adoption by rural communities

Examples covered economically important tropical crops, recent developments in biological nitrogen inhibition (BNI) and converting waste into biofertilizers

  • Facilitating transition of biotechnologies from the research to adoption enabled through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) roadmap  in South Africa  - Ms Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu, Director: Agricultural Biotechnology, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Pretoria, South Africa 
  • Scaling biotech products and response under real-world farmers’ conditions - Mr David Spielman, Director, Innovation Policy & Scaling Unit, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA 
  • Transforming agricultural waste into bio-fertilizer and outreach to rural women farmers in Uganda - Ms Elizabeth Kabakoyo, Founder, Glowish Agro Solutions, Uganda (On-line)

18/06 Policies in Biotechnology: Ensuring innovation and equity, balancing regulatory frameworks


This session highlighted the policies for equitable access and responsible application of biotechnologies by addressing consumer concerns and ensuring integration of ethical considerations.
  • Policy and regulatory affairs for biotechnologies: Experiences from Africa - Mr Francis Nangayo, Senior Manager and Head, Regulatory and Policies, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Policies and regulations of agricultural biotechnologies in Malawi – stakeholder relations and communications - Ms Lilian Chimphepo, Chief Environmental Officer (Biosafety Registrar), Environmental Affairs Department, Malawi 
  • Policy enablers for regulating agricultural biotechnologies in Africa - Mr Samuel Timpo, Principal Programme Officer – Biosafety, Johannesburg, South Africa 

18/06 Closing Plenary Session