Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
See conference brochure (112 pp)
Extracts of the programma
29/10 Advancing responsible AI ecosystems in African HEIs
- Moderator: Prof. Sizwe Mabizela (VC, Rhodes University, ARUA Board Chair)
- Prof. Bolanle Oboh (DVC, University of Lagos)
- Prof. Didas Muganga Kayihura (VC, University of Rwanda)
- Prof. Mosa Moshabela (VC, University of Cape Town)
- Prof Denis Worlanyo Aheto (VC, University of Cape Coast)
30/10 Collaboration of Networks (Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa)
- Moderator: Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale (VC, University of Ibadan)
- Prof. Sharon Fonn (Co-Director, CARTA)
- Prof. Anthony Egeru (Manager - Skilling, Engagement for Community Development, RUFORUM)
- Mr. Jim Kaketch (Senior Programme Officer, Research and Policy Uptake, Partnership for African Social & Governance Research - PASGR)
- Prof. Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi (DVC, OAU)
- Dr. Rachid Serraj (Director for Africa Initiative, UM6P)
31/10 Collaboration of Networks (Engaging international collaborative networks for Research and Innovation)
- Moderator: Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey (University of Ghana)
- Prof. Jenny Dixon (Secretary General, Universitas 21 – U21)
- Prof. Jan Palmwosky (Secretary General, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities – The Guild)
- Prof. Peter Lennie (Executive Director, Worldwide Universities Network - WUN)
- Prof. Maashutha Samuel Tshehla (DVC, Stellenbosch University)
- Dr. Laurent Bochereau (Minister-Counsellor Science, Technology & Innovation Delegation of the European Union to the African Union)
Poster presentation
The ARUA 2025 Biennial International Conference includes several posters and presentations directly related to agriculture and food security, many highlighting how AI and digital innovation can support sustainable farming, climate resilience, and smallholder livelihoods.
1. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Security in Africa: Addressing Data Gaps, Infrastructure Challenges and Policy Barriers
- Presenter: Ms. Mariah Muli, University of Nairobi
- Summary: Explores AI’s potential to improve agricultural resilience and food security in Africa. Identifies barriers such as data scarcity, weak infrastructure, and inadequate policy frameworks. Recommends developing localized AI models, strengthening digital infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships
2. Leveraging Indigenous Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa: Exploring Africa’s Rain-Making Technology
- Presenter: Mr. Philip Onyekachukwu Egbule, University of Delta, Agbor
- Summary: Examines integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with AI for climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture. Proposes hybrid systems that combine traditional weather knowledge with AI-based prediction tools for improved agricultural planning
3. Development of an Agri-Management Database System Prototype for the Sustainability of Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: A Design Thinking Approach
- Presenter: Dr. Obvious Mapiye, Stellenbosch University, with co-authors from University of Pretoria and UNISA
- Summary: Introduces a mobile app (AMDS) co-designed with smallholder cattle farmers to digitize farm records and extension services. Demonstrates improved usability and efficiency for managing farm data and connecting to markets
4. Climate-Smart Apiary Site Selection in East Africa: GIS-Based Analysis of Current and Future Climate Projections
- Presenter: Dr. Filagot Mengistu Walle, Addis Ababa University, with collaborators from University of Helsinki and ICIPE
- Summary: Uses AI-driven GIS and multi-criteria decision methods to optimize beekeeping site selection under different climate scenarios. Demonstrates how climate models can support adaptive agriculture and ecosystem services
5. AI Research Boost and Impact on Ugandan Universities and Communities
- Presenter: Mr. Hussein Mbabali, Islamic University in Uganda
- Summary: Highlights how AI and IoT projects in Ugandan universities (e.g., Busitema’s smart irrigation) have improved crop yields and agricultural productivity, showcasing university-community partnerships
🧩 Poster Presentations Related to Agriculture
6. Monitoring the Environmental Quality of Solar Energy-Powered Poultry Production System Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Presenters: Okonkwo Ifeanyi & Owoh Ikechukwu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Summary: Describes use of AI systems to monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, emissions) in poultry systems powered by solar energy—targeting efficiency and sustainability in agribusiness
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