October 2026: Thematic Overview of Blogposts

The October 2026 archive of PAEPARD–FARA contains 34 blogposts, covering agricultural research and innovation, neglected and underutilized species (Forgotten Foods), agroecology, seed systems, diaspora entrepreneurship, financing and international partnerships.

The posts are grouped below by their principal theme.

1. Forgotten Foods, Indigenous Crops and Agricultural Biodiversity

- 1 October 2026 — International AgrEcoNUS+ International Launch Conference: Launch of the EU-funded programme promoting neglected and underutilized species (NUS) as drivers of agroecological transition and sustainable value-chain development in nine African countries.

13 October + 22 September. AgrEcoNUS+ National Launches in Ghana and Zimbabwe: Advancing Forgotten Foods and Agroecological Transformation in Africa

- 14 October 2026 — Bridging the Gap through Community Engagements on Underutilized Legumes: A Society for Underutilized Legumes webinar explored how researchers and farming communities can collaborate to improve the conservation, cultivation and utilization of indigenous legumes.

- 21 October 2026 (publication) — Discovering the World Food Map: An Interactive Atlas of Edible Biodiversity: The article presents an interactive resource for exploring edible biodiversity and the diversity of food species around the world.

- 21–22 October 2026 — Advancing Underutilized Legumes for Food Security, Nutrition and Climate Resilience in Africa: The international scientific conference in Nigeria examined biotechnology, seed systems, climate-smart practices and markets for underutilized African legumes.

- 26 October 2026 — Bringing Forgotten Foods Back to the Table: Wageningen Symposium on Neglected and Underutilized Species: Researchers, chefs and food-system specialists explored how culinary innovation, scientific research and indigenous knowledge can increase the consumption and market opportunities of forgotten foods.

- 28 October 2026 (publication) — Brewing for Impact: How an Ancient African Grain Is Transforming the Global Beer Industry: The article examines how international breweries are creating new markets for fonio while supporting agricultural biodiversity and West African smallholder farmers.

- 29–30 October 2026 — 16th Indigenous and Traditional Seed and Food Festival: The festival in Uganda celebrated farmer-managed seed systems, traditional food heritage and agroecological knowledge as foundations for climate resilience.

- 29–30 October 2026 — Connecting Indigenous Foods with Tourism and New Markets: The WILD Exchange 2026 in South Africa's Western Cape brought together agriculture, tourism, hospitality, investors and entrepreneurs to explore new markets for indigenous and underutilized crops, highlighting FANRPAN's contribution to linking food heritage, sustainable tourism and economic development.

2. Agroecology, Biopesticides and Sustainable Farming

- 8 October 2026 — Making Biopesticides Work: Connecting Regulation, Scientific Evidence and Sustainable Pest Management: A GFAiR–EFARD webinar examined regulatory barriers and field-level evidence affecting the development, commercialization and adoption of biopesticides.

- 14–15 October 2026 — Farmers' Organisation-led Bio-inputs Systems: From Farmer Innovation to Sustainable Markets and Policies: An international workshop in Belgium examined farmer-led production, research, regulation and market development for biological agricultural inputs.

- 28 October 2026 — Financing the Agroecological Transition: Practical Pathways for Agricultural Public Development Banks: The Agri-PDB Platform webinar explored financial instruments and investment approaches to support farmers and agricultural enterprises transitioning towards agroecology.

3. Seed Systems, Food Security and Nutrition

- 5–7 October 2026 — African Union Inaugural Africa Seed Summit: The continental summit in Eswatini addressed seed policy, farmer-managed seed systems, investment and equitable access to quality seeds for African farmers.

- 5–7 October 2026 — The 2nd India–Africa Seed Summit 2026: The summit promoted India–Africa cooperation in seed technology, research, private-sector partnerships and resilient agricultural production.

- 29–30 October 2026 — Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security 2026: Harnessing Sustainable Water for Resilient Agrifood Systems and Better Nutrition: The African Union event in Nairobi connected sustainable water management, nutritious diets, climate resilience and implementation of the Kampala CAADP commitments.

4. Agricultural Research, Innovation and International Partnerships

- 13–15 October 2026 — Science & Innovation @ FAO’s World Food Forum: The Science and Innovation Forum in Rome explored research partnerships, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and investment to accelerate agrifood systems transformation.

- 15 October 2026 — Food and Nature Forum: Turning Science into Action for Food Systems: The Brussels forum examined how scientific evidence, biodiversity research and nature-positive innovation can inform investments, policies and sustainable food systems.

- 15 October 2026 — Broken by Design? Rewiring Investment & Partnership Models for Research and Innovation: A FAO panel featuring GFAiR Executive Secretary Joanna Kane-Potaka called for more equitable partnerships, locally led research and improved agricultural R&D financing.

- 21–23 October 2026 — Global NARS Consortium Launches Results-Based Agricultural Research Management Training in Türkiye: The GNC, TAGEM and AARINENA workshop introduced a results-based methodology for strengthening agricultural research planning, management and evaluation.

- 20–22 October 2026 — Borlaug Dialogue 2026: African Indigenous Crops Take Global Stage: The World Food Prize conference highlighted agricultural innovation, international partnerships and the contributions of African indigenous crops to global food security.

- October 2026 (publication) — Scaling Innovations for Sustainable Development: The article addresses approaches to expanding the reach and development impact of innovations through stronger partnerships and implementation mechanisms.

- 27–29 October 2026 — Africa Science and Innovation Forum 2026: Scaling Agricultural Innovation and Strengthening Africa–Europe Research Partnerships: The forum explored research collaboration, agricultural technologies, innovation scaling and financing for resilient African agrifood systems.

- 29–30 October 2026 — Research, Differently: African Farmers Call for a New Partnership in Agricultural Research and Innovation: The SACAU–AgriCord dialogue in Johannesburg advocated shifting from research on farmers towards farmer-led research, shared decision-making and equitable partnerships.

- 28–29 October 2026 — Russia–Africa Summit 2026: Agricultural Technologies, Food Security and Research Cooperation: The summit examined agricultural technology transfer, scientific cooperation, agribusiness investment and food security partnerships between Russia and African countries.

5. African Diaspora, Agribusiness and Market Development

- 23–24 October 2026 — 10th African Diaspora Agrofood Forum: ADAF26 in Brussels explored how diaspora remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and food innovation can support African agrifood systems transformation.

- 13 October 2026 (programme milestone) — Mobilizing the African Diaspora for Agrifood Systems Transformation: EUDiF and the New FAO–IOM Initiative in Senegal and Morocco: The article examines initiatives connecting African diaspora expertise, investment and entrepreneurship with climate-resilient rural businesses in Africa.

- 27 October 2026 (publication) — Attiéké by LADOU: Bringing Côte d’Ivoire's Traditional Cassava Food to International Markets: The article profiles a diaspora-led enterprise promoting traditional Ivorian cassava products in European markets.

- 27 October 2026 (publication) — From Botswana to Berlin: Kamogelo Thumankwe's Mission to Bring Bambara Groundnut to European Consumers: The article highlights Tsarona's efforts to commercialize Bambara groundnut and connect African indigenous crop value chains with European consumers.

- 27 October 2026 (publication) — ZidiCircle: Connecting African Entrepreneurs with Investment and Growth Opportunities: The article presents a diaspora investment and mentoring platform supporting African entrepreneurs through access to finance, business networks and international markets.

6. Climate Change, Biodiversity and Global Food Governance

- 8 October 2026 (publication); 9–20 November 2026 (event) — COP31: Putting Agriculture and Food Systems at the Centre of Climate Action: The article previews climate conference discussions on agroecology, adaptation, agricultural finance, biodiversity and resilient food systems.

- October 2026 (publication) — Where Climate and Biodiversity Objectives Reinforce Each Other: The article examines opportunities to align climate action and biodiversity conservation through mutually reinforcing approaches.

- 19–23 October 2026 — Side Event at the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Meeting: The CFS 54 side events in Rome covered agroecology, food governance, Indigenous Peoples' food systems, nutrition, gender equality and climate resilience.

7. Agricultural Investment and Funding Opportunities

- 30 October 2026 (publication) — Impact Funds in Agrifood Systems – Lessons from Investments in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The article presents a FAO study comparing 81 agrifood impact funds and examining their investment strategies, financial structures and potential contribution to food systems transformation.

AgrEcoNUS+ National Launches in Ghana and Zimbabwe: Advancing Forgotten Foods and Agroecological Transformation in Africa

The national launches of AgrEcoNUS+ in Zimbabwe and Ghana marked important milestones in promoting neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS), also known as Forgotten Foods, as drivers of agroecological transition, food and nutrition security, biodiversity conservation and inclusive rural development.

The four-year programme, Enhancing Value Chains and Markets of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species to Contribute to Agroecological Transition in Africa, is funded by the European Union under DeSIRA+ and implemented through a consortium led by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), SWISSAID and CIHEAM Bari.

Operating in nine African countries — Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania and Zimbabwe — AgrEcoNUS+ builds on the achievements of earlier initiatives such as SUSTLIVES and CROPS4HD.

The international launch took place online on 1 October 2026, with more than 110 participants from over 14 countries.

Zimbabwe: Strengthening agroecology and farmer-managed seed systems

22 September 2026 — Harare, Zimbabwe

The national launch in Zimbabwe brought together government representatives, development partners,
researchers and civil society organizations to promote the potential of traditional African crops for sustainable agricultural development.

Among the speakers were:

• H.E. Giuseppe Giacalone, Ambassador of Italy to Zimbabwe, who emphasized the importance of crops such as millet, sorghum, Bambara groundnut, African pea and amaranth for nutrition, biodiversity and climate resilience.

• 
  Francesco Rispoli, IFAD Country Director for Zimbabwe and Eswatini, whose remarks were delivered by Joylyn Ndoro, IFAD Country Liaison Officer for Zimbabwe. He highlighted the complementarity between AgrEcoNUS+ and IFAD's Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project.

Representatives of the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union, SWISSAID and the Embassy of Switzerland also participated.

The Zimbabwe component focuses on Hwange, Binga and Lupane, where AgrEcoNUS+ will promote agroecological farming practices, locally adapted crops, farmer-managed seed systems and inclusive agricultural value chains.

Implementation involves the Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO), Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre, Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe and ICRISAT.

An important objective is the establishment of 15 agroecology Village Business Units, benefiting approximately 4,500 farming households.

The programme will complement existing rural development investments by connecting agroecological innovation with farmer organizations, local infrastructure and market opportunities.

Ghana: Launch at the University of Ghana, Legon

13 October 2026 — Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra

The University of Ghana hosted the national launch of AgrEcoNUS+ at ISSER, bringing together senior government officials, European development partners, research institutions and regional agricultural organizations.

The launch provided a platform to discuss how neglected and underutilized crops can contribute to agroecological transition, agricultural biodiversity, food security and inclusive economic development in West Africa.

Opening session and institutional representatives

The event was attended by:

• 
  Hon. Justice Quarm, Head of Protocol, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana.
• H.E. Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and Togo.
• Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
• Gisela Spreitzhofer, Acting Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Ghana.
• Emanuela Forcella, Head of the AICS Ouagadougou Office, responsible for Ghana.

In his institutional remarks, Marco Riccardo Rusconi highlighted the continuity between AgrEcoNUS+ and previous investments in agricultural biodiversity, agroecology and neglected and underutilized crops.

He emphasized the experience gained through the SUSTLIVES programme, implemented under the European Union's DeSIRA initiative, and the importance of long-standing partnerships with African universities and research institutions.

Rusconi also thanked the European Union for entrusting AICS with the programme's leadership, emphasizing the importance of EU delegated cooperation in translating common development priorities into practical action.

High-Level Round Table on Neglected and Underutilized Species in West Africa

A major component of the launch was a high-level round table moderated by Hamid El Bilali
(CIHEAM Bari).

The panel brought together representatives of the University of Ghana, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo (Burkina Faso), University Abdou Moumouni (Niger) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF).

Discussions focused on the role of neglected and underutilized species in agroecological transition, food and nutrition security, biodiversity conservation and inclusive economic development.

The exchange highlighted the importance of regional research collaboration, strengthening national research capacities and connecting scientific knowledge with the needs of farmers and agrifood enterprises.

• Dr. Wole Fatunbi, representing the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), presented the potential of opportunity crops to build more diverse, resilient and sustainable African food systems. His contribution situated neglected and underutilized species within the broader African agricultural research and innovation agenda, emphasizing their relevance for food-system diversification and climate adaptation.
• Filippo Acasto, AICS Programme Manager, presented the regional scope, strategic objectives and expected results of AgrEcoNUS+. The presentation outlined how the programme seeks to strengthen agricultural research, farmer-managed seed systems, agroecological practices and inclusive markets while promoting cooperation among African and European partners.
• Hamid El Bilali (CIHEAM Bari) and Prof. Naalamle Amissah (University of Ghana) presented the Ghana component of the programme. Their presentation addressed the national context, priority neglected and underutilized crop value chains, intervention areas and planned activities. The Ghana component offers opportunities to strengthen partnerships between universities, research organizations, farmer groups, agricultural enterprises and policymakers.

Further information

• AgrEcoNUS+ Ghana national launch – Official Facebook post

• AgrEcoNUS+ international launch – CROPS4HD

• Zimbabwe launch – IFAD Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project

• PAEPARD – International AgrEcoNUS+ Launch Conference

Connecting Indigenous Foods with Tourism and New Markets

29–30 October 2026 | Western Cape, South Africa. 

Indigenous and underutilised crops provided the focus for The WILD Exchange 2026, hosted at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate in South Africa’s Western Cape. Organised by AgriLuxe Marketing, the forum connected agriculture with tourism, hospitality, culinary innovation, investment and trade to explore new commercial opportunities for indigenous foods. WILD stands for Wholesome, Indigenous, Local and Diverse—four qualities underpinning the initiative’s approach to food, enterprise and cultural heritage.

The Exchange formed the dialogue and partnership component of the wider WILD Initiative, an Africa–Caribbean platform linking indigenous food systems with contemporary products and experiences. Its focus offered a practical perspective on a persistent challenge: how to translate the value of neglected crops into demand, investment and opportunities for local enterprises.

The programme moved through three stages. 

1. The opening session examined indigenous crops as cultural and economic assets, with a particular focus on tourism, hospitality and destination branding. 
2. A second session considered the business case through hospitality examples, product innovation and small-enterprise experiences, followed by perspectives from investors and development institutions. 
3. The afternoon turned to testing potential projects and their readiness for markets. 

The second day’s programme combined a site visit, executive networking and a WILD Feast gala dinner, linking the business dialogue with practical food experiences.

FANRPAN’s perspective on indigenous foods and sustainable tourism

The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) brings a relevant policy and research perspective to this agenda. Its collaboration with AgriLuxe predates the Exchange. In 2025, the two organisations co-hosted a dialogue with the University of Johannesburg and the University of the West Indies on indigenous and neglected crops as a pathway to sustainable tourism and growth in Africa and the Caribbean.

That dialogue attracted more than 160 participants. FANRPAN’s CEO and Head of Mission, Dr Rachel MKANDAWIRI, presented the case for placing indigenous crops at the centre of food-system transformation, connecting their nutritional importance with cultural identity, environmental sustainability and economic development. This documented contribution provides useful background to FANRPAN’s engagement with the WILD agenda; the specific content of its 2026 Exchange presentation remains to be confirmed.

Creating demand for Forgotten Foods

The conceptual approach behind WILD was outlined in “Growing Backwards,” a presentation by AgriLuxe founder Jeanette M. Sutherland, shared on the event website. It proposed starting with consumer interests and experiences, then working backwards towards products, crops and production systems. Examples included Bambara groundnut, sorghum, millet, cowpea, amadumbe and marula.

The presentation also raised an essential question about inclusion: how can farmers and communities share fairly in the value created around their food heritage? For initiatives promoting Forgotten Foods, this makes the WILD approach particularly relevant. Research, processing, gastronomy and tourism can help create demand, but lasting benefits depend on connecting those opportunities with producers and local enterprises.

Event information and programme

Webinars and events November 2026

17 – 20 November 2026. 1st Eastern Africa Indigenous Seed Conference - EA-ISC 2026

• Building farmer managed seed system community of practice (COP) For a Resilient EASTERN AFRICA Region.
• Catholic university of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

25 November 2026. Bari, Italy. AU-EU Innovation fair - focus on food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture

• The event will run as a full-day hybrid programme (9:00 am – 7:00 pm), combining:
• High-level policy sessions;
• Two-minute innovation pitches from selected R&I projects and start-ups;
• An exhibition and matchmaking space featuring innovative solutions, investors, business support organisations and research initiatives;
• Awards for outstanding start-ups and SMEs;
• Other networking opportunities.

25-27 November 2026. Santiago, Chile. XI CONGRESSO LATINOAMERICANO DE AGROECOLOGIA

25-27 November 2026. Gabarone. 2nd Annual International SARUA Conference

30 November - 4 December 2026 RUFORUM’s 22nd AGM

• To be held in Zambia, hosted by the Government of Zambia and RUFORUM member universities in Zambia.
• This AGM edition offers Zambia, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the rest of Africa, and partners an opportunity to discuss current development opportunities and challenges, and to co-create roadmaps for delivering solutions

30 November - 4 December 2026. African Nutrition Conference in Namibia.

Narayanan, R., Estoppey, A., Benitez, M., Kaufmann, A., Khallouqi, A. ; Santos, N. 2026. Impact funds in agrifood systems – Lessons from investments in low- and middle-income countries. Directions in Investment, No. 18. Rome, FAO.

Lessons from investments in low- and middle-income countries.
Impact funds play a growing role in financing agrifood systems in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, reliable data on their financial return, primary investors, financial structures, investment strategies, priority geographies and value chains remain limited.

This study addresses this knowledge gap through a comparative, data-driven analysis of 81 food and agriculture impact funds targeting in priority agrifood systems in low- and middle-income countries. Better knowledge of the impact fund landscape is key to attract more capital toward agrifood systems and bridge the financing gap needed to transform agrifood systems.

This report is part of the Directions in Investment series under the FAO Investment Centres Innovation and Knowledge for Investment programme.

Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security 2026: Harnessing Sustainable Water for Resilient Agrifood Systems and Better Nutrition

 29–30 October 2026 | Nairobi, Kenya

The 17th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) was commemorated on 29–30 October 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Harnessing Sustainable Water for Resilient Agrifood Systems, Nutrition Security and Inclusive Prosperity in Africa.” Convened by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Government of Kenya, the event brought together governments, regional organisations, development partners, researchers, civil society, private-sector representatives and young agripreneurs to strengthen Africa's response to hunger, malnutrition and climate-related challenges.

The commemoration took place at a pivotal moment, marking the first year of implementation of the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035. It also aligned with the African Union's 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation.

From food production to nutrition security

The discussions highlighted the need to move beyond increasing agricultural production towards ensuring access to affordable, safe, nutritious and diverse diets. Water security emerged as a critical link connecting agricultural productivity, food safety, public health, climate resilience and economic opportunities.

Opening the technical discussions on 29 October, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr Paul Ronoh, called for concrete commitments and implementation rather than repeated policy declarations. He stressed the importance of improved water management, stronger partnerships, youth participation and increased investment in sustainable food systems.

George Esunge Fominyen, World Food Programme Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, emphasised the interdependence of water, food security and nutrition. He highlighted the potential of school feeding programmes to connect local agricultural production with improved nutrition and reliable markets for smallholder farmers.

Representatives of the World Health Organization, FAO, CGIAR, the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance, the private sector and African farmers' organisations also contributed perspectives on strengthening food systems and translating continental strategies into national action.

Four thematic priorities

The technical programme on 29 October addressed four interconnected priorities:

1. Climate-resilient water management for sustainable agrifood systems, including water harvesting, efficient irrigation, adaptation to drought and sustainable natural-resource management.

2. Safe water, soil health, food safety and healthy diets, highlighting the connections between agricultural practices, environmental health, nutrition and food quality.

3. Youth, innovation and digital solutions, exploring how young agripreneurs, researchers and technology developers can contribute to sustainable food systems transformation.

4. Financing, partnerships and governance, examining investment mechanisms, institutional cooperation and accountability for implementing the Kampala CAADP commitments.

The programme also featured technical side events, policy exchanges and an Africa Youth Food Expo, organised around the theme “Recipes for Better Nutrition.” The Expo provided an opportunity to highlight youth entrepreneurship, culinary innovation and the nutritional value of African foods.

Beyond the farm: Addressing drought, heat and food supply chain disruptions

An important side event on 29 October, organised by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, examined how drought, extreme heat and water shortages affect food systems beyond agricultural production, including processing, transport, markets, food safety and consumer access.

The session, “Beyond the Farm: Drought, Heat and Food Supply Chain Disruption,” was moderated by Dr Henri Rueff, Director of Climate Action at the Alliance. Opening contributions were provided by Dr Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance, and Dr James Wanjohi, Agriculture Secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The technical presentations brought together:

• Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Representative in Kenya, on anticipatory action and food-system resilience.

• Dr Christine Chege, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, on research evidence and markets for healthy diets.

• Dr Eileen Bogweh Nchanji, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, on gender equality and social inclusion.

• Susan Moywaywa, Kenya's State Department for Forestry, on forests, water catchments and food systems.

• Melanie Thurber, US Embassy in Nairobi, on drought and food-system management.

• Ruth Okowa, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), on food safety and nutritious food markets.

• Mehrdad Ehsani, Rockefeller Foundation, and Charles Opiyo, Novo Nordisk Foundation, on financing and partnerships.

The session's agenda concluded with discussions on priorities for strengthening food-system resilience and translating research evidence into practical interventions under national CAADP implementation plans.

Indigenous foods and neglected and underutilized species: An opportunity for Africa

The 2026 commemoration also highlighted the importance of diversifying African diets and strengthening local food systems. This creates an important opportunity to advance the conservation, production, processing and commercialisation of neglected and underutilized species (NUS), often referred to as Forgotten Foods.

Traditional cereals such as sorghum and millet, indigenous vegetables, African legumes, roots and tubers, and locally adapted fruits can contribute to dietary diversity, agricultural biodiversity and climate resilience. Many of these crops are well adapted to local agroecological conditions but remain insufficiently integrated into research agendas, agricultural investment programmes and formal markets.

Their wider adoption requires more than increased production. It depends on improved seed systems, participatory research, food processing, consumer awareness, enterprise development and stronger connections between producers and markets.

The Africa Youth Food Expo offered a particularly relevant platform for promoting innovative food products, local culinary traditions and entrepreneurship based on African agricultural biodiversity.

Relevance to GFAiR's Collective Actions

The priorities discussed during Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security are closely aligned with several Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) Collective Actions.

The Collective Action on Forgotten Foods seeks to strengthen the recognition and use of NUS through research partnerships, innovation, value-chain development and market opportunities. Its activities connecting African producers, researchers, entrepreneurs and diaspora food markets are particularly relevant to the conference's emphasis on nutritious diets, inclusive economic development and African food heritage.

The Collective Action on Agroecology and Biopesticides contributes to sustainable production systems by promoting agroecological practices, biological crop protection and innovations that can reduce environmental pressures while strengthening farmers' resilience.

The Collective Action on Inclusive Digital Agriculture explores how digital advisory tools, including Access Agriculture's Ask Agi, can make practical agricultural knowledge more accessible to farmers, extension workers and rural entrepreneurs.

The Global NARS Consortium, facilitated through GFAiR, also provides an opportunity to strengthen the participation of national agricultural research systems in implementing the Kampala CAADP Strategy, connecting research institutions with policymakers, farmers' organisations, universities and private-sector partners.

From continental commitments to local implementation

The second day of the commemoration, 30 October, included a ministerial and permanent secretary dialogue on “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as Foundations for Nutrition Security and Agrifood Systems Transformation,” alongside a youth dialogue bringing together chefs, innovators and agripreneurs.

The programme envisaged the presentation of a Nairobi Communiqué and Call to Action on Water, Nutrition and Food Systems Transformation, aimed at strengthening political commitment, investment and accountability.

The central message emerging from the discussions was that Africa's food and nutrition security challenges cannot be addressed through agricultural production alone. Sustainable water management, nutritious local foods, inclusive markets, scientific innovation, youth entrepreneurship and coordinated public policies must form part of an integrated transformation of agrifood systems.

For agricultural research and innovation partnerships, the priority is to translate these commitments into locally adapted solutions that deliver measurable benefits for farmers, consumers and rural communities.

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Further information

• African Union: 17th Commemoration of Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security — https://au.int/en/newsevents/20261029/17th-commemoration-africa-day-food-and-nutrition-security-adfns

• AUDA-NEPAD: Official event website — https://events.auda-nepad.org/adfns

• AUDA-NEPAD: Conference programme — https://events.auda-nepad.org/adfns/program

• Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT: Participation and side-event programme — https://alliancebioversityciat.org/events/17th-africa-day-food-nutrition-security-adfns-2026

Russia–Africa Summit 2026: Agricultural Technologies, Food Security and Research Cooperation

 

28–29 October 2026 | Moscow, Russian Federation

The Third Russia–Africa Summit and accompanying Economic and Humanitarian Forum, brought together African and Russian political leaders, research institutions, businesses and development stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and food security. Hosted at Gostiny Dvor, the Forum featured more than 40 thematic sessions and panel discussions, with agriculture, innovation and scientific cooperation among the key priorities.

Agricultural discussions focused on moving beyond trade in food commodities and fertilisers towards technology transfer, local agricultural production, research partnerships and joint investment. These themes were particularly relevant to African efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food sovereignty and develop more resilient agrifood systems.

Agricultural sessions and speakers

1. Russia–Africa Agro-Industrial Alliance: Meeting the Challenges Together — 28 October

This session examined opportunities to strengthen Russian–African agricultural cooperation through fertiliser supplies, agricultural machinery, infrastructure development, investment and technology transfer.

Discussions addressed the establishment of agricultural machinery assembly facilities and logistics hubs in Africa, alongside opportunities for scientific research and the application of modern agricultural technologies.

Among the announced speakers were Andrey Guryev, President of the Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers; Alla Elizarova, Director of the Rosspetsmash Association; and Vyacheslav Lukomets, Rector of the Russian State Agrarian University–Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy.

The session highlighted the importance of developing agricultural production capacity in African countries rather than relying exclusively on imports of agricultural commodities and inputs.

2. From Food Products to Agricultural Technologies — 29 October

This session explored how technological cooperation could improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and create opportunities for Russian–African agribusiness partnerships. Particular attention was given to soil fertility, agricultural inputs, production technologies and investment in agricultural innovation.

• Moderator: Ekaterina Fomina, Head of the Department for the Development of Agro-Industrial Product Exports, Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
• Dmitry Aveltsov — Director, Center for Agroanalytics, Russia
• Joseph Siaw Agyepong — Founder and Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies, Ghana
• Dmitry Antonov — Senior Vice President, Resource
• Lebo Diale — Head of Agriculture and Rural Development, North West Provincial Government, South Africa
• Ingenesia Inge Zaamwani — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Namibia
• Salis Karakotov — General Director, Schelkovo Agrohim, Russia
• Mikhail Sterkin — Deputy General Director for Marketing, PhosAgro, Russia
• Mohammed Umaru Bago — Governor of Niger State, Nigeria
• Alexander Yakuba — Adviser, Agroexport Federal Center, Russia

The session reflected the growing interest in combining agricultural technology transfer with partnerships involving African governments, agribusinesses and agricultural research institutions.

Food security and fertiliser cooperation

Food security was also addressed during the Summit's high-level discussions. Russia presented its role as a supplier of grain and fertilisers to African countries and expressed its willingness to expand cooperation in agricultural technologies and production systems.

Andrey Guryev, President of the Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers, highlighted declining fertiliser imports across Africa despite increasing Russian shipments. This raised questions about fertiliser affordability, supply chains and access to agricultural inputs.

While improving fertiliser availability can contribute to agricultural productivity, sustainable transformation also requires investments in soil health, locally adapted technologies, biodiversity, farmer knowledge and resilient agricultural systems.

28 Oct 2026 Russia-Africa exhibition

The President of Russia, together with the heads of delegations from African countries participating in the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum and Summit, toured the exhibition, A Platform for Sovereign Development: Advanced Russian Solutions in Key Economic and Social Sectors.

The exhibition showcased Russia’s achievements in areas with strong potential for cooperation with Africa, including the manufacturing industry, agriculture, energy, transport, finance, digital technologies and communications, healthcare, and education.

Third Russia–Africa Summit 2026 — Sideline Events

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

• Official Opening of the Russia–Africa Youth Forum
• Founding Meeting of the Russian-African Youth Union
• Laboratory: Partnership of the New Generation: Entrepreneurial Initiatives Russia–Africa
• Expert Discussion: Human Capital of Africa, with the presentation of the book Top 100 African Leaders and Influencers according to MGIMO
• Expert Discussion: Connecting Continents: Logistics as the Basis of Partnership between Russia and Africa
  
• Workshop: Who Tells about Africa? New Media and the Struggle for Global Narratives
• World Café: Cultural Codes: Generating a Common Future
• International Business Game: Negotiation Territory: Russia–Africa
• Russia–Africa Concert

Thursday, 29 October 2026

• Russia–Africa Energy Dialogue
• Roundtable: Women’s Leadership in the Russia–Africa Partnership: Business, Science, Investment
• Expert Discussion: Countering the Financing of Terrorism: A Comprehensive Response to Hybrid Threats
• Roundtable: Regional University and the Global South: Education, Cultural, and Scientific Diplomacy on the Example of the Russian North
• Roundtable: Russia and Africa at the Forefront of the Struggle against the Unipolar World Order and Neocolonial Practices
• Plenary Session of the Russia–Africa Youth Forum

Extract of the Business Programme: Sessions and Speakers

2. The Russia–Africa Agro-Industrial Alliance: Meeting the Challenges Together

This session explored opportunities to strengthen agricultural cooperation between Russia and African countries through investment, technology transfer, agricultural machinery, fertilisers and infrastructure development. Discussions focused on building more resilient agricultural production systems, improving access to agricultural inputs and expanding local production capacities. The session also addressed the potential for joint ventures, agricultural research partnerships and the development of agro-industrial value chains, with the broader objective of strengthening African food security and reducing dependence on imports.

• Moderator: Maria Kudryavtseva — Anchor, Russia 24 TV Channel.
• Irina Akopyan — First Deputy General Director, A7
• Igor Artemyev — President, St. Petersburg International Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange
• Andrey Guryev — President, Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers (RAPU)
• Vyacheslav Lukomets — Rector, Russian State Agrarian University–Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
• Sergey Ryabkov — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation
• Sherif Farouk — Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Egypt
• Mahamoud Ali Youssouf — Chairperson, African Union Commission

3. Directions for Developing the Educational Partnership Between Russia and Africa

The session examined opportunities to expand cooperation between Russian and African universities, research institutions and vocational education systems. Particular attention was given to academic mobility, joint degree programmes, scholarships, scientific exchanges and the development of technical skills required by emerging industries. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening African higher education and research capacities through long-term institutional partnerships, including opportunities for collaborative research, innovation and the training of young professionals.

• Moderator: Timirkhan Alishev — Vice-Rector for External Relations, Kazan Federal University.
• Yakov Itskov — Head of Alumina Business, RUSAL
• Andrey Loginov — Rector, Russian State University for the Humanities
• Konstantin Mogilevsky — Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Russia
• Carolyne Ignatius Nombo — Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Tanzania
• Andrey Rudskoi — Rector, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
• Jean Laurent Syssa-Magale — Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovations, Central African Republic
• Delphine Edith Emmanuel Adouki — Minister of Higher Education, Republic of the Congo
• Anastasiya Yarmosh — First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Saint Petersburg State University

5. AI as a Factor in Russia's and Africa's Development: Science and Human Capital

This session explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in economic development, scientific research, education and public services across Russia and Africa. Discussions addressed opportunities for AI-driven innovation, digital infrastructure, skills development and technological cooperation, alongside challenges related to data governance, access to computing resources and digital inequalities. The session was particularly relevant to agricultural innovation, where AI-powered advisory services, digital knowledge platforms and decision-support tools could improve farmers' access to information, strengthen extension systems and support more inclusive technological development.

• Moderator: Rashid Ismailov — Member of the Presidium, National Association for International Information Security.
• Bocar A. BA — Chief Executive Officer, SAMENA Telecommunications Council
• Arutyun Avetisyan — Director, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming, Russian Academy of Sciences
• Andrey Akulchev — Acting Director, Department of International Information Security, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Roger Andjalandji — Minister of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications, Central African Republic
• Tigran Gevorkyan — Head of a Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology
• Victor Aikael Kweka — Head of Department, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority
• Maxim Kolesnikov — First Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Russia
• Rodrigue Charles Malanda Samba — Minister of Employment, Entrepreneurship and Qualifying Training, Republic of the Congo
• Mulembwa Denis Munaku — Chief Executive Officer, Universal Communications Service Access Fund
• Ivan Oseledets — Director General, AIRI Artificial Intelligence Institute; Dean, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Lomonosov Moscow State University

29 October 2026

17. From Land Degradation to Sustainable Development: Russia–Africa Cooperation on Land Restoration and Drought Resilience

The session addressed land degradation, desertification and drought as major challenges to agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable development in Africa. Participants examined opportunities for cooperation in soil restoration, sustainable land management, climate adaptation and the development of technologies to improve soil fertility and water-use efficiency. Particular attention was given to the African Great Green Wall initiative, the role of regional institutions and international partnerships, and the mobilisation of investments in land restoration. The discussions underscored the importance of combining scientific research, locally adapted technologies and policy frameworks to strengthen the resilience of agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods.

• Moderator: Oleg Kobyakov — Director, FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation.
• Almoustapha Garba — Executive Secretary, Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall
• Ingenesia Inge Zaamwani — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Namibia
• Elias Mpedi Magosi — Executive Secretary, Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• Fatou Sagna — Technical Adviser to the Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Senegal
• Mikhail Sterkin — Deputy General Director for Marketing, PhosAgro
• Sherif Farouk — Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Egypt
• Yasmine Fouad — Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• Ruslan Edelgeriyev — Aide to the President of Russia; Special Presidential Representative on Climate and Water Resources Issues

23. From Food Products to Agricultural Technologies

This session examined how Russia–Africa agricultural cooperation could evolve from trade in agricultural commodities towards technology transfer, joint production and long-term investment in African agrifood systems. Discussions focused on agricultural machinery, fertilisers, crop production technologies, agro-industrial processing and the development of local agricultural enterprises. The session highlighted opportunities for partnerships between governments, research institutions and private companies to improve productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and support food security. Particular emphasis was placed on building local capacities and facilitating access to technologies adapted to African production conditions.

• Moderator: Ekaterina Fomina — Head of the Department for the Development of Agro-Industrial Product Exports, Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
• Dmitry Aveltsov — Director, Center for Agroanalytics
• Joseph Siaw Agyepong — Founder and Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies, Ghana
• Dmitry Antonov — Senior Vice President, Resource
• Lebo Diale — Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, North West Provincial Government, South Africa
• Ingenesia Inge Zaamwani — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Namibia
• Salis Karakotov — General Director, Schelkovo Agrohim
• Mikhail Sterkin — Deputy General Director for Marketing, PhosAgro
• Mohammed Umaru Bago — Governor of Niger State, Nigeria
• Alexander Yakuba — Adviser to the Head, Agroexport Federal Center

36. Scientific Partnership Between Russia and Africa: From Joint Research to Technological Leadership

The session explored opportunities to deepen scientific cooperation between Russian and African research institutions through joint research programmes, researcher mobility, shared scientific infrastructure and technology development. Discussions considered how international research partnerships could contribute to technological innovation, strengthen national scientific capacities and support Africa's participation in emerging research fields. The session emphasised the importance of moving beyond traditional academic exchanges towards long-term institutional collaboration, joint innovation initiatives and the practical application of research results to development challenges.

• Moderator: Irek Suleymanov — Deputy Head of International Cooperation, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.
• Roman Gorbunov — Director, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
• Anton Maximov — Director, A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences
• Vladislav Panchenko — Vice President, Russian Academy of Sciences; Vice President, Kurchatov Institute
• Natalia Solovyeva — Director, Rescue Archaeology Center
• Alexander Terentyev — Director, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences
• Haja Ramatulai Wurie — Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone

Financing the Agroecological Transition: Practical Pathways for Agricultural Public Development Banks

 

28 October 2026 | 15:00–16:00 CET | Online

The Agricultural Public Development Bank (Agri-PDB) Platform organised a webinar on 28 October 2026 entitled “Financing the Agroecological Transition: Practical Pathways for Agricultural PDBs.” The event brought together public development banks, agroecology specialists and technical partners to explore practical approaches for financing sustainable, resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.

Building on previous discussions of the Agri-PDB Platform's Agroecology Working Group, peer-to-peer exchanges and specialised training programmes, the webinar focused on translating agroecological principles into concrete financing strategies. Particular attention was given to the experiences of agricultural development banks in adapting financial instruments, assessing agroecological investments and addressing the risks and challenges faced by farmers transitioning towards more sustainable production systems.

Speakers and institutional perspectives

• Oliver Oliveros, Executive Coordinator of the Agroecology Coalition, bringing a global perspective on financing agroecological transformation.

• Peter Chipeta, Head of Enterprise Development at the Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC), representing the experience of an African development finance institution.

• Charuwan Satthakun, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs at Thailand's Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), contributing an Asian perspective on agricultural finance.

• Olivier Claude Pierard, Agroecology Expert and Agri-PDB Platform Consultant, providing technical expertise on assessing and financing agroecological investments.

From agroecological principles to investment decisions

The webinar formed part of the Agri-PDB Platform's efforts to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to support agroecological transitions. These efforts included practical training on financing instruments, risk management and tools for assessing agroecological performance, such as FAO's Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE), Biovision's agroecology assessment tools and the Agroecology Coalition's assessment framework.

The event followed the April 2026 agroecology and climate finance training in Morocco, which brought together representatives of public development banks and financial institutions from several African countries. This training combined technical sessions, field visits and exchanges on financing sustainable agricultural enterprises and cooperatives.

Further information

• Agri-PDB Platform

• Agri-PDB – Training on agroecology and climate finance

• Agri-PDB – Financing tools for agroecological transition

Advancing Underutilized Legumes for Food Security, Nutrition and Climate Resilience in Africa

21–22 October 2026 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

The Society for Underutilized Legumes (SUL) organised its 9th International Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting, alongside its 8th National Stakeholders Summit. The events highlighted the potential of neglected and underutilized legumes to strengthen food and nutrition security, agricultural biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods across Africa.

Under the theme “Promoting Underutilized Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Advances in Biotechnology, Value Chain Development and Climate-Smart Practices,” the conference brought together researchers, plant breeders, policymakers, farmers and agribusiness stakeholders. It was organised with the involvement of the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the Genetic Resources Center of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Opening the conference on behalf of ABU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Raymond B. Bako emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships connecting scientific discoveries with farmers' needs, consumer preferences and commercial opportunities.

The keynote speaker, Dr Juliana Cheboi, Senior Lecturer in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the importance of combining genetic diversity, farmers' traditional knowledge, nutrition, entrepreneurship and climate resilience. She advocated identifying priority species and varieties together with farming communities, taking into account local ecological conditions and market demand.

Particular attention was given to Bambara groundnut, African yam bean and other indigenous legumes, which offer valuable nutritional benefits, contribute to soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation and provide opportunities for diversifying African farming systems. However, their wider adoption remains constrained by insufficient research investment, limited access to quality seeds, inadequate processing facilities and weak market linkages.

The conference also provided an opportunity for the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) to showcase agricultural technologies and research innovations, while encouraging stronger collaboration between scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and policymakers.

The discussions were highly relevant to GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods, which promotes neglected and underutilized species through research partnerships, market development, youth entrepreneurship and stronger links between science and farming communities. The Society for Underutilized Legumes, established in 2016 at IITA, represents a valuable scientific network for advancing these objectives and expanding research collaboration across Africa.

The central message was that unlocking the potential of underutilized legumes required more than crop improvement alone. It called for integrated investments in research, seed systems, processing, market development and farmer-led innovation to transform these overlooked crops into viable contributors to sustainable African agrifood systems.

References

• Ahmadu Bello University – Society for Underutilized Legumes holds conference

• Institute for Agricultural Research – Innovations showcased at the SUL conference

• PAEPARD – The Society of Underutilised Legumes at IITA

• 8th National Stakeholders Summit – Online participation

16th Indigenous and Traditional Seed and Food Festival

29–30 October 2026 at the People's Square, Hotel Africana in Kampala, Uganda. 16th Indigenous and Traditional Seed and Food Festival. 

This prominent farmer-hosted dialogue and exhibition is the anchor event wrapping up the 2026 National Agroecology Week of Action, organized by PELUM Uganda.

• Theme: "Our Seeds, Our Food, Our Heritage: Cultivating Climate Resilience through Culture and Tradition."
• Host & Participants: Convened by PELUM Uganda alongside an alliance of smallholder farmers, ecological researchers, indigenous seed keepers, and academic institutions like the Uganda Martyrs University Faculty of Agriculture.
• Primary Objective: Bridging the gap between agricultural research and the practical realities of smallholder fields. The dialogue centers on how farmer-managed seed systems, regenerative innovations, and traditional agroecological knowledge can build food security and climate-resilient livelihoods.

Research, Differently: African Farmers Call for a New Partnership in Agricultural Research and Innovation

 
29–30 October 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa

The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), in collaboration with AgriCord, organised an African farmer-hosted dialogue on agricultural research and innovation on 29–30 October 2026 at the Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. Under the theme “Research, Differently: From Research on Farmers to Research with Farmers,” the two-day dialogue brought together farmers' organisations, agricultural researchers and development partners to explore how African farmers could play a more decisive role in shaping agricultural research agendas, generating knowledge and influencing innovation systems.

The dialogue was guided by a fundamental question: “Who defines the agrifood research we want, and for whom?” It challenged conventional approaches in which research institutions and funders largely determine research priorities, budgets and success indicators, while farmers are frequently consulted without exercising meaningful decision-making authority.

From farmer participation to farmer leadership

The opening session featured contributions from Ishmael Sunga, Chief Executive Officer of SACAU, and Benito Eliasi (SACAU), who facilitated the introductions. The programme included a presentation by Professor Oluwole Fatunbi of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and a message from Professor Joachim von Braun of the University of Bonn.

The programme also provided opportunities for reflections from representatives of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), University of the Free State, and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). Their participation was listed as provisional in the workshop programme.

A central theme was the need to move beyond conventional participatory research towards genuine co-research, in which farmers' organisations helped define research questions, govern partnerships, allocate resources and determine how findings were applied.

The dialogue built on three complementary principles: researchers possessed knowledge that farmers did not; farmers possessed knowledge that researchers did not; and important challenges existed that neither group could resolve independently.

Building on the FORI programme and lessons from farmer-led research

The discussions drew on the experience of the Farmers' Organisations Leading Research and Innovation in Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems (FORI) programme, financed by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

Implemented between 2022 and 2026 across 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific, FORI supported 13 farmer organisation-led action research projects, accompanied by AgriCord's member agri-agencies, with advocacy and knowledge exchange supported by the Pan-African Farmers' Organization (PAFO) and regional farmers' organisations.

The dialogue also drew on the findings of the 2025 SACAU–AgriCord webinar series, synthesised in the September 2026 publication Research, Differently: Rebalancing Knowledge and Power for Agroecological Innovation.

The publication identified five important lessons for transforming agricultural research partnerships:

1. Start with farmers' questions: Farmers and their organisations should participate in defining research priorities before methodologies and funding arrangements were established.

2. Combine scientific and experiential knowledge: Research should recognise farmers' practical knowledge alongside scientific expertise.

3. Invest in relationships and capabilities: Trust, communication, facilitation and organisational capacities were essential for effective collaboration.

4. Bring decisions and resources closer to farmers: Farmers' organisations needed greater influence over research governance, coordination, budgets and data rights.

5. Measure impact beyond scientific publications: Research success should also reflect practical relevance, adoption, farmer empowerment and wider institutional and societal change.

Experiences documented through FORI, including farmer-led experimentation, collaborative variety trials and farmer-to-farmer learning, illustrated how research could become more relevant when farmers exercised greater ownership of the innovation process.

Rethinking research priorities, institutions and financing

The Johannesburg dialogue examined six interconnected challenges: building trust between farmers and researchers; expanding research beyond agronomy to markets, value chains, finance and equity; recognising farmers' knowledge and data rights; scaling innovations beyond individual projects; transforming agricultural extension into continuous co-learning; and establishing financing arrangements that enabled farmers' organisations to lead research.

Particular attention was given to the institutional changes required to make farmer-led research sustainable. Traditional research systems often rewarded scientific publications and short-term project deliverables, while co-research required longer-term relationships, flexible financing and shared accountability.

The discussions also provided an opportunity to consider how farmers' organisations could become recognised research and innovation actors rather than remaining primarily beneficiaries, consultation partners or channels for technology adoption.

These questions were closely aligned with GFAiR's Partnership Principles, which emphasised equitable collaboration, shared decision-making, mutual accountability and the recognition of diverse knowledge systems in agricultural research and innovation.

From dialogue to action

The second day was structured around presentations from four breakout groups, followed by plenary discussions on commitments and the way forward.

Participants were invited to share examples of successful research collaborations, identify institutional or financial obstacles and propose practical changes that their organisations could undertake to strengthen farmer-led research.

The dialogue was designed to move beyond exchanging experiences towards developing a practical agenda for more equitable partnerships among farmers, research institutions and development partners.

The overarching message was that transforming agricultural research required more than introducing participatory methodologies. It required rebalancing power over research priorities, knowledge, financing and decision-making. Recognising farmers and their organisations as genuine research partners offered a pathway towards agricultural innovation that was more responsive to local needs, socially inclusive and capable of supporting sustainable agrifood systems.

References

• SACAU and AgriCord (2026). Research, Differently: Rebalancing Knowledge and Power for Agroecological Innovation

• African Farmer-Hosted Dialogue, Johannesburg, 29–30 October 2026 — workshop programme and dialogue agenda.

Africa Science and Innovation Forum 2026: Scaling Agricultural Innovation and Strengthening Africa–Europe Research Partnerships

27 October 2026 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Africa Science and Innovation Forum (ASIF 2026) was convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Ethiopia's Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) and other partners, the three-day forum focused on harnessing science, technology and innovation to accelerate Africa's agrifood systems transformation.

The Forum brought together policymakers, agricultural researchers, innovators, development partners, investors, farmers' organisations and private sector representatives to address a central challenge: how to translate Africa's scientific knowledge and innovations into practical solutions that improved agricultural productivity, strengthened climate resilience, created economic opportunities and contributed to food and nutrition security.

Connecting African innovation priorities with AU–EU research cooperation

The AU–EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (HLPD) and the second AU–EU Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting provided a broader framework for strengthening cooperation between the two continents. The ministerial discussions addressed emerging priorities, including science diplomacy and artificial intelligence, as cross-cutting enablers of research and innovation cooperation.

For agricultural research, these policy developments reinforced the importance of aligning European investment with African-defined priorities and strengthening the capacity of African research and innovation institutions. 

Initiatives such as DeSIRA+ and MAINSTREAM illustrated how AU–EU cooperation could move from high-level policy commitments towards practical investments in agroecology, institutional development, research partnerships and innovation scaling.

Extracts of the programme

27/10 Morning Plenary 1: Closing Africa’s productivity gap: scaling science, innovation and inclusive value-chain solutions

• Moderator: Mandefro Nigussie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute 
• Charles Spillane, Chief Scientist, FAO
• Tahirou Abdoulaye, Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
• Dongxin Feng, Director, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture

27/10 Parallel Session 4: Nutrition, food safety and healthy diets through science and innovation

• Francis Zotor, Vice President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS)
• John Oppong-Otoo, Food Safety Officer, African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources
• Ildephonse Habinshuti,University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science, Department of Food Science and Technology Musanze-Rwanda
• Luke Metelerkamp, Head: African City Food Centre, ICLEI
• Francis John Sesay, Cassavity (SL) Ltd.

27/10 Parallel Session 6: Inclusive innovation ecosystems for women, youth, SMEs and small-scale producers

• Nanko Madu, AfriLabs Director of Programmes
• Esther Watts, Associate Vice President for Program Strategy and Partnerships, CARE, USA
• Odile Mukeshimana, Assistant Lecturer and Researcher, Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chains (ACES)
• Esther Kimani, Farmer Lifeline Technologies, Kenya

28/10 Morning Plenary 2: Science and innovation for resilience: managing multiple risks and stewarding Africa’s natural resources sustainably

• Presenter: Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
• Daher Elmi, Director of the Agriculture and Environment Division, ICPAC/IGAD
• Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, Director General, African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group
• Lavender Birike, Chief Executive Officer, Klima360

28/10 Parallel Session 10: Biodiversity, bioeconomy and nature-positive agrifood systems

• Patrick Yawo Kpai, Founder & Lead Agronomist, BOF BioGrow Solutions Ltd
• Tunde Adeyemi, D-Olivette Labs, Nigeria
• Scott Newman, Senior Animal Production and Health Officer, FAO RAP
• Oluwole Abiodun Fatunbi, Director of Research and Innovation, FARA

28/10 Parallel Session 12: Innovative financing models for agrifood science, technology and innovation

• Moderator: Hua Yang, Director of the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, FAO
• Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, Minister of State for Fisheries, Uganda
• Tara Nathan, Executive Vice President for Growth Segments and founder of Community Pass, Mastercard Inc.
• George Theuri, CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), Nairobi, Kenya
• Shinjiro Amameishi, General Coordinator, Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD)

28/10 Launch event  MAINSTREAM – Mission-oriented agrifood innovation systems for sustainability transition through agroecology, 

This is a project implemented by FAO and funded by the European Union under the DeSIRA+ initiative, within the framework of the EU Global Gateway strategy.

• Running from September 2025 to September 2030, MAINSTREAM aimed to strengthen mission-oriented agrifood innovation systems in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Rather than focusing exclusively on individual technologies, the project supported governments and innovation partners in developing coordinated approaches to implementing national agroecology strategies. 
• A distinctive feature of MAINSTREAM was its establishment of regional innovation scaling hubs and innovation policy labs in Senegal, Kenya and Zimbabwe. These mechanisms were designed to strengthen collaboration between research institutions, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs and other innovation actors, while supporting the scaling of inclusive, gender- and youth-responsive agroecological innovations.
• With MAINSTREAM, the FAO Office of Innovation turns that decade of experimentation with many partners in ecosystem strengthening into something operational: three regional innovation scaling hubs for West, East and Southern Africa, anchored in national innovation policy labs.