AgriCord Partners' Forum 2026

4 June 2026. Nairobi. The AgriCord Partners' Forum 2026 highlighted critical strategies for agricultural development. The sessions focused on making farmers' organizations investable through inclusive finance and scaling practical, farmer-led Nature-based Solutions.

Panel 1 | Innovative & Inclusive Financing Mechanisms

This session explored how to make farmers and their organizations more visible, investable, and resilient.

Core Themes: Inclusive finance relies on building robust support systems rather than just offering cheaper loans. Farmers' organizations act as vital intermediaries that aggregate demand, build trust, reduce risk, and connect smallholders to markets. 

Key Speakers:

• 
  Steve Muchiri – Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)
  
• Dan Higgins – International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Mary Achini – Cooperative Bank of Kenya
• Catherine Ndirangu – Oikocredit 

Panel 2 | Scaling Nature-based Solutions for Farmers’ Organisations: What works?

This panel centered on the practical transition to sustainable food systems, keeping collaboration and farmer leadership at the heart of the movement. 

Core Themes: The focus was on identifying which Nature-based Solutions actually work on the ground and how to scale them successfully within existing farmer organization extension systems. 

Key Speakers:

• 
  Moderator: Tiina Huvio – Food and Forest Development Finland (FFD)
• Violet Nyando – Cereal Growers Association
• Confrey Mung'au Alianji, MBA – GIZ Kenya
• Marlène Ramirez – AsiaDHRRA
• Francis Odhiambo Oduor – My FarmTree / Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 

Highlight

At 50, Daniel Saitabao has spent his life farming a modest plot in Losikito village, Tanzania. Livestock, maize, beans, but returns that rarely matched the effort.

That changed when his farmers' organisation, MVIWAARUSHA, joined the FORI programme (Farmers Organization Research-Led Innovation), funded by the European Union and Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). In a region long dominated by tobacco as a cash crop, sunflower cultivation opened an unexpected door.

Mr. Saitabao was among the first ten farmers to test it. From a single demonstration plot, he harvested 120 kilograms of sunflowers, processed into 20 liters of oil. Not just a harvest. A proof of concept that spread through the community.

Resource:

AgriCord (2026) Global Annual Report 2025, 30 p.

AgriCord’s work is defined by farmers’ priorities, co-developed and implemented with farmers’ organisations at local, national, regional and global level. Our agri-agencies provide technical support for farmers’ organisations to address constraints in production, markets, finance, governance and resilience. 

Strengthening capacities of farmers’ organisations for co-research and innovation is essential for scaling both value chain integration and resilience. It enables farmers to develop, adapt and spread locally relevant solutions, respond to changing market and climate conditions, and drive sustainable transformation from within their own organizations and networks.

FO4IMPACT is designed to strengthen smallholder farmers’ organisations as key actors in delivering long-term economic, social, climate, and environmental outcomes. 

• Funded by the European Union and administered by IFAD, the programme builds on the experience and lessons learned from the previous FO4-programme family: Farmers’ Organisations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP); Asia (FO4A) and Latin America (FO4LA). 
• AgriCord co-implements FO4IMPACT with regional and continental farmers’ organisations and their members.

2nd KALRO Scientic Conference and Innovation Expo 2026

15 - 19 June 2026. The 2nd KALRO Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo 2026 is organized around the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Climate Change Resilience and Improved Livelihoods.” 

KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem, highlighted KALRO's achievements since the last conference, including the release of new crop and livestock technologies developed for Kenyan conditions, expanded soil fertility mapping, strengthened disease surveillance systems and the development of extension materials in local languages to ensure farmers can access and understand scientific knowledge.

"Our task today, and in the years ahead, is to close the distancebetween what we have achieved in the laboratory and what farmers are experiencing in the field. Every paper presented and every innovation showcased during the conference must answer three critical questions: Does it work for the farmer? Can it scale? Can it last? The true measure of success is not the number of technologies released, but the number of farmers whose lives are transformed through their adoption". 

The programme was structured into 16 thematic tracks (subthemes) that served as the main discussion and presentation streams. These tracks brought together researchers, policymakers, private-sector actors, farmers, and development partners to explore solutions for transforming Kenya's and Africa's agri-food systems.

Conference Panels / Thematic Tracks

1. Crop Varieties, Productivity and Production Management

Focused on improved crop varieties, breeding innovations, integrated crop management, and strategies to increase productivity and resilience across different agroecological zones.

2. Sustainable Seed Systems, Quality Assurance and Scalability

Examined seed production, certification, distribution systems, and approaches to ensure farmers have access to quality seed at scale.

3. Plant Health, Emerging Crop Pests and Diseases, Biosecurity and Phytosanitary Systems

Addressed pest surveillance, diagnostics, integrated pest management, responsible pesticide use, biosecurity measures, and phytosanitary systems for market access.

4. Plant Nutrition, Soil Health and Conservation Agriculture

Explored soil fertility management, nutrient-use efficiency, conservation agriculture practices, and strategies for restoring and maintaining productive soils.

5. Water Harvesting, Conservation and Irrigation Systems

Focused on irrigation technologies, water-use efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient water management systems.

6. Ecological-Organic Farming, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy

Highlighted organic agriculture, renewable energy applications, composting, recycling, and circular economy approaches for sustainable farming.

7. Climate Change, Land Degradation and Reclamation

Discussed climate adaptation and mitigation, land restoration, carbon-smart agriculture, and resilience-building strategies.

8. Agrodiversity and Genetic Resources

Examined conservation and utilization of genetic resources, germplasm management, and the role of biodiversity in resilient food systems.

9. Animal Feed Resources, Nutrition and Husbandry Practices

Covered forage development, livestock nutrition, rangeland management, pastoral systems, and
husbandry innovations.

10. Livestock Breeds, Breeding Practices and Emerging Livestock Species

Focused on breeding programmes, genetic improvement, genotype-environment interactions, and emerging livestock opportunities.

11. Animal Health, Sanitary Systems and Emerging Livestock Diseases

Addressed vaccines, epidemiology, disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses, and livestock biosecurity.

12. Apiculture, Beneficial Insects and Ecosystem Services

Explored beekeeping innovations, pollination services, insect-based enterprises, ecosystem services, and beneficial insects for food and feed.

13. Biotechnological Solutions for Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

Focused on biotechnology applications including gene editing, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology
products, and genetic engineering.

14. Food Safety, Value Addition and Cottage Industries

Examined food safety systems, post-harvest technologies, agro-processing, value addition, and small-scale agribusiness development.

15. Mechanization in Agricultural Systems

Discussed agricultural machinery, precision farming, mechanized production and processing, and innovations to reduce labour and increase efficiency.

16. Technology Transfer, Knowledge Co-Creation and ICT-Enabled Precision Systems

Focused on extension systems, innovation scaling, digital agriculture, ICT-enabled advisory services, precision agriculture, and commercialization pathways

Collaborating CGIAR centres

• International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – headquartered in Nairobi and a frequent KALRO research partner.
• International Potato Center (CIP) – active in seed systems, root and tuber crops, and climate resilience.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI) – involved in water management and irrigation research.
• Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) – headquartered in Nairobi and active in agroforestry, land restoration, and climate resilience.
• International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) – active in crop improvement and pest management across East Africa.
• Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT – engaged in genetic resources, biodiversity, seed systems, and climate-smart agriculture.
• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) – active in maize, wheat, seed systems, mechanization, and conservation agriculture in Kenya. 

Side events

17 June 2026. AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Implications and Risks.

The side event will focus on demystifying AI in agricultural applications, showcasing existing AI-enabled advisory solutions in Kenya, and exploring partnerships to advance trusted, localized and responsible AI advisory services for farmers, extension officers  and other agricultural actors.

19 June 2026. Artificial Intelligence meets Agribusiness

Prof. Simon W. Ndiritu from Strathmore University will answer a critical modern question: Which way for improved and sustainable food systems in the face of Artificial Intelligence? A synergy between Agribusiness, Innovating Financing and policy for Agricultural growth.

Advancing Biological Control in Asia, the Middle East and Africa: Knowledge, Practice and Partnership

11 June 2026. Promoting the awareness and use of biological control in Asia, the Middle East and Africa

As concerns grow over pesticide resistance, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and food safety, experts from more than 75 countries gathered for a regional webinar organized by CABI and the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNET). The event highlighted the growing recognition of biological control as a key component of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. Participants explored how biological control approaches, when integrated within broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, can reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides while improving environmental outcomes, farmer livelihoods, and market access.

A major focus of the webinar was the role of innovation, science, and digital tools in accelerating the adoption of biological control. 

• 
  CABI showcased its PlantWise Plus programme and demonstrated the CABI BioProtection Portal, an open-access platform operating in 54 countries and 18 languages that provides information on more than 7,000 registered bioprotection products. 
• Participants also learned from a successful case study in Malaysia, where classical biological control of diamondback moth significantly reduced pesticide use in brassica production while strengthening export opportunities through lower pesticide residues: Diamondback Moth Management in Malaysia
• Country perspectives from Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia further illustrated how biological control is increasingly being incorporated into climate-smart agriculture programmes, extension services, and national sustainable agriculture strategies.

Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized that biological control is not a stand-alone solution but rather part of a broader systems approach to sustainable crop protection. Successful adoption depends on strong regulatory frameworks, quality assurance systems, effective extension services, farmer engagement, institutional support, and access to affordable biocontrol products. Digital advisory tools were identified as particularly important for helping farmers and advisers make informed decisions, while capacity development and policy harmonization were seen as critical for scaling adoption across regions. The webinar also underscored the importance of placing farmers at the centre of innovation and ensuring that solutions are adapted to local ecological and socio-economic contexts.

Looking ahead, participants identified significant opportunities for regional collaboration through joint research initiatives, regulatory harmonization, public-private partnerships, digital agriculture platforms, and South-South cooperation. There was broad agreement that scaling biological control will require coordinated action across research institutions, governments, extension systems, private companies, and farmer organizations. By fostering partnerships and sharing practical experiences, the webinar demonstrated how biological control can contribute to healthier ecosystems, safer food production, improved market access, and more resilient agricultural systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

From Pesticide Reduction to Agricultural Transformation

10 June 2026. Responsible Pesticide Use and Agricultural Transition in Tropical Agriculture

Agrinatura brought together researchers, development practitioners, and agricultural experts from across Europe and beyond for a timely discussion on responsible pesticide use and the future of agricultural transitions in tropical farming systems. The webinar highlighted growing international interest in reducing dependency on hazardous pesticides while simultaneously addressing broader challenges related to food security, farmer livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, public health, and agricultural competitiveness. Rather than viewing pesticide reduction as a stand-alone objective, participants emphasized the need for integrated approaches that strengthen the resilience and sustainability of entire farming systems.

A central focus of the discussion was the PRETAG initiative, led by CIRAD, which is working with partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe to identify practical pathways towards safer crop protection systems. The initiative combines research, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis to better understand how farmers can reduce reliance on hazardous pesticides. Evidence presented during the webinar showed that many commonly used pesticide substances raise significant environmental and health concerns, reinforcing the need for diversified solutions such as integrated pest management, biological control, agroecological practices, and biodiversity-based farming systems. Participants agreed that successful transitions require action at multiple levels—from farm management and value chains to national policies and institutional frameworks.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the consultation was that farmers must remain at the centre of agricultural transformation efforts. Speakers stressed the importance of recognizing local knowledge, addressing gender and labour dimensions, and ensuring that innovations respond to the realities faced by smallholder producers. Participants also highlighted the untapped potential of biocontrol and bioprotection solutions, while cautioning that technological substitutions alone will not deliver lasting change. Instead, sustainable agricultural transitions require coordinated investments in knowledge systems, farmer empowerment, policy support, and ecosystem-based approaches that build resilience over time.

Looking ahead, the webinar generated strong support for creating an Agrinatura platform or task force to coordinate expertise, strengthen collaboration, and position the network within emerging Team Europe initiatives. Participants identified opportunities to mobilize funding through Horizon Europe, Global Gateway, DG INTPA programmes, and public-private partnerships, while also calling for stronger coordination among existing projects to avoid duplication and amplify impact. As pressure grows to transform food systems in ways that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive, the Agrinatura community sees an important opportunity to contribute knowledge, innovation, and partnerships that can support agricultural transitions across the Global South.

Resource: 

CIRAD (2026) Reducing pesticide use in tropical agriculture for human and ecosystem health 8 p.

Five multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms associated with the five value chains studied in PRETAG

(banana, cocoa, coffee, vegetables, rice) have provided insights into the role of collective action in

reducing pesticide use. 

Four major steps appear to characterise the progression of these platforms towards agricultural systems with reduced reliance on pesticides:

1. 
   Sharing knowledge on pesticide use and possible pathways for reduction, as well as identifying lockins and potential incentives to stimulate pesticide reduction at the stakeholder level;
2. Co-constructing a common vision of the transition and an action plan based on theory of change and impact pathway methodologies (using for example the ImpresS approach);
3. Fostering co-innovation and scaling up based on genuine knowledge sharing;
4. Developing market strategies that can valorise the transition through process-based certification or company-level standards

Bambara Groundnut cultivation and processing: A Living Tradition in Ghana

12 June 2026. Field visit of GFAiR and Foodbridge (which leads GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods) following the NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference. (9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana). 

For generations, the Krobo people of eastern Ghana have cultivated bambara groundnut as an important food crop, carefully adapting their farming practices to the rhythms of the seasons. Farmers traditionally grow two varieties of bambara groundnut, selecting each according to rainfall patterns and growing conditions. One variety is planted during the major rainy season, taking advantage of abundant moisture to produce high yields, while the other is better suited to the shorter rains and drier conditions. This seasonal approach reflects the deep agricultural knowledge of the Krobo, who have long understood how crop diversity can reduce risk and ensure food security throughout the year.

After harvest, bambara groundnut is stored using traditional methods that help preserve seeds for both consumption and future planting. Farmers carefully dry the pods before storing them in clay pots, woven baskets, or specially prepared granaries, often using natural materials to protect the crop from pests and moisture. These storage practices allow households to maintain a steady supply of nutritious food during the dry season while safeguarding valuable seed stocks for the next planting cycle. The crop's ability to remain viable in storage has contributed to its reputation as a reliable food reserve during times of uncertainty.

Beyond its agricultural value, bambara groundnut is woven into the cultural identity of the Krobo people. The crop is often associated with community celebrations and traditional festivals that mark harvests, express gratitude for nature's abundance, and strengthen social bonds. 

The main harvest festival of the Krobo people, is called the Ngmayem Festival, which means "Eating the New Millet" in the Krobo/Dangme language.

During these festive occasions, foods prepared from bambara groundnut are shared among families and visitors, symbolizing prosperity, resilience, and the enduring connection between people, land, and heritage. In this way, bambara groundnut is more than a crop—it is a living tradition that links Krobo farming knowledge, food culture, and community life across generations.

Related: CSIR warns indigenous crops are fast disappearing in Ghana

10 June 2026. The article highlights a warning from Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) that indigenous crops such as water yam, African rice, cowpea landraces, bambara groundnut, and traditional leafy vegetables are rapidly disappearing due to changing consumer preferences, urbanization, climate change, and declining cultivation, threatening Ghana's food security, agricultural biodiversity, and cultural heritage despite growing international demand for many of these crops.

Related: Food Plant Solutions released a new resource for Ghana

Potentially Important Food Plants of Ghana has been produced to provide information on approximately 40 edible plants that are known to grow in Ghana. These plants come from all the major food groups and have been chosen because of their high nutritional value. Many of the plants in this book may be neglected and under-utilised plants. This means they may not be well known.

However, because they are high in many beneficial nutrients, and they are already adapted to the environment, and therefore likely to require minimal inputs, they could be important food plants that are likely to be superior to imported foods and plants. Commercially grown plants may also be included in the book, but only if they are significant foods for household consumption. 

Related: Can an underused legume transform food security in Ghana?

4 Sept 2025. In this deep dive, we travel to northern Ghana, where Grow Further and CSIR-SARI are developing the first commercial variety of Bambara groundnut, a highly nutritious, drought-tolerant crop traditionally grown by women. With the potential to reach 1.6 million farms in five years, this project is turning Bambara from a subsistence staple into a powerful tool for nutrition, income, and climate resilience.

Why Bambara Groundnut?

• Indigenous, protein-rich, and perfect for dryland farming
• Especially beneficial for infants and mothers
• In demand by food companies like WhatIf Foods for plant-based milk

Women Leading the Way

• Women farmers are central to this project, testing new varieties and setting priorities
• Improved seeds unlock income, food security, and leadership opportunities

What You’ll See:

• 🥔 How Bambara supports nutrition and soil health
• 🥔 Why it’s a climate-smart solution for northern Ghana
• 🥔 The future of Bambara as a commercial crop
• 🥔 Sustainable practices like biochar and composting improving yields

NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network

In May 2026, the NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network successfully delivered a four-session Competency-Based Education (CBE) Co-Design Training Series, bringing together more than 30 participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

The four-session CBE Curriculum Co-Design Training was delivered virtually on 11, 15, 20, and 25 May 2026. 

Facilitated by learning design and CBE specialists in collaboration with GFAiR and RUFORUM, the virtual training equipped subject-matter experts and university representatives with practical skills for developing competency-based curricula. The sessions focused on defining competencies, writing learning outcomes, designing authentic assessments, and aligning curriculum content with enterprise creation, jobs, and livelihoods. The training formed a critical step in the development of an open-source curriculum on neglected and underutilized species (NUS), ensuring that learning is grounded in real-world challenges and workforce needs.

Beyond strengthening participants’ understanding of CBE principles, the training series also fostered collaboration across a diverse network of contributors from 26 countries. The experience generated valuable insights into curriculum development, highlighting both the enthusiasm of a committed core group of experts and the need for continued support and engagement throughout the co-design process. Outcomes from the training directly informed the development of the CBE-enhanced curriculum framework, the drafting of prototype learning materials across seven knowledge blocks, and the identification of block leaders who will guide future curriculum refinement. 

As the network moves toward pilot implementation, the CBE Co-Design Training Series stands as a key milestone in building an inclusive, learner-centered, and globally relevant educational resource for NUS education.

Block prototype documents produced: 

1. Block 0: Foundations and Systems - 3 modules
2. Block 1: Production and Agronomy - 4 modules 
3. Block 2: Post-Harvest and Processing - 3 modules 
4. Block 3: Value Addition and Markets - 4 modules 
5. Block 4: Nutrition and Health - 4 modules 
6. Block 5: Climate and Biodiversity - 3 modules 
7. Block 6: Policy and Food Systems - 3 modules 

The NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network was presented at the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, hosted by FAO and FARA in Accra, Ghana (10 June 2026). The presentation, titled “Building an Open-Source NUS Curriculum: Evidence from a Multi-Regional Network of Universities,” drew on findings from the baseline institutional survey and the curriculum contributors scoping exercise. 

A physical workshop in Kampala will be convened for block leads and core contributors to review peer review findings and finalise prototype materials. (week of 13 July 2026). 

Related:

Another e-learning module is currently being designed by FARA with funding of FAO to build awareness and capacity on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), or “Forgotten Foods,” by equipping learners with knowledge on their nutritional, agronomic, economic, and food systems value, and their role in strengthening sustainable, resilient, and diversified food systems across Africa. This e-learning module will support AU policy making by building the knowledge, evidence, and stakeholder capacity needed to integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) into African food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and agricultural development policies.

11-12 December 2025, Nairobi, Kenya. Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) -  Linking Education, Innovation, and Enterprise Development

• Interviews with participants of the Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

Mugala Naturals: Organic food venture that is powering a climate-smart future

Mugala Naturals exhibited a poster and its products at the  NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference (9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana).

Mugala Naturals Kenya is a Nairobi-based agrifood enterprise founded by Kenyan entrepreneur Andrew Egala with the mission of transforming indigenous African crops into nutritious, climate-smart food products. Established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company promotes a “food as medicine” approach by processing traditional grains such as sorghum and millet into gluten-free, low-glycemic foods targeted at health-conscious consumers and people living with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Through its Green Without Borders initiative, Mugala Naturals has positioned itself at the intersection of nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture, demonstrating the commercial potential of Africa’s forgotten and underutilized crops.

Beyond food processing, Mugala Naturals works closely with smallholder farmers in Kenya’s semi-arid regions to create inclusive value chains for indigenous crops. The company promotes sorghum, millet, cassava, honey, peanut products, instant porridge mixes, and other plant-based foods while advocating for biodiversity conservation, healthy diets, and climate-resilient farming systems. 

By combining traditional African food heritage with modern food innovation and market development, Mugala Naturals has become a leading voice in the movement to reposition indigenous crops from “forgotten foods” to high-value products capable of improving nutrition, generating rural incomes, and strengthening Africa’s food sovereignty.

Related:

• Sorghum Superfood: Kenyan Startup Revolutionizes Diabetic-Friendly Nutrition
• Mugala Naturals: Organic food venture that is powering a climate-smart future

Heirloom Seed Agriculture Company in Ghana

12 June 2026. GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods visited Call To Nature Ghana. 

Call To Nature Ghana is a pioneering Ghanaian social enterprise and permaculture organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, heirloom seed conservation, environmental stewardship, and food security. 

Heirloom seed conservation is the practice of harvesting, drying, and safely storing seeds from open-pollinated plant varieties to prevent them from going extinct.

Founded by Solomon Amuzu, the organization operates on the permaculture principles of “Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share,” combining seed production, farmer training, ecological restoration, and community education. Today, it is recognized as
one of Africa’s leading heirloom seed producers and was named Best Heirloom Seed Agriculture Company in West Africa and Seed Exporter of the Year 2023. Through its work, Call To Nature supports farmers with access to locally adapted seeds and knowledge that strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.

The organization’s history dates back to Solomon Amuzu’s early engagement with farming at the age of 16. Motivated by concerns about the environmental impacts of conventional agriculture, he trained in permaculture and launched community initiatives focused on school gardens, tree planting, and ecological restoration. After further studies and practical experience in sustainable agriculture, he formally established Call To Nature with a vision of reconnecting people with nature and building resilient local food systems. Over the years, the organization has expanded from a grassroots permaculture initiative into a nationally and internationally recognized centre for heirloom seed production, farmer capacity development, and sustainable agriculture innovation in Ghana.

Sales figures for local market and for the export market

Ghana's seed market is expanding rapidly, driven by greater awareness of seed quality, climate-smart agriculture, government support programmes, and growing interest in nutritious and resilient crops. Industry forecasts estimate that the Ghana seed market will grow from about USD 125 million in 2026 to nearly USD 193 million by 2031, reflecting sustained growth in demand for improved and specialized seeds. In addition, market studies point to increasing consumer demand for healthy, locally produced foods and greater interest in indigenous crops, which is creating new opportunities for producers of heirloom and opportunity crop seeds.

The company's export positioning is particularly attractive to the U.S. market because it specializes in heirloom and rare seed varieties that are often difficult to source commercially. These include amaranths, African leafy vegetables, traditional legumes, butterfly peas, and other culturally significant crops. 

The growing interest in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, African heritage foods, and climate-resilient crops among U.S. consumers creates a niche but expanding market for such products. Call To Nature has also highlighted its status as a recognized seed exporter and participates in international seed and agribusiness exhibitions, where it markets its products globally.

Related:

14 October 2025. In Beijing, China, the Chief Executive Director of Call To Nature Ghana - Solomon Amuzu - attended the China-Ghana Investment Forum. The event, which focused on “Partnering for Prosperity: Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Ghana,” aimed to attract Chinese companies to invest in Ghana, highlighting areas like Agriculture and trade, electric vehicles (EVs), manufacturing, and infrastructure.

24-25 September 2025. Call To Nature Ghana participated as an exhibitor at the 2025 West Africa Agri Show, held at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC), where it showcased oits premium Heirloom Seeds. The West Africa Agri Show 2025 (WAAS 2025) was an agricultural event to showcase innovative and sustainable farming technologies. 

Africa's regional stakeholders conference on Neglected and Underutilised Species

9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana. NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference. Co-organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the hybrid event focused on integrating neglected and underutilized “forgotten foods” (like millets, fonio, and sorghum) into African food systems.

The conference strongly aligned with GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods by addressing policy integration, capacity strengthening, seed systems, breeding, market development, and multi-stakeholder partnerships for neglected and underutilized crops. Notably, GFAiR contributes directly through the presentation on embedding opportunity crops into education and capacity development systems, reinforcing GFAiR's role in knowledge exchange and innovation for resilient food systems.

The regional consultation for Africa highlighted the strategic role of opportunity crops in contributing to 

sustainable, nutrient-sensitive agrifood systems and climate-resilient agriculture in the region by: 

1. Assess the progress made in the implementation of the Africa manifesto and action plan on forgotten food. 
2. Reviewing and sharing national and regional experiences related to opportunity crops conservation, production, utilization, constraints, and opportunities. 
3. Discussing policy and institutional frameworks needed to enhance production, value chains, and utilization of opportunity crops. 
4. Developing a regional roadmap and collaborative action plan to maintain opportunity crops in food and agricultural policies. 
5. Strengthening partnerships among governments, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society for opportunity crops promotion. 

Day 1: Setting the Vision and Overcoming Barriers

Opening Session

• 
  Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Regional Representative for Africa
• Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
• Representative of Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture 

Strategic Perspectives on Opportunity Crops

• Dr. Chikelu Mba (FAO): Unlocking Africa's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
• Prof. Elbilali (IADC): Framework for integrating neglected and underutilized species into agrifood systems
• Dr. Clement Adjorlolo (AUDA-NEPAD): Scaling opportunity crops through coordinated policy action

Transitioning African Agrifood Systems

• Dr. Julia Sibiya (VACS): Opportunity crops for agrifood system transformation
• Madam Fatmata Binta (Dineonamat): African ingredients and cultural food value
• Prof. Wole Fatunbi (FARA): Progress report on the Africa Manifesto on Opportunity Crops/Forgotten Foods

Theme 1: Overcoming Barriers – Innovative Approaches

• 
  Dr. Abdou Tenkouano (ICIPE): Plant health solutions for opportunity crops
• Dr. Ousmane Ndoye (CORAF): Research development and networking
• Joe Mzinga (ESAFF): Mechanization pathways for smallholder systems

Theme 2: From Knowledge to Action

• Dr. Maureen Duru (The Food Bridge): Scaling nutrient-rich crops for food security
• Prof. Nelson Ojijo (JKUAT): Awareness raising and consumer recognition
• Olawunmi Benedict (GROW West Africa): Producer capacity building and agroecological transition
• Prof. Vincent Aduramigba (IAR&T/OAU): Capacity development instruments for NARES and institutions

Theme 3: Regional Actions and Networks

• Prof. Wole Fatunbi (FARA): Communities of practice and regional networks
• Ms. Ndèye Aïssatou Diop (CORAF): West and Central Africa experiences
• Mr. Moses Odeke (ASARECA): Eastern and Central Africa experiences
• Dr. Batholomeu Chataika (CCARDESA): Southern Africa experiences

Day 2: Conservation, Breeding, Seed Systems and Markets

Theme 4: On-Farm Diversity and Local Adaptation

• Dr. Carlo Fadda (Bioversity & CIAT): Managing crop diversity on farms
• Dr. Olakunle Sansa (IITA): Diversity for resilience
• Dr. Hillary Muginyo (Zimbabwe): Participatory breeding for locally adapted varieties

Theme 5: Conservation of Opportunity Crops

• Dr. Nora Castaneda (Crop Trust): Complementary conservation strategies
• Dr. Olaniyi Oyatomi (IITA): Linking on-farm and ex situ conservation
• Dr. Bissah Mathilda (PGRI-CSIR): Genetic resource conservation and germplasm exchange
• Andrew Mushita (CTDT-ZW): Community seed banks and local stewardship

Theme 6: Breeding for Nutrition and Resilience

• Prof. Enoch G. Achigan-Dako (UAC-Benin/AOCC/AfPBA): Collaborative breeding for forgotten foods
• Dr. Rita Mumm (AOCC): Strengthening plant breeding capacity in Africa
• Mr. Francois Stepman (GFAiR): Integrating opportunity crops into educational curricula

Theme 7: Seed Systems and Value Chains

• Yarama (GNRC): Registration of local varieties
• Edward Kilawe (FAO): Lessons from the One Country One Priority Product initiative
• Dr. Presidor Kendabie (NDU-Nigeria): Sustainable seed systems for forgotten foods

Theme 8: Building Markets and Business Cases

• Dr. Yacouba Diallo (AFSTA): Integrating orphan crops into seed trade systems
• Mr. John Cordaro (MARS/AOCC): Public-private pathways for opportunity crops
• Dr. Stefano Marras (Bayer): Private-sector innovation and investment
• Mr. Andrew Egala (GWB Kenya): Market access, short supply chains, and alternative retail models

Day 3: Developing the African Roadmap

Theme 9: Action-Based Roadmap for Opportunity Crops

Participants were divided into working groups to develop a continental roadmap and implementation agenda for integrating opportunity crops into African agrifood systems. This was followed by plenary presentations and discussions on recommendations and next steps. 

The consultation concluded with a synthesis by Dr. Chikelu Mba (FAO) and closing remarks from Dr. Aggrey Agumya (FARA) and Ms. Priya Gujadhur (FAO Ghana).

Ghana Investment Promotion Council

11 June 2026. The study titled “A Research on the African Diaspora Food Market in the United Kingdom: Understanding Market Dynamics, Opportunities and Indigenous Food Systems” (25 pages) was presented during a meeting with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (the GIPC was among others represented by Cherk Klutse - see picture).

The research – conducted between January and April 2026 – highlights that African food is not a niche or occasional choice, but a core component of daily diets – comparable to staple foods in national consumption patterns. This positions the African diaspora food market as a mature, stable, and scalable agro food sector. The estimated annual market value is £1.5 billion in the UK alone, with a projected €11.5 billion market across Europe.

"The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre is well positioned to host a Regional Diaspora Food SMEs Hub for West Africa due to its established mandate to attract and facilitate investment, its growing engagement with diaspora entrepreneurs, and Ghana's role as a regional gateway for trade and agribusiness. Building on its Diaspora Investment Desk, investor facilitation services, and partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector networks, GIPC could serve as a convening platform that connects diaspora investors with food SMEs, innovation hubs, research institutions, and market opportunities across the region. A regional hub hosted by GIPC could mobilize diaspora capital, expertise, technology, and international market linkages to strengthen food processing, value addition, and agrifood entrepreneurship, while supporting

the objectives of regional integration under Economic Community of West African States and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Such a hub would also position Ghana as a focal point for scaling diaspora-driven investments that contribute to food security, job creation, and resilient food systems across West Africa." Dr Maureen Duru of Foodbridge, Coordinator of GFAiR's collective action on Forgotten Foods

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre plays a strategic role in promoting food-sector SMEs from the Ghanaian diaspora by creating an enabling investment environment and serving as a bridge between diaspora investors and local agribusiness opportunities. Through investment facilitation services, business registration support, policy guidance, and investor aftercare, the Centre helps diaspora entrepreneurs establish or expand food processing, packaging, distribution, and value-addition enterprises in Ghana. It also provides information on incentives, access to land and industrial zones, and links to government programmes that support agribusiness development.

In addition, the GIPC actively engages the diaspora through investment forums, roadshows, partnerships, and targeted outreach initiatives that showcase opportunities in Ghana's food and agriculture sector. By connecting diaspora investors with local SMEs, financial institutions, research organizations, and market actors, the Centre helps mobilize capital, technology, skills, and international market networks. This contributes to the growth of competitive food SMEs, job creation, value chain development, and increased participation of diaspora communities in Ghana’s agricultural transformation and food systems development.

• 16–18 June 2026. Accra. Ghana–Italy Circular Economy Dialogue: Scaling Solutions for a Green Transition 
  16/06 Session 1: Circular Economy & Green Industrial Transformation: Ghana’s Landscape, Challenges and Opportunities - with Gianpiero Menza, Alliance Bioversity & CIAT
  16/06 Session 4: Circular Agribusiness & Green Entrepreneurship Unlocking opportunities in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector  - with Pierpaolo Crivellaro, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT 
• 10 - 11 December 2025. In partnership with the International Organization for Migration Ghana, GIPC hosted a Diaspora Business Dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration between returnees, diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, and Ghanaian businesses. The initiative focused on facilitating investment, business partnerships, and market linkages, including opportunities for SMEs in agribusiness and food processing. Such dialogues help diaspora-owned food enterprises access local networks, investment information, and business support services.
• 10 June 2025. GIPC, together with government and development partners, supported the 2025 Ghana Diaspora Investment Forum, which brought together diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and business support organizations to explore investment opportunities in Ghana. The forum highlighted sectors including agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, and SME development, providing diaspora entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with local businesses and identify investment opportunities in food value chains.

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