Webinars and events May 2026

6 - 7 May 2026. GLF Africa 2026: Rangelands

7 May 2026. 14:30–17:00 CEST. From dialogue to delivery: Africa-Europe innovation in action

• As an open entry point to the Africa–Europe innovation community, the webinar will introduce the objectives of the AEIP, its role in supporting partnerships across the two continents, and give an update on the growing range of activities available through the digital space for those interested in cross-regional cooperation.

8 May 2026. 14:00–15:30 CEST. Africa Initiative IV: funding and practical guidance

• This online workshop, jointly organised with EURAXESS Africa, provides a comprehensive introduction to the Africa Initiative IV under the Horizon Europe work programme 2026–2027. Participants will receive guidance on how to engage with the initiative and access available funding opportunities.

11-12 May 2026. Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit

12-15 May 2026. Building the next generation of food systems leaders in developing countries

25-28 May 2026 at FAO Headquarters, Rome Nutrition Week

• 25 May: Nutrition Evidence and Innovation for Shaping Agrifood Systems Transformation (thematic lead: FAO)
• 26 May: Local Food Solutions for Global Impact (thematic lead: WFP)
• 27 May: Aligning Financing for Nutrition Integration (thematic lead: IFAD)
• 28 May: Delivering as One for Coherent Nutrition Action (thematic lead: UNN)

22 May 2026. Tasting the Forgotten: a celebration of biodiversity

• Royal Museum for Central AfricaTervuren, Brussels
• This event will bring biodiversity to life, not through reports or policy briefs but through dialogue, taste, culture and lived experience.
• Join us at the Africa Museum for a unique celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity.
• Organized by the Collective Action on Forgotten Foods, this immersive event goes beyond reports and policy briefs to explore biodiversity through dialogue, taste, culture and lived experience.
• There will be a high-level panel discussion with experts and changemakers, followed by a curated experiential lunch showcasing forgotten and underutilized foods.

29 May 2026. Renewable Energy & Green Transition

• Theme: Powering Africa’s Future: Women Leading the Green Energy Transition
• ​The Women in Geopolitics Debate Series is a high-level dialogue platform that convenes former diplomats, policy experts, political leaders, scholars, and practitioners to examine Africa’s geopolitical positioning within an increasingly complex global order.

8-11 June 2026 (Nairobi, Kenya) 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO)

9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana. NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference

9 - 11 June 2026. Stuttgart. Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Indigenous and Underutilised Crops: Rethinking Value Chains for Sustainable Food Futures

26 June 2026. Agribusiness, Agro-Processing & Food Value Chains

• Theme: Feeding Africa: From Smallholder Farmers to Industrial Value Chains
• ​The Women in Geopolitics Debate Series is a high-level dialogue platform that convenes former diplomats, policy experts, political leaders, scholars, and practitioners to examine Africa’s geopolitical positioning within an increasingly complex global order.

1-2 July 2026. Utrecht, the Netherlands. Land, Conflict, and Peace conference

1-3 July 2026 (Accra, Ghana). CIRAWA Agroecology and Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa Conference.
The EU-funded project CIRAWA has been collaborating with farmers and stakeholders in four West African countries (Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia) since 2023, to develop and share agroecological and nature-based solutions that promote sustainable and resilient farming.

15-17 July 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Food Manufacturing Kenya & Eastern Africa

16 July 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Food Awards

27–31 July 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria. 9th Africa Agriculture and Science Week AASW9 and the 10th FARA General Assembly

3 - 6 August 2026. Malaysia. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY 2026, UPM

25 - 26 August 2026. Leuven, KU Leuven. Plant-Based Fermented Foods for Healthier and More Sustainable Diets - HealthFerm Final Conference

8-10 September 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Agra Middle East 2026 (AgraME 2026)

September 2026. Africa Food Systems Forum 2026

16 to 18 September 2026 in Göttingen (Germany) and online. TROPENTAG under the theme 'Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient future'.

• The call for workshops is open until 3 May 2026. If you are interested in organizing a workshop, FILL IN THIS TEMPLATE and send it to info@tropentag.de no later than 3 May.15-17 September 2026 – Lagos, Nigeria Africa Food Manufacturing Nigeria & Western Africa

22–25 September 2026. Nairobi (Kenya). Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa.
The event invites papers and proposals on topics like climate-smart ag, agri-finance, digital tech, value chains, and gender/youth in agriculture - by African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).

October 2026. FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Assembly
This is a year-round platform for youth engagement in agrifood systems. It includes ongoing virtual and thematic consultations throughout the year and typically culminates in activities around the flagship World Food Forum event in October.

19–23 October 2026. FAO HQ, Rome, Italy. CFS 54th Plenary Session

19-30 October 2026. Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

31 October 2026. International Conference on Agroforestry Systems for Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity (ICASCAAB-2026)

• Focuses on agroforestry systems, climate adaptation, and biodiversity — a platform for researchers and practitioners to share developments in the field.

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

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

The Farmer’s Kitchen Table: celebrating and tasting NUS in Barbados

22 April 2026. Andromeda Botanic Gardens, east coast of Barbados in the Caribbean.  

video recap forthcoming

The Farmer’s Kitchen Table was a vibrant Earth Month celebration that brought together food, culture, and sustainability in a shared culinary experience. 

Organized as part of the Million Tables Challenge, the event highlighted the importance of reconnecting people with the origins of their food while celebrating biodiversity and local traditions. Set in the lush surroundings of the gardens, the gathering created a warm and inviting space where guests could engage with nature not just visually, but through taste and storytelling.

At the heart of the event was a thoughtfully curated menu centered on underutilized and neglected species (NUS), showcasing their potential in modern cuisine. Guests enjoyed a diverse spread that included artisan soups, freshly baked breads, breadfruit pasta, botanical drinks, and earth-inspired desserts. Each dish was designed not only to delight the palate but also to spark curiosity about ingredients that are often overlooked despite their nutritional and ecological value. 

The culinary experience served as a powerful reminder that sustainable diets can be both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Beyond the food, The Farmer’s Kitchen Table emphasized the role of local knowledge and community in building resilient food systems. The event honored farmers, growers, and indigenous practices that have long sustained biodiversity and cultural heritage. Conversations flowed as participants learned about sustainable farming, the significance of preserving agrobiodiversity, and the importance of supporting local producers. It was an opportunity to reflect on how everyday food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship and social well-being.

Ultimately, the event was more than a meal—it was a celebration of connection. By bringing people together around a shared table, it fostered a sense of collective responsibility toward the planet and its resources. The Farmer’s Kitchen Table demonstrated how food can be a unifying force, bridging communities and inspiring action toward more sustainable and inclusive food systems. It left attendees not only satisfied, but also more mindful of the impact of what they eat and the stories behind it.

Lessons from African Cities on Participatory Urban Food Systems Governance

29 April 2026. Beyond Silos: Lessons from African Cities on Participatory Urban Food Systems Governance - side event to the 12th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.

• Across the continent, cities are experimenting with new ways to bring governments, researchers, civil society and communities to the same table. The results are here and they are pointing to a shared insight: when cities work together, change happens faster.
• The AfriFOOD links project hosted a session that puts these experiences front and centre. AfriFOODlinks creatively unlocks this transition, and will drive change in 65+ cities. It is delivered by 26 partners and funded by the European Union.

The stories from the ground are compelling. 

• In Lusaka, a dedicated Food Desk is helping city officials make better decisions by connecting policy to evidence. 
• In Mbale, the Good Food Parliament has opened up a formal space for communities to have a real say in what a healthier food environment looks like. 
• In Kisumu, the Food Liaison Advisory Council (FLACK) is bridging the gap between city government, civil society and the people who grow, sell and eat food every day.

AGRINATURA and the Global Gateway

27 April 2026. Brussels. Global Gateway Strategy: Insights from Agrinatura

The Global Gateway Strategy is the European Union’s flagship framework for investment in infrastructure and connectivity. It aims to catalyze private sector competitiveness while upholding rigorous environmental and labor standards, strengthening human capital, reinforcing knowledge systems, and protecting global commons. Education, research, and innovation (ER&I) are not merely peripheral components; they are central pillars that drive sustainable, inclusive, and values-based global partnerships.

A position paper (8 pages) + summary (3 pages) explores how the ER&I sphere—with a specific focus on the agrifood sector—contributes to the Global Gateway. It reflects the perspectives of Agrinatura, the European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development.

Examples: ER&I Projects as Global Gateway Strategy Enablers 

1. VCA4D (Value Chain Analysis for Development): Provides standardized, evidence-based sustainability analyses for over 65 value chains (to date), informing EU investment decisions. 
2. SASI-SPI: Delivers sectoral studies focusing onto investments needs towards agrifood systems’ sustainable transformations. 
3. DeSIRA LIFT & LIFT+: Supports 70+ projects in co-designing climate-smart innovations and fostering policy dialogue for scaling agroecological transitions. 
4. GENE-LINK (2026–2029): Strengthens the link between African research labs and the private sector to valorize nature-derived products (bioeconomy). 
5. 
   Coffee Value Chain Support: A holistic model integrating vocational training for agroforestry, participatory research on bio-solutions, and innovation hubs to support SMEs in meeting EU deforestation and safety standards.

Rationale

The Global Gateway responds to a rising demand for trusted, sustainable investments. Recent strategic frameworks, such as the Draghi Competitiveness Report and the Niinistö Report, underscore that Research and Innovation (R&I) must sit at the heart of Europe’s international partnerships. This aligns with the "360-degree" and "triptych" approaches adopted by DG INTPA, which integrate Higher Education, R&I, and vocational skills to power the Green and Digital transitions.

In the agrifood sector, the Global Gateway prioritizes private sector investments to build productive, sustainable value chains connecting farmers and processors to global markets. While the initiative is global, Africa remains a primary priority due to its rapid demographic growth, the central role of small-scale family farming, and existing gaps in connectivity and processing infrastructure.

The African Union, through the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Kampala Declaration, shares this vision. The 2022 EU-AU Summit further solidified this by acknowledging equitable ER&I collaboration as a vital vehicle for transformation. Similar synergies are emerging globally, such as the EU-CELAC Strategic Roadmap (2025) and the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership (2023–2027).

To optimize ER&I investments, Agrinatura draws on lessons from the 2025 "Boosting Agrifood Research and Innovation" conference, recommending four priority actions:

1. Strengthen international dialogue to align agendas (e.g., the AU-EU FNSSA Roadmap) with long-term frameworks like the Global Gateway.
2. Foster innovation ecosystems (Living Labs, incubators, and accelerators) to scale interventions.
3. Improve governance and coordination between EU instruments (e.g., Horizon Europe and NDICI).
4. Build coherent funding mechanisms that blend public, private, and partner-country resources across all stages of innovation

Aggrey Agumya - Executive Secretary of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa on value addition and the reasons of poor food processing in Africa

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Patrick Okori Executive Secretary of Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)

Guy Faure (CIRAD) on the Innovation eco-system

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Leonard Mizzi Adviser Food Systems, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission

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Thérèse Gohin - Technical & Regulatory Officer at IBMA - International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association: Why research and innovation in biopesticides is important

Promoting Indigenous seeds

24 April 2026. PROMOTING INDIGENOUS SEED PRACTICES TO ADVANCE SEED AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY, AND PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY. 

This was a high-level webinar focused on strengthening traditional seed systems and local food control. It brought together stakeholders such as farmers, civil society organizations, researchers, and policy actors to discuss how indigenous seed practices can support food sovereignty—defined as the right of communities to control their seeds, food systems, and agricultural choices . The discussion emphasized that traditional seeds are not only agricultural inputs but also carry cultural knowledge, resilience, and identity.

A central theme of the event was the role of indigenous seed systems in protecting biodiversity and building climate resilience. Participants highlighted that local seed varieties are often better adapted to specific environments and can evolve over time through farmer-led selection, helping maintain genetic diversity in crops. This is increasingly important as global agriculture faces threats from climate change, monoculture farming, and the spread of uniform commercial seeds, which can reduce biodiversity and increase dependency on external inputs . The webinar therefore positioned indigenous seed practices as a key pathway for sustainable and agroecological food systems.

The event also stressed the need for policy support, community empowerment, and knowledge sharing to scale indigenous seed practices. This includes strengthening farmer-managed seed systems, supporting seed exchange networks, and recognizing the rights of smallholder farmers—especially women—to save, use, and share seeds. Overall, the webinar framed indigenous seeds as essential to achieving food sovereignty, ecological sustainability, and resilient local economies, calling for coordinated action across communities, governments, and development partners.

Forthcoming: 

17th – 20th November 2026. 1st Eastern Africa Indigenous Seed Conference

• A landmark gathering bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and seed advocates from across Eastern Africa to champion seed sovereignty and strengthen farmer-managed seed systems.
• Organised by the Catholic university of Eastern Africa, Nairobi
• four days of knowledge exchange, regional collaboration, and advancing policies that protect indigenous seed systems as the foundation of food security and climate resilience.

Post harvest Connect

22 - 23 April 2026. Abuja. Post harvest Connect

Organized by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, it brought together researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to address the critical issue of food losses after harvest. The event emphasized the need to strengthen systems that handle storage, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.

Partners: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) World Bank Group Sasakawa Africa Association HarvestPlus Helen Keller Intl Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

The main objective of the conference was to promote technologies and innovations that reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the competitiveness of agrifood value chains. Key topics included storage and preservation technologies, cold chain systems, food safety (including aflatoxin control), value addition, and market linkages. The discussions highlighted that increasing agricultural production alone is not sufficient—equal attention must be given to preserving and efficiently moving food along the value chain.

The event underscored the significant impact of post-harvest losses in Africa, where up to 30–50% of food can be lost before reaching consumers. Addressing these inefficiencies can improve food availability, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen food and nutrition security. Overall, Postharvest Connect 2026 served as a platform to connect innovation, policy, and investment, with the goal of building more resilient and efficient agrifood systems.

Post-Harvest Connect 2026 in Abuja Posted by Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute on Wednesday 22 April 2026

Fin4Dev Dialogues: Stabilizing Agrifood Systems Amid Trade, Energy and Market Volatility

 22 April 2026. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) co-hosted a side event at the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development (FFD Forum), as part of the Financing for Development (Fin4Dev) Dialogues. 

The session examined how current trade and energy disruptions are affecting agrifood systems and what recent shocks have taught the global community about strengthening resilience.

The meeting convened partners from the public and private sector, including government representatives, development finance institutions professionals, energy and trade experts, to explore how geopolitical shifts are affecting global food systems. 

The discussion examined the implications of tariffs, export restrictions, energy price fluctuations and evolving trade relationships for agrifood supply chains, food affordability and investment in agriculture. Participants will also explore how stronger policy and financing coordination can help stabilize agrifood systems and ensure resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment.

• Leonard Mizzi, Adviser Food Systems, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission. (Co-Chair, GDPRD)
• H.E. Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations
• David Laborde, Director, Agrifood Economics and Policy Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Marlynne Hopper, Head a.i., Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Secretariat, World Trade Organization
• Courtney Hood, Head of Office, IFAD New York Liaison Office
• Rodrigo Carcamo, Chief a.i., Agricultural Commodities Section, Commodities Branch, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Jim Woodhill, Director, Agrifood Systems and Futures Hub, University of Reading, and Lead of the Global Foresight4Food Initiative. (Senior Advisor, GDPRD)
• Maurizio Navarra, Senior Partnership Officer and Coordinator, Global Donor Platform for Rural Development 
• Vincent De Graaf, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations

• Moderator: Elena Bertusi, Partnership Officer, IFAD New York Liaison Office

Leveraging Effective Communication to expand Utilization of Underutilized Legumes for health, Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability

29 April 2026. 35th Academic Lecture Series. The Society for Underutilized Legumes (SUL) organised a webinar on "Leveraging Effective Communication to expand Utilization of Underutilized Legumes for health, Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability" Speaker : Lopez Katherine, Head of Communication, IITA.

This lecture focused on how effective communication can drive the adoption of underutilized legumes for improved nutrition, environmental sustainability, and food security. The keynote speaker, Katherine Lopez (IITA), emphasized that these crops—such as Bambara groundnut, pigeon pea, and African yam bean—are highly nutritious, climate-resilient, and locally adapted, yet remain underutilized. The central issue is not a lack of research or innovation, but rather low adoption due to weak communication, limited awareness, poor value chains, and fragmented knowledge systems.

A key message from the lecture is that communication is the missing link between research and impact. Successful agricultural innovations (e.g., Vitamin A maize, Aflasafe, and digital tools like Akilimo) demonstrate that strong communication—through campaigns, storytelling, and farmer engagement—can significantly increase adoption. The speaker highlighted the need to reframe underutilized legumes from being perceived as “poor man’s food” to desirable, healthy, and climate-smart options. Strategies such as using digital platforms, social media, cooking demonstrations, and influencer engagement were identified as critical for driving behavior change and increasing visibility.

The discussion also underscored systemic challenges and solutions. Participants highlighted issues such as limited access to improved seeds, weak extension services, and insufficient policy support. Proposed solutions included strengthening seed systems, building value chains, engaging grassroots actors, and adopting community-based scaling approaches. The overall conclusion was that underutilized legumes are “future foods” with immense potential, but unlocking this potential requires integrated communication strategies, stronger partnerships, and coordinated action across research, policy, and practice.

Related: Highlight: Main brands producing Bambara groundnut value-added products

Aonyx Foods - Bambara Groundnut and the Agrifood Technology Station (ATS) of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has used the Bambara Groundnut as a raw material to create several value-added products. These include dairy-substitutes, baked-goods, meat-substitutes, and beverages.


Download here the Aonyx Bambara groundnut product range potential

which includes several gluten-, lactose- and cholesterol-free value-added products. These include dairy substitutes, baked goods, meat substitutes and beverages. These products have the potential to be rapidly scaled up to provide niche and alternative products that are nutritious and marketable.

CPUT is looking to create a manufacturing business, vertically integrating with other sectors in the country. It is currently looking for investors to partner with us to take this business opportunity forward

Green ERA hub: future priorities for sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and innovation

21-22 April 2026. Brussels. Meeting of the Green Era Hub (GEH) on widening and outreach

The Green ERA-Hub (GEH) Coordination and Support Action under Horizon Europe (HEU), brings together all relevant ongoing and self-sustaining networks; (including ERA-Nets and European Joint Programme Cofund) in the Agri-food and biotechnolgy sector. 

The Hub thus represents a large part of Europe's national ministries, funders and research institutes within these themes. The networks provide transnational co-programming of national research priorities and funding, organising joint scientific research, knowledge valorisation and science-policy dialogue activities.

The objective of the GEH is to maintain, use and strengthen the established knowledge, networks and resources, and to play a bridging role in the setting up of partnerships under Horizon Europe. Specific ambitions include developing a strategic roadmap, strengthening expertise in the themes, organising new calls for proposals and maintaining, sharing and strengthening knowledge in joint transnational research programming.

Explicitly, the GEH wants to contribute to preparations for Horizon Europe partnerships. (Future Frame Work Programme 10).

As part of the GEH, the partners of the work package on “Widening and outreach” submitted a document of recommendations to the EC to expand geographical collaboration with Africa, the Mediterranean, Eastern European countries, and the Balkans in Horizon Europe partnerships. 

This final meeting aimed to disseminate these recommendations more widely and, above all, to go further and propose avenues for implementation. 

Main speakers:

1. FutureFoods – Claude Yven 
2. Agroecology – Stephane Bellon  
3. Agriculture of Data – Johannes Pfeiffer  
4. European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare  – Mahur Turan 
5. Prima – Ali Rhouma 
6. BioEAST – Vanda Fuzesi 
7. Belmont Forum - Laurent Bernadou 
8. CEA First - Bernard Mallet 

UPRISE: a Horizon Europe collaboration translating research into practical, scalable solutions for safer and more resilient food systems

15 April 2026. The AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation, hosted by the European Commission, serves as a platform for regular exchanges on research and innovation policy. It aims to formulate and implement long-term priorities to strengthen Africa-Europe cooperation.

The first 2026 edition of the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue newsletter highlights key developments in African Union - European Union research and innovation cooperation, from policy to priority areas of interventions, such as agriculture, health, climate action and innovative technologies.

UP-RISE was featured as an example of demonstrating innovative solutions in food safety, sharing the release of the 10 business cases and practice abstracts showcasing successful agri-entrepreneurial solutions; an example of how Horizon Europe collaboration is translating research into practical, scalable solutions for safer and more resilient food systems.

Links

• The AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation - Newsletter 10 - March 2026
• Horizon Europe Projects Driving Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

UPRISE Bootcamp in Kenya July 2026

UP-RISE has selected ten business cases involving agri-entrepreneurs active in both the informal and formal markets of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. 

• These cases form part of the development and implementation of co-created solutions across the five traditional fermented food value chains. The call for the selection of the 10 fermented food processors was awarded on 7 December 2024 and will run until the end of UP-RISE (31 December 2027).
• The 10 selected agripreneurs from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa gathered for the very first time in Nairobi.
• Beyond the roadmap, the group hit the ground identifying key learning goals and sharing real world challenges in certification, packaging, management and communications. 
• Upcoming program journey: Baseline & Interviews, Specialised webinar series, Individual mentoring, In-Person Bootcamp July 2026

Up-rise Consortium Partners

The consortium is built up on 13 international partners bringing together an interdisciplinary approach and a well-framed gender dimension to maximise the impact.



Ghent University
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
Wageningen University
Federal University of Technology Minna
Université Abomey-Calavi
University of Nangui Abrogoua
University of Nairobi
L’Institut Agro Montpellier
University of Johannesburg
University of Montpellier
African Union Development Agency: New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD)
ADS Insight

Stakeholder Consultation: amaranth as Kenya’s priority opportunity crop

21-24 April 2026. Kisumu, Kenya. Stakeholder consultation workshop in Kenya organised by the German BOLDER program with the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT. 

Stakeholders came together for a two-day validation workshop on the amaranth value chain and food environment. The workshop created space to align evidence with experience, bringing together voices from across research, policy, and practice 

Discussions went beyond validation. They focused on what it will take to unlock the full potential of amaranth as a nutritious, climate-resilient crop. From consumption patterns to market dynamics, stakeholders explored practical pathways to scale impact and strengthen local food systems.

Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland, this work continues to build momentum around underutilized crops that can drive nutrition, resilience, and livelihoods.

For the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, this validation is not as the end of research, but as the beginning of action.

This workshop was a follow-up to 18–22 August 2025. Nairobi. Finger millet and amaranth were selected as Kenya’s priority “opportunity crops” during the two-day National Stakeholder Consultation under the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF).

The crops also hold huge market potential. While their consumption has traditionally been low, mostly limited to rural households and older generations, this is now changing. In urban areas, health-conscious consumers are increasingly embracing nutrient-rich alternatives, driven by the rise of lifestyle diseases and growing awareness of the benefits of indigenous foods. As a result, amaranth and finger millet are gradually making their way into supermarkets, health stores, and restaurant menus, signaling a broader shift toward healthier eating habits.

Resources:

A new Crop Trust policy brief presents a strategic framework for integrating opportunity crops into African food systems through foresight-driven planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration. 

Drawing on pilot workshops in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, the brief shows how the Power Of Diversity Funding Facility supports inclusive decision-making to prioritize crops that offer resilience, nutrition and livelihood benefits.

A new Crop Trust policy brief presents a strategic framework for integrating opportunity crops into African food systems through foresight-driven planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Drawing on pilot workshops in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, the brief shows how the hashtag#PowerOfDiversity Funding Facility supports inclusive decision-making to prioritize crops that offer resilience, nutrition and livelihood benefits.

Global Crop Conservation and Use Metrics: Amaranth

This report provides an up-to-date overview of the global status of ex situ conservation of genetic resources of amaranth and its wild relatives, including key metrics on: 

• global statistics on crop production and availability in food supplies; 
• the identity and composition of genebank collections; 
• the Multilateral System (MLS) status of accessions in these collections; 
• storage, regeneration, and safety duplication status; 
• documentation, information systems, and research resources; 
• germplasm distribution; 
• varietal registrations and releases; and 
• crop networks and partnerships.

Crop Trust, Alliance Bioversity & CIAT (2026) Scoping Review Report: Assessing Finger millet food systems in Kenya. Power of Diversity Funding Facility Prepared by: Consolata Musita/Wendy Kimonye, 52 p.

• Despite growing interest in neglected and underutilized species (NUS) for strengthening sustainable and inclusive food systems, evidence on finger millet in Kenya remains fragmented across disciplines, value chain stages, and food system domains. 
• This scoping review synthesizes existing literature on finger millet in Kenya using a food systems lens to assess how the crop is positioned across the value chain, the extent to which gender and governance dimensions are addressed, and where critical evidence gaps remain. 

Background:

Crop Trust launched (19/03/2025) the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF). This
transformative multi-donor funded initiative will promote the use of so-called opportunity crops across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Initially, the PDFF will focus on 14 high-potential opportunity crops in seven countries,: Colombia, Kenya, India, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Additional funding can extend the project’s reach to more countries, driving a shift towards resilient and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa : May 2026

 

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

World Food Prize Foundation

World Food Prize 2026

2026-05-01

The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the annual World Food Prize. The World Food Prize (US$250 thousand) recognizes an individual or individuals who have made outstanding achievements to enhance the world’s food production and its distribution to those most in need. Fields of achievement include soil and land; plant and animal science; food science and technology; rural development; water and the environment; natural resource conservation; poverty elimination; and many others. The deadline for nominations is 01 May 2026.

SVG Ventures

Global Impact Challenge 2026

2026-05-15

The Global Impact Challenge is a global competition for early-stage startups aimed at discovering breakthrough technologies that advance sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Focusing on critical pillars such as soil health, water management, food waste reduction, and decarbonization, the challenge offers finalists the opportunity to secure up to US$1 million in investment from SVG Ventures. Beyond financial support, participants benefit from expert pitch coaching, a dedicated exhibition booth at the Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley (October 2026). The application window for this cycle closes on 15 May 2026.

Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences

International Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers 2026

2026-05-15

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan make research awards in agriculture. Up to three young agricultural researchers with outstanding research proposals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related themes will receive US$5 thousand each to further their research. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country, and belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university. Candidates need to be younger than age 40 to be eligible. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026.

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife

IUCN-Netherlands

Land Acquisition for Conservation

2026-05-01

The World Conservation Union in the Netherlands (IUCN-Netherlands) provides grants up to €85 thousand for the purchase and protection of threatened wildlife habitats and vulnerable ecosystems in Asia, Asia-Pacific countries, Africa, and Latin America. The grants are to qualified and experienced local non-profit conservation organizations. Local conservation NGOs and CSOs are eligible for this program and are invited to submit their proposals. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Photo and Video Contest

2026-05-04

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites submissions for its 2026 Photo and Video Contest to showcase the impact of biodiversity conservation efforts within its priority hotspots. This competition is open to employees and volunteers of current or former CEPF grantee organizations who are at least 18 years old. Participants are encouraged to submit high-quality images and short videos that document project activities, local communities, and the unique wildlife found in the regions where they work. The deadline for submissions is 04 May 2026.

UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program

Young Scientist Awards 2026

2026-05-07

The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme offers the Young Scientists Awards to support early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes research carried out in biosphere reserves and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible applicants must be 35 years or younger and must have their applications endorsed by their National MAB Committee, which can nominate up to two candidates per year. Individual research grants are awarded up to a maximum of US$5,000 to cover project-related costs for a two-year period. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2026.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Guinean Forests of West Africa Large Grants

2026-05-11

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for large grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot. This call is open to civil society organizations operating in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Projects must align with specific investment priorities related to species conservation and the management of priority sites. Grant amounts range from US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand. Applicants are encouraged to review the regional ecosystem profile and consult with the Regional Implementation Team before submitting their proposals.The deadline for letters of inquiry is 11 May 2026.

Save Our Seas Foundation

Keystone Grants 2026

2026-05-13

The Save Our Seas Foundation funds and supports marine and ocean research, conservation, and education projects worldwide. Projects have to focus on charismatic threatened wildlife and their habitats, with a particular concern for marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras). The usual project duration is limited to three years with a grant average of US$25 thousand per year. The next application period (Stage I) is 13 May 2026.

Wildlife Acoustics

Bio-Acoustics Product Grants

2026-05-15

Wildlife Acoustics aims to advance animal biology research, habitat monitoring and environmental conservation through bio-acoustics recording technology. The Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant Program offers US$4 thousand of product-in-kind grants to biologists, researchers, conservationists, and students who work for charitable, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations. Wildlife Acoustics provides additional support (up to US$1,000) for travel to present findings. There are no geographical limitations. Applications are evaluated quarterly with deadlines on 15 February, 15 May, 15 August 2026.

Morris Animal Foundation

Veterinary Student Scholar Program

2026-05-20

The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5 thousand to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 20 May 2026.

People’s Trust for Endangered Species

Conservation Insight Grants

2026-05-28

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) provides Conservation Insight Grants to support scientific research and field action aimed at preserving endangered species worldwide. Applications are welcomed from scientific researchers and conservationists based within NGOs or university research departments, with a strong preference for local project leaders working in their own countries. Eligible projects must be located in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. The program offers grants between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for projects lasting up to two years, totaling a maximum of £20,000. Please note that PTES does not fund projects focused on bird species. The deadline for stage one pre-applications is 28 May 2026.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Graduate Researchers Award 2026

2026-05-29

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites nominations for its annual award recognizing master’s and PhD students who use biodiversity data in innovative research. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program and be citizens of a GBIF participant country or studying at an institution within one. The program provides two prizes of €5,000 each for research that demonstrates discovery in biodiversity informatics, such as taxonomy, ecology, or biogeography. The final deadline to submit nominations is 29 May 2026.

UNESCO

Visual Storytelling Competition

2026-05-31

UNESCO invites young people to participate in a visual storytelling competition “Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature”. The program seeks original photography and video submissions from individuals aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Participants should submit visual stories about the relationship between people and nature in UNESCO biosphere reserves. All winners will receive a smartphone designed for high-quality photography and an invitation to join an intensive visual storytelling training camp. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2026.

Global Environmental Education Partnership

Youth Innovation Challenge 2026

2026-05-31

The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026.

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Species Conservation Grants

2026-05-31

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides targeted grants to support on-the-ground conservation initiatives for the world’s most threatened species. This global program is open to individual conservationists and organizations working to protect any species of plant, animal, or fungi, with a particular focus on those classified as endangered or data deficient. While the fund primarily supports field-based projects, it does not specify a strict limit for grant amounts; however, typical awards are small grants up to US$25 thousand. Applications are reviewed in three annual cycles, with the next submission windows closing on 31 May 2026, 15 October 2026, and 31 January 2027.

Crosscutting

Oppenheimer Generations Foundation

JWO Research Grant

2026-05-01

The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 01 May 2026.

Swiss Re Foundation

Changemakers Africa

2026-05-01

The Swiss Re Foundation invites applications for the 2026 Changemakers Africa Incubation Program. This online program is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who are developing innovative solutions in healthcare or climate resilience. Eligible applicants must be based in Africa and commit to 6–8 hours of weekly participation. Participants have the chance to pitch their ventures at the final Demo Day for seed funding of up to US$15 thousand. The deadline to apply is 01 May 2026.

Earth Journalism Network

Biodiversity Story Grants 2026

2026-05-01

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering story grants to support journalists in producing in-depth reporting on the global biodiversity crisis. The program focuses on highlighting environmental threats and innovative conservation solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Applications are open to early-career and experienced journalists and media practitioners across print, online, TV, and radio platforms. The program will award 5 to 10 grants, typically ranging from €1,000 to €2,000, and selected grantees will also receive professional mentorship. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026.

Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans

Fellowships 2026

2026-05-01

The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) supports capacity building in oceanography for individuals and institutions in developing countries. POGO’s Visiting Fellowships Program is open to scientists, technicians, graduate students (PhD), and post-doctoral fellows involved in oceanographic work. Priority is given to applicants in their early stages of career development. The fellowship offers the opportunity to visit other oceanographic centers for a short period of training on any aspect of oceanographic observations, analyses, and interpretation. The application deadline is 01 May 2026.

Institute of International Education

Ocean Futures Fellowship

2026-05-03

The Institute of International Education and OceanX invite applications for the Ocean Futures Fellowship to support the next generation of professionals addressing global ocean challenges. This six-month, full-time remote program is open to individuals at least 21 years old who hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have full professional proficiency in English. Fellows can apply for one of six specialized roles: AI, digital correspondence, digital asset archives, immersive media, marketing and communications, or partnerships. Participants receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship and may have the opportunity to travel aboard the OceanXplorer vessel. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026.

World Trade Organization

Young Professionals Program

2026-05-06

The World Bank Group invites applications for the Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at the World Bank. The program is designed for individuals skilled in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, and many others. Applicants should hold a PhD or master’s degree and relevant work experience; be fluent in English; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 40 applicants are accepted into the program. The closing date for applications is 06 May 2026.

World Academy of Sciences

TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowships in India

2026-05-06

India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 06 May 2026.

Global Landscapes Forum

Photography Awards

2026-05-10

The Global Landscapes Forum seeks professional or amateur photographers who show their perspective on the beauty and richness of the African continent. Photographers from all over the world can apply for the GLF Africa 2022 Photo Competition. The competition offers small cash prizes US$400 (1st place), US$300 (2nd place) and US$200 (popular vote). The GLF Africa Photo Competition is open to anyone aged 18 or above. Photos have to be submitted by 10 May 2022.

Coimbra Group of Universities

Scholarship Program for Sub-Saharan Africa

2026-05-10

The Coimbra Group offers short-term research grants to early-career scholars from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program enables researchers to visit a participating European university for one to three months to further their research and develop academic collaborations. Applicants must be staff members at a Sub-Saharan African university. Funding amounts vary by host university, with many providing monthly stipends ranging from €750 to €1,500, often supplemented by travel allowances or accommodation. The deadline for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is 10 May 2026.

Orange Telecom

Orange Social Venture Prize 2026

2026-05-10

The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) supports entrepreneurs using technology to drive social and environmental change across Africa and the Middle East. Orange invites tech-based startups and individuals to apply if their projects address local needs in fields such as health, education, agriculture, or sustainable development. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and based in one of the 17 participating countries, including Botswana, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal. The competition features a national stage followed by an international grand prix, where three winners receive prizes of €25 thousand, €15 thousand, and €10 thousand respectively, alongside an additional €20 thousand International Women’s Prize for projects supporting women’s empowerment. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026.

Okayama City

Education for Sustainable Development

2026-05-14

The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Okayama Award rewards outstanding education for sustainable development practices in local communities around the world. The award aims to support the organizations carrying out ESD activities and promote the concept to local communities globally through showcasing their initiatives. Two projects will be selected to receive an award of US$3 thousand each. One representative of the winning projects will be invited to the Award Ceremony in Okayama (Japan). Organizations based in any country are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 14 May 2026.

L’Oreal and UNESCO

Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa

2026-05-15

The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO invite applications for the For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme to support young women researchers across the region. This program is open to female PhD students and post-doctoral researchers who are citizens of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries and are conducting research there. Eligible fields include formal and life sciences, environmental and physical sciences, and engineering and technological sciences. The program will award 30 grants of €10 thousand to doctoral students and eight grants of €15 thousand to post-doctoral researchers, alongside leadership and communication training. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026.

Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

Nominations 2027

2026-05-15

The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement grants US$250 thousand to recognize exceptional accomplishments in environmental science, energy, or medicine. The Tyler Prize can be awarded to living individuals or public or private institutions anywhere in the world. Several past prize winners have been distinguished in scientific and technical areas such as the global nitrogen cycle, global biodiversity assessments, wastewater treatment in developing countries, and others relevant to the link between environment and development. The closing date for nominations is 15 May 2026.

United Nations

Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals

2026-05-17

The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. While the program does not award direct cash grants, nine finalists receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, for a multi-day program of coaching, networking, and capacity building, followed by a televised awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026.

iF International Forum Design GmbH

Social Impact Prize

2026-05-20

The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). Social projects can be submitted until 20 May 2026.

Fondation Yves Rocher

Photography Award, Environment and the Planet 2026

2026-05-20

The Yves Rocher Foundation's Photography Award is awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity's relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who can write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 20 May 2026.

Seeding Labs

Scientific Equipment for Research and Education

2026-05-22

Seeding Labs welcomes applications to participate in Instrumental Access. The program makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies more affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries. Seeding Labs receives donated equipment from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. Applicants submit online requests for items included in the Seeding Labs equipment inventory. Items are mainly for biology and chemistry. The average value of the items included in a shipment, based on the secondary (used) market, is generally in the range of US$100 thousand. The recipient organizations are charged a fee (based on their country's income level) for program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight. The next application deadlines are 13 February and 22 May 2026.

Learning for Nature

Assisted Natural Regeneration Practitioner Training Course 2026

2026-05-25

The United Nations Development Programme’s Learning for Nature platform offers a free eight-week online course to train ecosystem restoration practitioners in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) techniques. Developed in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration and the ANR Alliance, the program provides practical skills for planning, implementing, and monitoring cost-effective forest restoration projects. The course is open to individuals and organizations worldwide, including conservation professionals, community leaders, and students. Participants who complete the weekly quizzes and surveys receive a digital certificate of completion. The course runs from 01 June to 24 July 2026, and enrollment is currently open.

Public Interest Registry

.ORG Impact Awards

2026-05-27

Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 27 May 2026.

World Bank

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

2026-05-29

The JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Program provides scholarships to professionals from developing countries who are applying to a master's degree program in a development-related topic. Applicants must first apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Master’s Degree Programs to be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients receive travel allowance; tuition for the graduate program; basic medical insurance; and a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The call has to applications windows, with deadlines on 27 February 2026 (Window #1) and 29 May 2026 (Window #2).

Beit Trust

Support for Community and Conservation Projects

2026-05-31

The Beit Trust supports projects for health, education, welfare, and the environment in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Themes include wildlife conservation. Additionally, the Trust’s interests in community welfare include drinking water and irrigation water. Grants do not normally exceed £50 thousand. Applications should be submitted by 31 May 2026.

Skål International

Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026

2026-05-31

Skål International announces the call for submission to its 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards. The idea is to enhance visibility and get recognition of outstanding performance in terms of sustainable and responsible tourism from all over the world. Companies, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide are welcome to submit an entry in one of nine available categories, including ‘Countryside and Biodiversity’ and ‘Marine and Coastal’. Applications close on 31 May 2026.