European Carbon Farming Summit

17-19 March 2026. Padua, 
Italy. European Carbon Farming Summit.

The Summit aimed to accelerate the transition to scalable and credible carbon farming in Europe by bringing together science, policy, finance, and practice. It focused on moving from pilot initiatives to real implementation, aligning stakeholders to deliver measurable climate impact while ensuring value for farmers and land managers. Core goals included: Bridging science, policy, and practice Scaling regenerative agriculture and carbon markets Developing robust standards, MRV systems, and financing models Supporting EU climate policy (e.g. Carbon Removal Certification Framework).

The European Carbon Farming Summit 2026 served as a multi-stakeholder, action-oriented platform that advanced discussions on practices, standards, and MRV systems, with the overarching goal of turning carbon farming from fragmented pilots into credible, scalable, and policy-aligned systems across Europe.

Extract of the programme

19 March: Parallel Session 5. Opportunities for Cooperation on Agroforestry Carbon Farming Between European Research Projects, and Extension to Projects Operating in Africa

This session

• Facilitated knowledge exchange between Europe and Africa on agroforestry carbon farming
• Explored collaboration between EU and Africa-based projects
• Addressed shared MRV challenges, methodologies, and scaling opportunities
• Aimed to strengthen cross-regional coordination and avoid duplication

Speakers

• European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF)
• Thünen Institute
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• ecosostenibile.eu S.r.l. Società Benefit
• AfroGrow (explicit Africa-linked organisation)
• CSIC (Spanish National

Innovation Session: On-the-Ground Impact, Regenerative Practices, Biodiversity, and 
Ecosystem Co-Benefits

Abdul-Rauf Brenya, Executive Managing Director of A. R. Brenya Company Ltd - Today's Agriculture in Africa. 

Brenya Company Ltd is a diversified enterprise operating in Africa, with activities spanning agriculture (including farming and related value chains), import–export trade, recruitment services, and travel/logistics support. The company also positioned itself within discussions on climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and carbon farming, reflecting engagement in sustainability-oriented agricultural practices and knowledge sharing.

Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026)

12–14 March 2026. The Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026), held in March 2026 in New Delhi under the theme “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights,” brought together global stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, women farmers, entrepreneurs, and development organizations—to advance gender equality in agriculture. 

The conference highlighted the central role of women in agri-food systems and focused on promoting inclusive policies, strengthening women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and leveraging technology for transformation. 

Key discussions addressed access to markets, finance, innovation, and capacity building, while dedicated platforms such as the Women Farmers’ Forum and Youth Forum amplified grassroots voices and future leadership. The event is expected to contribute to a global roadmap with actionable recommendations, strengthened partnerships, and scalable solutions to support women as key drivers of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.

Session 1 – Interface with Global Women Trailblazers

This session explored leadership journeys of prominent women who had shaped agricultural science, innovation, and policy. The discussion highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in decision-making across research institutions, international organizations, and the private sector. Participants reflected on how mentorship, education, and institutional support had enabled women to break barriers in agri-food systems and emphasized the need to strengthen global networks that support emerging women leaders.

• Ismahane Elouafi – CGIAR
• Renu Swarup – Government of India
• Purvi Mehta – Global Center on Adaptation

Session 2 – Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights

This session showcased inspiring case studies from women scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and industry leaders who had advanced innovation in agri-food systems. Presenters shared personal and professional experiences demonstrating how women had overcome structural barriers and expanded their impact through technology adoption, leadership in research institutions, and entrepreneurial initiatives. The session emphasized the importance of visible role models and success stories in motivating the next generation of women in agriculture.

• Purnima Menon – International Food Policy Research Institute
• Usha Barwale Zehr – Grow Indigo
• Meenesh Shah – National Dairy Development Board

Session 3 – Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

This session examined strategies for integrating gender equality into agricultural policies, research programs, and institutional frameworks. Experts discussed approaches for ensuring equitable participation of women across value chains, including access to resources, training, leadership opportunities, and decision-making processes. The discussions emphasized the role of gender-responsive policies and inclusive institutional systems in creating fair and sustainable agri-food systems.

• Dina Nijjar – International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
• Nitya Rao – University of East Anglia
• Aly Abousabaa – ICARDA

Session 4 – Emerging and Disruptive Technologies for Gender-Transformative Change

This session highlighted the role of emerging technologies in transforming women’s participation in agriculture. Discussions focused on digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, climate-smart technologies, and women-friendly farm tools designed to reduce drudgery and enhance productivity. Speakers demonstrated how inclusive technological innovation could empower women farmers and entrepreneurs while strengthening sustainable agri-food systems.

• Bram Govaerts – International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
• Nick Austin – Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
• Renuka Diwan – Bioprime Agrisolutions

Session 5 – Building Future Leadership in the Agri-Food Sector

This session addressed the need to cultivate a new generation of women leaders in agriculture. Participants discussed mentorship networks, leadership training programs, and educational initiatives that could enable young women to develop professional skills and leadership capacity. The session emphasized that nurturing future leaders was essential for building resilient and inclusive agri-food systems.

• Rajbir Singh – Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Rajarshi Roy Burman – ICAR
• Mridula Devi – Central Institute for Women in Agriculture

Session 6 – Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion

This session focused on economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and market participation. Presentations highlighted successful models of women-led enterprises, cooperatives, and microfinance initiatives that improved access to markets and income opportunities. Discussions emphasized the role of value chains, digital platforms, and financial services in strengthening women’s economic participation in agriculture.

• Smita Sirohi – National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research
• Pratibha Singh – ACIAR
• Sweta Singh – Corteva Agriscience

Session 7 – Gender Dynamics in Policy and Market Access

This session explored how policy frameworks and institutional reforms could improve women’s access to markets, resources, and decision-making processes. Participants discussed policy innovations that could strengthen food security and ensure that women farmers and entrepreneurs benefit from market opportunities, technology adoption, and inclusive governance structures.

• Ch Srinivas Rao – Indian Agricultural Research Institute
• Bhag Mal – Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences
• JL Karihaloo – TAAS

Scaling Agroecology Through Policy-Driven Investment

12 March 2026. From Mandate to Money: Scaling Agroecology Through Policy-Driven Investment

Despite the challenging global context affecting food systems, agroecology continues to advance as a pathway towards food system transformation. This is evidenced by the emergence of national and regional policies and strategies around the world. In 2025, several countries introduced or strengthened their policy frameworks supporting agroecological transitions.

During the webinar the Agroecology Coalition launched a compendium of current National Agroecology Strategies (NAS) worldwide, along with food systems country profiles for each member country of the Agroecology Coalition, followed by a discussion on funding NAS implementation.

• Opening address: Ronnie Brathwaite, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Presentation of the Compendium of National Agroecology Strategies and Country Briefs: Oliver Oliveros, Agroecology Coalition
• Moderation: Amelie Steu

Roundtable discussion with country representatives and donors

• Thatheva Saphangthong, Lao PDR
• Fernanda Machiaveli, Ministry of Agrarian Development, Brazil
• Valentina Palmeri and Guido Bissanti, Coordinamento Agroecologia Sicilia 
• Stephanie Piers De Ravenschoot, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
• Lauren Baker, Global Alliance for the Future of Food
• Morest Agossadou, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations du Bénin (CDC Bénin)
• Liesa Nieskens, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
• John Garcia Ulloa, Biovision Foundation 
• Moderation: Oliver Oliveros, Agroecology Coalition
• Moderation: Marion Michaud, European Commission

Resources: 

As of March 2026, the following countries have adopted National Agroecology Strategies or Laws: Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Others are also in the process of developing or validating one: Ethiopia, Laos, Malawi, Nepal, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This acceleration marks a significant shift in the global food systems landscape. It signals growing political recognition of agroecology as a strategic pathway toward more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems, and reflects a broader international momentum toward scaling agroecology.

On this page you will find National Agroecology Strategies and Laws in Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uruguay

On this page, you will find 53 country briefs—one for each member government of the Agroecology Coalition.

Each country brief provides information on:

• National agricultural context
• Main food and agriculture policies, strategies, and laws currently in force, including key highlights
• Ongoing agroecology programs and projects
• International development cooperation initiatives related to agroecology
• Recent news and innovations linked to food systems and agroecology
• Agroecology Coalition member organizations in the country
• Additional resources for further reference
• These briefs offer an overview of how each country is advancing food systems transformation through agroecology, reflecting its specific social, economic, environmental, and political context.

Responsible Use of AI in Knowledge Management - KM4AgD CoP Bi-Monthly Webinar

#SavetheDate for the 2nd #KM4AgD Community of Practice Bi-Monthly Webinar Series-2026, for an insightful discussion as we explore 'Responsible Use of AI in Knowledge Management'.

The session will feature Prof. Eric Tsui, Senior Project Fellow at the Educational Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - PolyU, alongside expert speakers and practitioners in knowledge management and agricultural development in Africa.

📅 26 March 2026

⌚10:00 GMT

📍Via ZOOM 🔗 https://bit.ly/3N4mku3

#AI #KnowledgeManagement

Tailor financing strategies for scaling project-based innovations in agri-food systems

SCAR ARCH, 2025. Research and Innovation Priorities for more Sustainable Food Systems in Europe and Globally.

This policy brief is built on a portfolio analysis [1] of 15 EU-funded research and innovation (R&I) projects conducted between 2014 and 2024, aimed at fostering sustainable agri-food systems beyond the EU, through international partnerships, particularly with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

The projects contributed to strengthening local R&I ecosystems, promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement, and delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges such as climate change and food insecurity. However, the analysis identifies persistent gaps, 

including limited LMIC inclusion, short project durations, misalignment with national policies, and inadequate mechanisms for long-term impact evaluation. 

The brief recommends transitioning to multi-phase funding models, enhancing co-design and equitable programming, and investing in digital infrastructure and capacity-development. It advocates for stronger public-private partnerships, improved policy integration, and the creation of innovative funding mechanisms to support LMICs and increase their participation. Ultimately, the brief calls for a more inclusive, long-term, and impact-oriented approach to EU-funded agricultural R&I to drive global food system transformation.

Related: 

Juguet E., Defebvre R., Toillier A. How to tailor financing strategies for scaling project-based innovations in agri-food systems in Africa Action Book, practices and tools 86 p.

Technologies, practices, organisations or services in a given territory or sector, other actors must take over to organise and facilitate all the changes and capacity building 

that will enable the innovation to be deployed.

This is where tailored financing strategies become critical to ensure that multidimensional and multilevel interventions, activities or services can be pursued to support innovation scaling, moving the innovation from one stage to another. The absence of an adequate financing strategy with an explicit scaling strategy traps innovations in a stagnation chasm before they achieve diffusion and scaling.

Related

Willem Heemskerk and Bertus Wennink (Eds.) (2005) STAKEHOLDER-DRIVEN FUNDING MECHANISMS FOR AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION Case studies from Sub-Saharan Africa

Bulletin 37. 128 pp.

This review examined various experiences describing the performance of stakeholder-controlled funding mechanisms, such as competitive grant schemes (CGSs) and public-private sector matching funds. In countries such as Tanzania and Benin innovative approaches for sustainable stakeholder-driven funding mechanisms have been developed over the last decade. 

These experiences were documented in this bulletin, describing best practices and identifying lessons learned. In partnership with KIT (Royal Tropical Institute), specific case studies from Tanzania and Benin were developed by the stakeholders involved and were discussed at local workshops. The overview and the specific cases were further analyzed via a SWOT analysis, and a synthesis was produced of the main findings. 

Consumers want nutritious, low-impact food: How can innovation deliver at scale?

12 March 2026. From a growing focus on health and nutrition, to rising demand for lower-impact food, evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how value is created across the food sector.

The data reflects this shift, with 75% of Gen Z stating that environmental impact influences their food choices (Deloitte, 2025), and 84% of US consumers rating wellness as a “top” priority (McKinsey, 2025). But consumer expectations around health, nutrition and sustainability are no longer siloed – they have converged into a single commercial imperative for competitive advantage.

This webinar explored how companies are responding to changing consumer demand and utilising innovation to deliver products that meet both sustainability and nutrition expectations. We’ll look at how organisations are adapting and reformulating products, developing innovation levers, and balancing food functionality and sustainability – all whilst creating business value.

• Dorothy Shaver - Global Food Sustainability Director Unilever
• Caroline Reid - Senior Sustainability Director Oatly
• Alex Skidmore - Head of Market Intelligence Europe Griffith Foods

The panelists explored:

• Staying ahead of the curve: How can business capitalize on consumer demand rather than reacting to it?
• Adapting to new priorities: How are changing nutrition priorities and consumer awareness reshaping consumption models?
  
• Challenges vs solutions: What are the innovation levers driving commercial impact, and how are companies deciding what to prioritise across innovation, R&D, and sustainability?
• What’s next for value creation: The opportunities and limitations posed by a rapidly changing consumer landscape

Summary:

1. Consumer expectations are rapidly shifting toward “nutrition + sustainability”. Speakers emphasized that consumers increasingly want food that is both healthy and environmentally responsible, rather than choosing between the two. Surveys show strong demand: many consumers prioritize wellness while younger generations also consider environmental impact in food choices.
2. Health, sustainability, and taste must be integrated—not treated as separate goals. Companies historically optimized products for taste and price, adding sustainability later. The panel argued that future food innovation must simultaneously optimize nutrition, taste, affordability, and environmental impact.
3. Taste remains the primary barrier to scaling sustainable food. Despite rising awareness of sustainability, consumers rarely compromise on flavor. Panelists stressed that innovations such as plant-based foods must achieve “taste parity” with traditional foods to reach mainstream markets.
4. Reformulation is a key lever for improving nutrition at scale. Food manufacturers are increasingly reformulating existing products to reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat while maintaining taste. Reformulation is seen as one of the fastest ways to improve population nutrition without requiring major changes in consumer behavior.
5. Ingredient innovation is reshaping the food industry. The discussion highlighted innovations such as: plant-based proteins, fermentation-derived ingredients, functional ingredients that improve nutrition or texture. These technologies help companies develop foods with lower environmental footprints and better nutritional profiles.
6. Supply chain transformation is essential for low-impact food. Sustainability improvements cannot come only from product formulation. Companies must work across the entire value chain, including sourcing raw materials sustainably, supporting farmers, and reducing emissions and waste in manufacturing.
7. Scaling sustainable innovation requires partnerships. Panelists stressed collaboration across the food ecosystem: ingredient suppliers, startups, retailers, farmers, research institutions. Innovation cannot scale if companies operate in isolation.
8. Consumer communication and transparency are critical. Companies must explain the nutritional and environmental benefits of new foods clearly and credibly. Without effective communication, consumers may distrust new products or misunderstand sustainability claims.
9. Food environments influence consumer choices as much as preferences. Even if consumers say they want sustainable food, availability, price, and convenience strongly shape purchasing decisions. For sustainable diets to scale, better products must also be accessible and affordable.
10. Innovation in food is becoming a competitive advantage. The webinar concluded that companies that anticipate consumer demand for nutritious, low-impact food will gain market leadership. Firms that delay innovation risk losing relevance as the food system transitions toward healthier and more sustainable products.

Agro-industry at the Italy–Africa Business Week (IABW)

The 9th edition of the Italy–Africa Business Week (IABW) was an international forum held in Rome from 4–6 March 2026 that brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and civil-society representatives from Italy and various African countries. Organized with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and other partners, the forum served as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between the two regions. Its aim was to strengthen economic and institutional partnerships by encouraging investment, business collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge between Italian and African stakeholders.

The 2026 edition focused on the theme “Africa–Italy: Partnership for Sustainable Development.” Discussions addressed strategic sectors such as renewable energy, agro-industry, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and green finance, while also highlighting entrepreneurship, skills development, and youth employment. The forum featured conferences, roundtables, workshops, and B2B networking sessions designed to connect companies and institutions, promote public-private partnerships, and support long-term cooperation for sustainable economic growth in both Italy and Africa.

06/03 Session: Italy–Africa. Energy, Innovation, and Agriculture at the Center of the Sustainable Transition

• Ester Stefanelli, Manager public affairs
  
  Africa subsahariana, Eni
• Oroh Roland Oletu, Director, Agribusiness EU-Nigeria Platform
• Mario Di Giulio, Lecturer in Law of Developing Countries, Università Campus Bio-Medico
  
  
  
• Rima Jreich, Senior Policy and Regulatory officer, Res4Africa See some resources 
• Valentina Gentile, Head of the Innovation for Public Administration Service, ENEA
• Madi Sakandé, General Manager, New Cold System
• Cristina Altomare, Climate Finance Lead, UNDP Rome Centre

06/03 The Role of the youth in the cooperation between Africa and Italy 

• Ange Rosine Ishimwe, President, Africa
  Connect Initiative.
  ACI, is a Rome-based platform. The initiative aims to bring together young students and scholars to foster intercultural communities of solidarity, share ideas, and build networks.
• Angelique Umutoni, Program Coordinator, Africa Connect Initiative

She referred to the AU-EU Youth Action Lab. This is a transformative initiative under the broader AU-EU Youth Lab programme, designed to address the lack of opportunities for youth in Africa and Europe to collaborate, innovate, and drive solutions to shared challenges. Implemented by a dynamic consortium including Oxfam, Restless Development, and the European Youth Forum, the Youth Action Lab empowers young changemakers across continents.

• Carlos Lougourou, Outreach Coordinator, Africa Connect Initiative
• Giuseppe Bennici, International business developer
• Roxani Roushas, Youth4Climate Coordinator, UNDP
• Moderator: Francis Kaduki, Project Assistant, Italia Africa Business Week

Botswana Agriculture Business and Investment Forum

26–27 February 2026. Gaborone. Botswana Agriculture Business and Investment Forum 

The Botswana Agriculture Business and Investment Forum brought together policymakers, investors, development partners, farmers, and agribusiness leaders to discuss investment opportunities and partnerships for transforming Botswana’s agri-food sector. The event focused on mobilizing finance, strengthening value chains, and positioning agriculture as a driver of economic diversification.

Theme: “Catalyzing Investments in Agri-Food Systems for Inclusive Growth and Food Sovereignty.”

For more information, contact: +267 77730480 and Kebabonye.Morewagae@fao.org or +26774459630 and boikobotubego@gmail.com

Download here the BETP Opportunities Compendium 67 p

Over 400 participants attended, including government officials, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors.

The forum aimed to translate national agricultural policy into investable opportunities.

26/02 Strategic Vision for Agriculture

Key speakers

• Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana
• Edwin Dikoloti, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture
• Carla Mucavi, FAO Representative in Botswana
• Keletsositse Olebile, CEO, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)
  
  Mr. Olebile stated that the inaugural agribusiness and investment forum comes as BITC launches its 2025–2030 Strategy, aligned with national priorities and the Botswana
  Economic Transformation Programme (BETP). The Strategy positions agribusiness investment as central to economic diversification, food security, exports, and rural development. To strengthen Botswana’s competitiveness, BITC is leading a review of investment incentives, including those for agriculture, benchmarked to global best practices. The CEO cited ongoing major projects:
  
• Smallholder Producer Cooperatives (SPC) expansion into Robelela and Tshokwe (investment over BWP 500 million, 1000+ jobs)
• Dr. Henn Africa project in Mogobane (US$60 million investment, 3000+ jobs), covering poultry breeding, broilers, eggs, and processing
• progress in industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis, where BITC has accredited two major projects worth US$125 million with over 2000 jobs expected, and is facilitating three more that will include primary production and value addition.

Main messages

• Agriculture must become a key pillar of economic diversification beyond Botswana’s traditional reliance on diamonds.
• Government aims to increase agriculture’s contribution to GDP from ~2% to about 6%.
• Stronger investment, value addition, and export-oriented production are needed.

Priority investment areas highlighted

• 
  Meat processing and livestock value chains
  
• Crop production and seed systems
• Food processing and feed manufacturing
• Fruit tree plantations and horticulture
• Controlled-environment agriculture
• Aquaculture and freshwater fisheries
• Safflower was not explicitly listed among the core commodities. However, it does appear as an emerging strategic crop in Botswana’s agriculture sector, which could make it a potential investment opportunity.
  
  

26/02 Agricultural Investment Opportunities in Botswana

Focus

• Presentation of Botswana’s agricultural investment pipeline
• Role of BITC in facilitating investment partnerships
• Opportunities across priority value chains

Key speaker

• Keletsositse Olebile, CEO, BITC

Key issues discussed

• Limited compliance with international standards restricting export access
• Need for technical capacity, certification systems, and market readiness for producers.

26/02 Financing and Risk Mitigation for Agribusiness

Speakers / organizations

• First National Bank Botswana
• Letsego Holdings (microfinance)
• Hollard Insurance
  
• Development finance institutions and national banks

Key topics

• Agricultural finance models
• Risk management instruments (insurance, guarantees)
• Access to credit for farmers and SMEs
• Blended finance for agri-food systems.
  
  

27/02 Building Competitive Value Chains

Focus

• Strengthening value chains for domestic and export markets
  
• Agro-processing and value addition
• Integration of smallholders into commercial supply chains

Speakers

• Ms. Naledi Madala BETP Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Finance: Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) agricultural projects (see video day 2 @ 2:00:00)
  The Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) includes a pipeline of 26 agriculture-related projects designed to transform Botswana’s agricultural sector from subsistence production to modern, export-oriented agro-industrial systems. The programme is part of a broader national strategy to diversify Botswana’s economy away from heavy dependence on diamonds and to increase agriculture’s contribution to GDP.
• Agribusiness leaders
• Development partners including FAO

Key outcomes

• Greater emphasis on value-added products such as processed meat and nutraceuticals for export markets.
  
  

27/02 Innovation, Climate Resilience, and Skills

Themes

• Climate-smart agriculture
• Digital agriculture tools
• Youth and women participation in agribusiness
• Innovation ecosystems for agri-food systems

Participants

• Technology providers
• Agricultural entrepreneurs
• development organizations and innovation hubs.

27/02 Investment Pitch & Partnership Platform

A dedicated segment allowed agribusinesses and investors to present projects and partnerships, focusing on:

• Bankable agribusiness projects
• Public-private partnerships
• Investment matchmaking.
  
  

27/02 Closing Session

Speaker

• Phenyo Mokete Segokgo, who delivered the vote of thanks in the closing session.

Key conclusions

• Botswana needs greater private sector investment in agriculture.
• Strengthened partnerships between government, financiers, and producers are essential.
• Agri-food systems transformation is central to food sovereignty and economic diversification.
• Botswana needs to facilitate prospective investors "to put money on the table and do things" (see second video of the first day). Find out what the frustrations are of the investors.

Day 1.

Day 2.