Science Forum South Africa (SFSA)

Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma gave an enlightening
talk about the importance of science and the role of women.

8-9 December 2015. Pretoria, South Africa. SIR International Convention Centre. The key objectives of the Forum were:

• To create a platform for a vibrant debate on the role of science, technology and innovation and society in South Africa;
• To strengthen South Africa’s strategic international science, technology and innovation partnerships;
• To create a platform for senior government leaders, academics, scientists, industry, civil society, and students to interact.

Subjects related to agriculture:
The Role of Soil-Biochar-Fertilisers Interactions in Improving Soil Fertility and Mitigating Climate Change, Mr Obed Freddy Madiba, University of Limpopo, South Africa

Strengthening Agriculture Innovation Systems for Agricultural Transformation in Africa

• Prof Frans Swanepoel, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Prof Irene Annor-Frempong, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Ghana
• Dr Vuyo Mahlati, International Women’s Forum, South Africa
• Prof Linus Opara, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
• Prof Mandi Rukuni, International Business Service Consulting, Zimbabwe
• Prof Aldo Stroebel, National Research Foundation, South Africa

Related:

During the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), RUFORUM was awarded with the SFSA Science Diplomacy Award in the category recognizing “an international science partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to advancing African regional cooperation, integration and development .” 

RUFORUM was recognised for it’s work in supporting postgraduate training and networks of specialisation, especially in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The Award was conferred by Minister Naledi Pandor at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. Specifically the Committee noted that RUFORUM had been instrumental to promote regional integration and cooperation in agricultural research in support of regional development strategies.

RUFORUM has enhanced networking of African universities, linking them both to the rural communities and policy makers and supported internal transformation of higher education institutions for impact. RUFORUM has trained over 381 PhDs and 1,373 Masters within Africa with a 94% retention rate of alumni working in their countries of origin.