Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Virtual Info Session: Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit - Delivering the Action Plan to 2034

25 April 2024. Virtual Info Session: Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit - Delivering the Action Plan to 2034

This virtual info session wass for key stakeholders who are interested in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit such as government officials, policy makers, private sector players, civil society organizations, farmer organizations and development agencies.

Resources:


Market-ready science-based innovations for sustainable food systems

Adeniyi, D.; Rampa, F.; Menza, G. (2024) Creating an enabling environment for developing and deploying market-ready science-based innovations for sustainable food systems. Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Rome (Italy). 29 p. ISBN: 978-92-9255-325-8

The paper outlines seven conditions to propel market-ready R&I to transform food systems. These include: 
  1. embedding innovation in local contexts and bundling innovations; 
  2. providing support for incubators and creative agrifood-tech start-ups; 
  3. deploying more comprehensive, robust, and institutionalised technological transfer mechanisms; 
  4. offering more and ‘patient’ capital for the ‘last-mile’, including for coordinating across relevant actors and institutions; 
  5. facilitating improved multi-actor dialogues and collaborations; 
  6. ensuring greater state roles in innovation and enabling national regulations and policies; and 
  7. fostering enhanced international cooperation on food systems R&I.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Webinars May 2024

29 April 2024. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CET / Kigali Time / GMT +2  Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs– What's in it for you and your Farmers’ Organization?

  • As part of the UNFCCC online series organized by PAFO, in collaboration with FFD, and AHA
  • 30/04 @16h30-17h30 CET. VLIR-UOS Panel discussion on Global Partnerships for EU higher education and European alliances. Panelists include the directors of DGD and of directorate G of DG INTPA, the rector of UNIKIN, and policy makers from universities in Cuba, DRC, Ecuador and South Africa. 
  • launch event for a facilitators' guidebook on youth and agroecology which has been developed by partner organisations of DKA Austria in South Asia through the RAISE Consortium. 
  • The RAISE Consortium is a network of networks supported by the Swiss Development Cooperation.
  • This guidebook sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of children and youth as essential stakeholders in transformative change processes. It emphasizes active citizenship and youth empowerment and engages adolescents and youth for agroecology based on various modules.
  • The guidebook is intended for facilitators in rural areas. It includes a collection of methods anchored in the 13 Principles of Agroecology and a food systems perspective and is based on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). It has been developed with the participation of local youth and facilitators.
  • The launching event will present the guidebook and present perspectives of youths who had been part of its development. 
  • It will also look at other experiences of networks from the Philippines (SEARICE) and Africa (Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa) and their work on youth and agroecology.

2 May 2024.  (10:30am New York, 2:30pm Accra, 3:30pm CET, 5:30pm Nairobi) Participatory Methods to Document Traditional and Indigenous Peoples Food Systems and Traditional Knowledge to Promote Healthy and Sustainable Diets.
  • This is the first of a 3-part webinar series on “Food and Knowledge Systems of Indigenous Peoples to Advance Healthy and Sustainable Diets,” co-hosted by The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, and Ag2Nut.
  • Register at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jG_mwAp3S-y3K16KyLVr4Q

  • The webinar will cover a range of topics including the drawbacks of traditional industrial agriculture and the advantages of adopting agroecology, the role of local governments in advancing agroecological policies, and the processes involved in the production, certification, and testing of biofertilizers within Kenya and Zambia. 
  • Additionally, it will delve into Kenya's holistic farming system strategies and the transition towards agroecology. 
  • The discussions will also highlight the relationship between soil health and climate change, the progress in bio-fertiliser technology in Africa, and biofertilizer-related research in Southern Africa.
  • Featured Speakers: 1) Dr Million Belay (AFSA) via recording - Transitioning to agroecology, 2) Mamadou Goita (IRPAD) - The failure of industrial agriculture (specifically synthetic fertilizers) and the need for viable alternatives. 3) Ester Bett (RODI Kenya) Kenya is proudly pioneering biofertilizer production, certification, and use. 4) Daniel Gitahi (Muranga County Agriculture Director) - Why Muranga County is embracing agroecology. 5) Blessing Magonziwa (University of Harare) - Biofertilizer research in Southern Africa. 6) Henry Chinutu- National Coordinator, SCOPE Zambia - Agroecology in practice in Zambia.
6 May 2024. at 10:00 GMT or 13:00 EAT. Digital Tools to Drive Market Access & Manage Ag Value Chains 
  • ESOKO Ltd, Accra, Ghana
  • This webinar aims at sharing experiences and lessons learnt from the DigiMakt project being implemented by Esoko in the Bono East and Oti Regions of Ghana. 
  • The project seeks to digitize the entire agricultural value chain. 
  • It will also discuss the opportunities and challenges encountered in the implementation while it explores the prospects for stakeholders in the Agricultural value chain.


DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM
DOWNLOAD THE SIDE EVENT PROGRAM #10 p.
  • The Objective of the Summit is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to highlight the crucial role of fertilizer and soil health in stimulating sustainable pro-poor productivity growth in African agriculture and to agree on an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, as well as the Soils Initiative for Africa.
  • Related: 25 –  28 September 2024 Global Symposium on Soil Information and Data Nanjing, China | 

"Pre-events"


Extracts Side events AFSH24


7  May. Side event 4. 14:00 – 15:30. Reflections on Donors and Development Webinar
  • Partner Coordination Mechanism for SIA and AFSH-Action Plan 
  • AFSA Side event 
  • The event will highlight the benefits of agroecological practices and biofertilizer innovations happening across Africa will feature presentations from Kenyan agroecology centres and a government official
  • Speakers: Anne Maina - Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya, Bridget Mugambe - Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, Esther Bett - RODI Kenya, David Karanja - Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya, Ferdinand Wafula - Bio Gardening Innovations, Daniel Gitahi - Director of Agriculture Strategy, Murang’a County Government
7  May. Side Event 7:  14:00 - 15:30 What Business and Industry can do to help Implement the 10-YearAction Plan Webinar - by AFAP-IFA Side Event (see program in the link)

  • Lead Organizer: CCARDESA Co-organizer: ASARECA, CORAF, AFAAS, FARA and IFAD (CAADP XP4 Institutions)
7 May. Side Event 16:  14:00–15:30 Integrated soil health management for productive, inclusive, sustainable farming and food systems in Africa: Exploring the role of agroecology and regenerative agriculture 
  • by DeSIRA-Lift and IFAD
  • Speakers and panelists include: Fergus Sinclair (CIFOR-ICRAF), James Wangu (WRI), Annick Sezibera (CAPAD), Talash Huijbers (Insecti Pro) and Kishero Oliver (coffee farmer)
7  May. Side event 31: Importance and benefits of integrated landscape soil and water management to optimize fertilizer use and soil health across agricultural land uses. By: AFSA


8 May. Side event 37: 14:00 – 15:30 Monitoring soil health and soil health investments at different scales. By: EC (DG INTPA)

8 May. Side event 39: 14:00 – 15:30 Using mineral fertilizers in agroecological approaches in Africa Organization: CIRAD + Agrinatura partners. This side event is proposed as part of the SASi-SPi Science-Policy Interface project with the European Union.

  • Lawns tent 4 at KICC-Nairobi Kenya _ #AFSH24 Side Event
  • Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) through The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) and the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I), in partnership with the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) 
  • Keynote Presenter: Dr. Barnard Vanlauwe: (IITA) Rapporteur: Dr Liesl Wiese-Rozanov: (FARA) Panelists: Dr. Anne Muriuki: (KALRO/AfSP) Dr. Leigh Ann Winowiecki: (ICRAF/CA4SH) Dr. Shamie Zingore: (APNI) Dr. Tilahun Amede: (AGRA)
8 May. 11:30. Parallel Session H: Emerging opportunities with organic and biofertilizers for soil health in Africa 
  • Facilitator: Dr. Nelida Ale: (IFAD) Keynote Presenter: Prof. Bernhard Freyer: (Institute of Organic Farming, BOKU University of Natural Resources) Panelists: Ms. Carla Montesi: (EU DG/INTPA) Dr. Abdou Tenkouano: (ICIPE) IFAD Representative, ESA Dr. D. Amundavi: (Biovision Africa Trust) Representative SME operator in organic/ biofertilizers – Real IPM Company Kenya Mr. Ibrahima Coulibaly: (PAFO)
7 -10 May 2024. Abuja, Nigeria. Open Source in Energy Access Symposium

8 May 2024. Nudging the local financial market place
  • Financial service providers like commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, cooperatives and microfinance institutions are front-line couriers of loans in local currencies to agricultural SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa. 
  • Given their wide coverage in local markets, financial incentives such as guarantees or first loss facilities that are meant to entice them to extend more loans to these enterprises are growing in popularity. 
  • But what level and types of incentives work best for banks in Africa? Which other incentives have worked elsewhere that may be applied in the region? Will financial incentives change their behaviour in the long term? 
  • The third and final session of ‘Backing the Middle’ will unpack these questions.
8 May 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm in Arusha, Tanzania. Implementation of upcycling and waste management programs Training
  • The Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), in partnership with the East African Business Council (EABC) with support from the GIZ Program Agency for Business and Economic Development
9-10 May 2024. East Africa Carbon Markets Forum, a premier event bringing together key stakeholders in the region's carbon markets.
  • The East Africa Carbon Markets Forum - a premier event bringing together key stakeholders in the region's carbon markets.
  • This forum serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and actionable discussions aimed at advancing sustainable development goals through carbon market initiatives.

14 May 2024. @14h - 15:30h WEBINAR: AI in Charge: Shaping Policy Making and Agrifood Systems Governance—A Vision, Exodus, or an Opportunity?
  • Foresight study titled "Harvesting Change: Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Innovations for Agrifood System Transformation." 
  • This study investigates a compelling future scenario named "AI in Charge," which imagines AI's potential to drive policymaking and governance, fostering sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in food production.
  • This webinar is part of the FAO series, "Policy Frontiers: Igniting Agrifood Innovation Agendas," a key initiative within the FAO Office of Innovation's framework, "Innovating Forward." 
  • The discussion about the future of family farming will bring together academics, policymakers and family farmers to reflect together on the ways family farmers can be the foundation of sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems that can simultaneously provide economic and social opportunities, protect the ecosystems and natural resources upon which agriculture depends and respect the cultural and social diversity of territories.
15-17 May 2024. From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience
  • A 3-day Joint Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) Workshop Summit for bending the curve and bouncing back

16 May 2024. Designing and Implementing AgTech Innovation challenges and Competitions (AICC)


17 May 2024.Evidence-Based Approaches to Building Small-Scale Farmers’ Climate Resiliency

20 May 2024. 03:00 PM. Fintech Startups Shaping the Future Inclusive Agrifood Systems
  • This webinar aims at discussing and illustrating how Fintech startups are playing a key role in shaping the future of the agrifood system through the provision of accessible and efficient financial services for smallholder farmers and ensuring that Fintech development is inclusive and accountable. 
  • The panels from development partners, startup founders, and the private sector will expect to share their experience and way forward to strengthen the ecosystem as well as solutions for the challenge
22 May 2024, at 9:00 AM EST (Washington DC Time). "Recipe for a Livable Planet - Achieving Net
Zero Emission in the Agri-Food System

23 May 2024. Brussels and online Innovation: a key enabler for sustainable food system transformation in Africa - Belgium presidency

23 May 2024 | 14:00 GMT (UK time); Enabling Living Income through Responsible Purchasing Practices | Hosted by LICoP

27-31 May 2024 WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event Geneva
27 - 31 May, 2024 | Valencia, Spain. Salt-affected soils: threats and potentials 

28 – 30 May 2024. ICTforAg 2024

28 May 2024. 2:00 pm CET. Report launch-LAND Squeeze
  • After a long period of eerie silence on the topic of land grabbing, the study analyses important current issues surrounding the control of and access to land. 
  • Huge areas of agricultural land are now being bought up for carbon offsetting projects and other forms of "green grabbing". Land inequality is increasing in all regions of the world and farmers and local communities who are important for food security and who manage the land are being displaced.
  • On 28 May, IPES-Food and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation will discuss the results of the study in a joint online event
  • The report is available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and can be found in the various languages here.
  • This talk will explore how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues create opportunities for international cooperation between the public and private sectors to fund the multi-trillion-dollar investments needed to achieve ESG goals.
  • 14:00 CEST, at the Oval Room (IFAD Headquarters, Rome) & via Zoom.

29 May 2024. EU Green Week 2024: Towards a water resilient Europe

29 May 2024.  (10.00-15:00 CEST)
Virtual Workshop Series of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda

30 May 2024. How to Finance an Agroecology Transition: Innovations in Accessible and Affordable Credit Systems
  • Without working capital, it is difficult to run a business at any scale.
  • This webinar will tackle the dysfunctions of food systems and innovating to make credit available to food producers and agroecology businesses: what and who credit is for and how to design it to be accessible.
  • This second webinar of the Agroecology Fund’s series on "Agroecology Economies". 
  • Speakers:
    • Northern Cooperative Development Bank (NCDB), Sri Lanka: Cooperative credit schemes
    • Concertation Nationale des Organisations Paysannes au Cameroun (CNOP-CAM), Cameroon: Revolving funds mechanisms
    • FINAPOP, Brazil: A platform for connecting investors and farmers cooperatives
    • Associação de Cooperação Agrícola e Reforma Agrária do Paraná (ACAP/PR), Brazil: Leveraging public funds for agroecology
    • Dr. Rajeswari Raina, Shiv Nadar University, India: Financing the agroecological transition in India

30 May 2024 | 11:30 – 13:00 (GMT+2). Global solutions for integrating gender equality in farmer field schools (FFS): results from FAO/CARE's joint study


  • Experts from programs in Rwanda, Serbia, and Southern Africa will share how they have supported enterprises with co-investment grants using a market systems development approach. The webinar will examine initial phases of co-investment grant partnerships, with lessons learned from three USAID-funded market systems programs, implemented by ACDI/VOCA, DAI, and Land O’Lakes Venture37.
  • Panelists will share experiences, tips, and best practices for successful design and management of grants, such as understanding the opportunity, developing a systems strategy vision, spurring initial private sector engagement, selecting a solicitation mechanism, and partnering on co-creation, or co-design.
30 May 2024. 3:00-4:30 PM CET. Digital Finance Services and South-South Collaboration
  • A South-South collaboration between India and Kenya, involving agtech companies, can leverage India's experience in DFS and agricultural technology to enhance Kenyan providers' capabilities. 
  • In collaboration with BMGF, this "What's Cooking?" webinar will focus on DFS, highlighting their role in economic growth by enabling efficient, secure transactions and fostering innovation. 
  • The webinar features three mature Indian agri-tech companies: Whrrl, a blockchain-driven lending platform; Dvara E-Registry, offering tailored financial solutions; and Satsure, leveraging space technology to inform farmers. Each will present unique problem statements, solutions, and plans for adaptability in Kenya and scaling in Africa. Discover how these enterprises are transforming the DFS landscape and creating new regional partnerships and growth opportunities. 
31 May 2024. 13:00- 14:30. InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: "Water operators’ partnerships" 

3–13 June 2024, Bonn, Germany UNFCCC | Bonn Climate Change Conference SB60

3 -5 June 2024. Global Soil Partnership PLENARY ASSEMBLY FAO headquarters and virtually

  • The session will hear about SCOPE Kenya’s work, with a focus on water harvesting and management for enhanced land regeneration, and food production and biodiversity conservation among school communities.
  • schools which have excelled well in putting up rain surface runoff management systems, resulting in reduced soil erosion, and increased regreening of their landscapes,
  • Meeting ID: 875 4508 1076
4 June 2024, 08:30-14:00 CET. EU-AFRICA Developing excellent research and talent together

4 June 2024 at 2-3pm CEST. Biological solutions for sustainable agriculture: How agri-food stakeholders can efficiently scale, accelerate and unlock innovation
  • See also part one and part two of the ‘Focus on Farmers’ webinar series hosted in partnership with Bayer Crop Science
  • The conversation will centre around data-driven technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and how they are revolutionizing farming and food production practices. 
  • Panelists will highlight real-world applications such as precision farming, predictive analytics for crop and livestock management, and AI-driven food supply chain optimization. 
  • The panelists will also discuss emerging technologies such as generative AI, digital twins, and other innovative solutions and their applications in the agriculture and food sector.
5 June 2024. Exploring Agroecology: Current Insights and Emerging Research Frontiers
  • The Webinar is part of the RUFORUM 2024 Triennial Pre-Conference Webinar series.
  • ARISE is an innovative Research and Innovation (R&I) support programme implemented by the AAS with support from the African Union Commission (AUC) and the European Commission (EC).
6 June 2024. 10:00AM - 11:15AM CEST FOODPathS Webinar: "How to bring health and sustainability together in food system research?"


6 June 2024, Bonn, Germany, and online. GLF & CIFOR-ICRAF | GLF Peatlands: Building Bridges, Sharing Success

  • The International "4 per 1000" Initaitive
10 June 2024. Nairobi, Kenya Africa Future Food Summit

12/13 June 2024. - GIA Grassroots Innovations Assembly for Agroecology
  • Wednesday, June 12th 9 am PT / 6 pm CEST Registration Link for June 12th
  • Thursday, June 13th 11 am CEST / 12 pm (noon) Nairobi time / 3:30 pm New Delhi time / 4 pm Jakarta time Registration Link for June 13th
  • The REPORT You will find the link to the report here. Drawing from a foundation of food sovereignty, agroecology and the Rights of people to define their food systems, GIA has been created (2023) to defend technological autonomy as a powerful tool to strengthen small-scale food producers globally and improve resilience, autonomy and sovereignty
12 - 14 June 2024. Nairobi, Kenya AFMASS Food Expo Eastern Africa co-located with Dairy Manufacturing Africa Expo

12 - 15 June 2024 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings

12 - 15 June 2024. Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024), taking place in Nassau, The Bahamas


17 to 20 June 2024. ANH2024 (Online) Learning Labs
18 to 20 June 2024, in Brussels. Focus-Africa, Down2Earth and CONFER Horizon-Europe projects final conference 
  • This (invitation only) gathering will bring together leading experts and stakeholders to share insights and discuss the future of climate services in Africa.
  • fourth FOCUS-Africa Stakeholder Workshop took take in Mozambique in May 2023: Watch the video + Read the report
  • December 2023: MultiHazards Advisory Centre at the African Center of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) Africa - Watch the recording
23 June 2024. IUFRO World Congress 2024 - Forests and Society Towards 2050, Stockholm, Sweden

24 June 2024. SUN Movement Global Gathering 2024
  • The SUN Movement Global Gathering is the Movement’s flagship event and one of the largest international gatherings within the nutrition community.
24-26 June, 2024. COMPIE 2024 conference
  • Developments in the theory and the applications of counterfactual methods for policy impact evaluation. Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
  • The aim of COMPIE is to bring together practitioners and academics to discuss developments in the theory and the applications of counterfactual methods for policy impact evaluation. Applications can cover a broad range of interventions, from labor and social policy to regulation and funding programmes, ideally with a focus on EU policies or developing countries.
  • Paper submissions: January 1, 2024 to 28 February, 2024
23–29 June 2024, Stockholm, Sweden. IUFRO | 26th World Congress

25 - 28 June 2024. Africa Energy Forum (aef)Africa Energy Forum (aef)

27 June 2024. Webinar 13 Human Resources Development and capacity building for SAMA. 
  • Lead by RUFORUM and contributions by SUA, PASAE, KeSABAE, and ACT ICAAP-Africa.
  • The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: • F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org
28-29 Juin 2024 à Bambey, Sénégal et en ligne. Colloque international Sciences et Agriculture (CISA-1) de l’Institut supérieur de Formation agricole et rurale (ISFAR) - Université Alioune DIOP, les 

1–5 July, 2024. CGIAR Science Week, Nairobi.
  • Drawing on CGIAR science and partnerships from around the world, the inaugural CGIAR Science Week will bring together the community working for a food, nutrition and climate secure future to: co-create a roadmap for food, land and water systems transformation, forge partnerships for action, build the case for investment, inspire change.
2 - 3 July 2024. Exploring Intersections: Decolonization, Diasporas and the African Food System
  • This hybrid conference is an initiative of the Food Bridge vzw in partnership with Diaspofood ULB, Africa Museum Tervuren, Interdisciplinary Historical Food Studies Research Group (FOST) VUB, The New Global Order (TNGO), Alefa Diaspora and others.
  • The conference seeks to unravel the historical, cultural, and socio-economic dynamics that shaped the current state of African food systems and its impact on the continent’s development. Furthermore, it will be considering the effects of colonization, the experiences of diasporic communities, and the potential for decolonization to reshape the African food systems.
  • Abstracts should be in .doc or pdf format and sent to diasporaprojet@gmail.com Maureen.Duru@vub.be Sarah.Oneill@ulb.be
3 July 2024 4th Life Cycle Innovation Conference | LCIC 2024

3 - 4 July 2024. Kenya, Kwale County. BlueInvest Africa 2024
  • BlueInvest Africa is an important business event, initiated by the European Commission in 2022.
  • The objective of BlueInvest Africa is to facilitate meetings between African entrepreneurs seeking financing and international investors scouting for opportunities, all centred around projects capable of propelling Africa's blue economy forward
8 - 17 July 2024. High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024

22 - 26 July 2024. Accra, Ghana. 2024 Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition (E2A)

24 July 2024. Webinar 14 Joint actions in operationalization of the F-SAMA. 
  • Panel discussion at the 9WCCA introduced by FAO/ACT. Panelists: AUC, AfDB, FAO, DAMES committee, and CIMMYT
  • The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: • F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org
25 July 2024. Webinar 15  Scaling CA with SAM in the Context of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).
  •  Introductory remarks of the panel discussion at the 9WCCA by Paswel Marenya (CIMMYT) or UN Women. Panelists: Dr Snapp (CIMMYT), ICARDA/INRA, and UM6P/Al Moutmir.
  • The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: • F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org
29 - 31 July 2024. Kigali, Rwanda. 2nd Science & Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC 2024)

2–7 August 2024. Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists
  • 02/08 Assessing the impacts of international agricultural research: New methods, rigorous evidence, better decisions [SPIA Fest 2024] - CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA)
  • 02/08 Regional integration, sustainability and food security in South Asia
  • 02/08 The bioeconomy and sustainable development
  • 02/08 Transforming food systems in South Asia - IFPRI
  • 02/08 Transdisciplinary approaches in agri-food systems transformation research- IFPRI, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICARDA
  • 02/08 Facilitating the rapid, Inclusive and sustainable rural transformation in Asian developing countries
  • 04/08 Plenary 3: Healthy and Sustainable Diets and Nutrition
  • 04/08 Plenary 4: Agri-Food Value Chains and Sustainability
  • 05/08 Plenary 5: Gender in Agri-Food Systems
  • 06/08 Plenary 6: Agri-Food Systems, Climate, and the Environment
  • 06/08 Plenary 7: Novel Approaches in Agri-Food Systems Research
  • Selection of Invited Panel sessions that will be held at the conference. For session details and timing, please consult the conference program app (available from July 2024).Science Policy Interface for Sustainable Food Systems (organizer: Hans-Jörg Lutzeyer, Peter Wehrheim) (speakers: Justus Wesseler, Shenggen Fan, Jill McCluskey, Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann, Joachim von Braun)
  • Toward Sustainable Food Systems Transformation in Africa (organizer: Ousmane Badiane, Tsitsi Makombe) (speakers: Sheryl Hendriks, Anna Lartey, John Ulimwengu, Getaw Tadesse, Julius Ecuru, Katrin Glatzel, Racine Ly)
  • Nourishing Growth: How Public Spending Decisions are Shaping Agricultural Transformation and Food Security in India and Africa (organizer: Ashok Gulati, Joachim von Braun) (speakers: Shyma Jose, Bezawit Beyene Chichaibelu, Lukas Kornher, Ousmane Badiane, Usha Barwale Zehr, Sachin Chaturvedi, Shahidur Rashid, Sheryl Hendriks
  • Strengthening the Capacities of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes in Africa (organizer: Thomas Jayne) (speakers: Nalishebo Meebelo, Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, Chris Barrett, Tinashe Kapuya, Milu Muyanga)
  • Urban Food Systems and Dietary Transition in Africa (organizer: Felix Asante (speakers: Jonathan Mockshell, Sylvester Ogutu, Hannah Ameye, Matin Qaim, Makaiko Khonje
  • Alternative Proteins: Challenges and Opportunities in Low- and Middle-Income Settings (organizer: Claudia Ringler) (speakers: B Dayakar Rao, Arghadeep Saha, Frans Swanepoel, Melissa van der Merwe, Holly Wang)
August 2024. AFMASS Nigeria Food Expo co-located with Africa Dairy Manufacturing Expo and Africa Food Safety Summit – Western Africa

4–9 August 2024, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. IPC 2024 | 17th International Peatland Congress

12 - 13 August 2024. Crawford Fund Conference - Nurturing global change from Australia: Fostering agricultural innovation for worldwide food security, Australia

13 August 2024. Nairobi, Kenya Africa Fresh Produce Expo co-located with Africa FarmTech Expo

2 - 6 September 2024. Kigali Rwanda. Africa Food Systems Forum 2024

8 to 12 of September 2024. Rimini, Italy. 22nd IUFoST World Congress 2024 of Food Science and Technology.

11-13 September TROPENTAG
16 -19 September 2024. 13th African Crop Science Society (ACSS) conference.
  • hosted by the Eduardo Mondlane University (EMU) in Maputo, Mozambique, 
  • under the theme, ‘Crop research and innovation for agricultural transformation, resilience and inclusion’, the Maputo meeting will also provide a platform for sharing and discussing research results that bring solutions towards enhancing agricultural development in Africa.
17 September 2024, Nairobi, Kenya, and online. GLF | GLF Africa 2024

22–23 September 2024, New York, USA. UN | Summit of the Future

25 –  28 September 2024. Global Symposium on Soil Information and Data
Join us in Nanjing, China

26 September 2024. Webinar 16 Innovative systems for sustainable technology development, and uptake or adoption. 
  • Lead by FARA and contributions by China Agricultural University (Li Hongwen), Murdoch University Bangladesh (Enamul Haque); CORAF, and the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS).
  • The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: • F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org

7 - 11 October 2024. The 9th Africa Nutrition Conference (ANC 2024/ANEC IX) 
  • Organised by the African Nutrition Society and Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Submission of abstracts: 1st March – 31st May, 2024

 3, 4 October 2024. AGROECOLOGY SCIENCE DAYS » University of Lausanne, Switzerland
“Agroecology Day for All” in Lausanne on 5 October 2024


21 October–1 November, TBA, Colombia. UN | 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16)

24 October 2024. Webinar 17 The role of smallholder farmers in agricultural development and food security in Africa. 
  • Introductory remarks by PAFO. Panel: ROPPA/EAFF; PASAE; University of Nairobi; CSIR-CRI Ghana; and Director of Mechanization, Nigeria.
  • The Webinars and Discussion Forums are being organized by the interim F-SAMA steering committee,comprised of AUC, FAO &ACT Network: For more information, contact: • F-SAMA - AfricaMechanize Secretariat; Email: info@africamechanize.org

November 2024 (Agro)pastoralism in Africa: Current Dynamics and Perspectives, in preparation for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026)

4–8 November 2024, TROPICAL SUMMIT

11–22 November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan UN | 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)

28 November 2024. Webinar 18 Concluding Webinar for 2024 Annual Summary Paper to be prepared by AfricaMechanize Secretariat. 

2–13 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia UN | UNCCD COP16

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Securing sustainable crop nutrition: the role of fertilizers in regenerative agriculture


25 April 2024
, 14:00- 15:00 (CEST). Securing sustainable crop nutrition: the role of fertilizers in regenerative agriculture

While the use of fertilizers in agriculture has historically been associated with environmental harm, when strategically integrated within regenerative practices, they can foster soil health and bolster nutrient cycles, leading to resilient yields and food security.
  • Which fertilizers can be employed within a regenerative farming approach, and how?
  • The ecological benefits that a sustainable use of certain fertilizers can help to achieve​​​
  • The role of fertilizers in enabling sustainable crop nutrition through robust and regenerative food systems
Speakers:
  • Marina Ettl, Director for Funded Projects and Regenerative Agriculture Business Intelligence, Yara International
  • Jan Willem Sepers, Senior Director Agriculture EMEA, Lamb Weston
  • Paz Panunzio Moscoso, Research Scientist Sustainability and Strategic Research, Yara International
  • moderated by Tanya Ricard, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation Forum.

  

EU Missions & cross-cutting activities: A Soil Deal for Europe Mission

25 April 2024. This event aimed to inform potential applicants about the new topics included in the EU Missions and Cross-cutting Activities work programme 2024.


Call: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-09: 


Assessment of Soil Health in Africa (see page 295 - 299: Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025: Missions and Cross-cutting Activities #376 p.)

Activities under this topic will advance the international dimension of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ and contribute to its specific objectives, in particular objective 4 "reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration". Activities will also contribute to the EU-Africa Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable AgricultureAfrican Union strategies, initiatives and action plans relevant for soil health and support global commitments and SDGs, in particular in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, biodiversity, and climate. 

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: 
  1. Enhanced and accessible data for policy makers and intergovernmental organisations to inform a continental 'convergence of evidence' map that indicates areas in Africa that are likely to be affected by soil degradation processes (as has been implemented for Europe with the EUSO Soil Health Dashboard). 
  2. Enhanced access to knowledge that can be used by a wide range of stakeholders to inform soil and land management policies and practices, prioritize areas for intervention and research and development, and support improved advisory services for farmers in Africa. 
  3. Improved datasets are available on soil threats/properties which will contribute to the development of an interactive Soil Health Dashboard for Africa.  

Young changemakers revolutionise scaling agroecology using video

Van Mele, P., Mohapatra, S., Tabet, L. and Flao, B. 2024. Young changemakers: Scaling agroecology using video in Africa and India. Access Agriculture, Brussels, 175 pp.


24 April 2024
. Access Agriculture announced the release of its new book “Young changemakers,” which offers a rich diversity of perspectives and insights from real-life experiences of 42 inspiring teams of youths in Africa and India who are blazing a trail as private extension and advisory service providers promoting agroecology through farmer-to-farmer learning videos. 

Each of the deeply compelling stories presented in this book spark new ideas on how young people can drive change and create sustainable jobs that contribute to more resilient food systems. The stories reveal not only the passion, motivation, creativity and commitment of the young changemakers to promoting agroecology and sustainable agricultural practices, but also their ability to turn their challenges into opportunities. Their impact in their communities has been profound, as evidenced by the success stories shared in this book.

  • From 2019 onwards, the organisation has empowered over 120 teams of young Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) across 17 countries in Africa and India. Its coaching and support have been instrumental in providing the ERAs with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their endeavours. 
  • These ERAs have been equipped with a solar powered smart projector – containing a vast library of more than 270 videos in over 100 languages – which enables them to disseminate knowledge on agroecological practices to farming communities.
  • Targeting their services to schools, rural clinics, youth clubs, farmer organisations and refugee settlements, over three years the ERA teams presented in the book screened agricultural training videos to nearly 200,000 people, of whom 60% were below the age of 35. 
Young changemakers provides valuable takeaways for both aspiring and existing agripreneurs and is sure to resonate with all those who wish to support and expand this unique model of young digitally equipped extension and advisory service providers in driving meaningful change in agriculture and food systems. 

A free e-version of the book can be downloaded on the Access Agriculture website: www.accessagriculture.org/our-young-entrepreneurs

Measuring inclusive access to quality seeds

25 April 2024.
3:00 to 4:00 pm East Africa Time/12:00 to 1:00pm UTC The Seed Equal Webinar Series: Measuring inclusive access to quality seeds-the why, how and what next
  • Women and poor smallholder farmers in many developing countries across regions continue to face challenges in accessing good quality seed of preferred varieties at the time and place they need, due a range of challenges and barriers.
  • The Africa Seed Access Index (TASAI) will present on a newly developed indicators of inclusive access, primarily interpreted as access by women and youth, to quality seed of preferred varieties.
Speakers: 
  • Dr. Miriam Kyotalimye
  • Mainza Mugoya
  • Dr. Krisztina Tihanyi (TASAI)

Related: 

22 - 24 April 2024. 2nd General Assembly of the Africa Seed and Biotechnology Program (ASBP)

ASBP is a continental program that frames the development of the seed sector in Africa. ASBP was developed under the auspices of the African Union (AU) with substantial support by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is designed to contribute towards agricultural transformation, economic growth, food security and nutrition and overall prosperity in
Africa.

FARA’s Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios Cluster Lead and African Seed and Biotechnology Partnership Platform (ASBPP) coordinator under the auspices of the African Union, Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, facilitated the 2nd ASBPP General Assembly.

This collaborative effort, led by ASBPP under the purview of African Union‘s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment DARBE -AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, FARA, and the Wageningen Center for Development Innovation (WCDI) of Wageningen University & Research, brought together 120 stakeholders from across Africa’s seed sector.

Soil health and global food security: Research & innovation


25 April 2024.
9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Brussels. TP Organics Soil health and global food security: Research & innovation for productive and sustainable agriculture.
The event will feature presentations and discussions on practical approaches to integrating biological inputs into farming practices, drawing insights from experiences in both the European Union and Africa.
  • Herman Van Mellaert, President at International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), the voice of the Biocontrol technologies industry, will give a key-note speech setting the scene, introducing the topic of biocontrol and why it is crucial for sustainable agriculture, while also presenting the activities of IBMA: Keynote: Biocontrol – green innovative and effective technologies for sustainable agri-food
  • Lakshmi Manavalan, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will showcase projects and practices the Gates Foundation has carried out, applying biocontrol technology in different scenarios. Overview of importance of biofertilizers, Gates investments in this area and the need for more investment
  • Stefaan De Neve, professor at Ghent University, will share insights from his research on soil nutrients while also raising the critical question of sourcing nitrogen in the future, when there will be no more mineral fertiliser produced. Scientific research on soil nutrients and challenge of replacing mineral nitrogen fertiliser.
  • Raveendran Muthurajan, Director of research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), will delve into TNAU’s research and case studies on biocontrol and agroecology from an Indian point of view. Barriers to adoption and TNAU’s projects on biostimulants efficacy testing from South Asian perspective
  • Bernard Vanlauwe, R4D Director at IITA, will present their current research project in Nigeria. Future research needs for product development and current research projects of IITA, the lead research partner facilitating agricultural solutions in the Sub-Saharan region

Panel discussion: Barriers to and options for uptake of biocontrol and biostimulants as well as future research needs for sustainable and productive agri-food systems at EU and international level

  • Klaus Berend, Deputy Director General for Food Sustainability at DG SANTE, European Commission, will join the high-level panel debate and bring in the policy perspective.
  • Gisela Quaglia, Research Programme Officer at DG AGRI, European Commission, is specialist for biocontrol and bio-pesticides and fertilisers and related research topics under the Horizon programmes.
  • Inge Van Daele, Portfolio and ESG Manager at Aphea.Bio, will present this Belgian technology platform dedicated to food security and ensuring a safe and healthy food chain.
  • Herman Van Mellaert 
  • Bernard Vanlauwe 
  • Moderator: Rose O’Donovan, Editor, AGRA FACTS

Fertilizers, soil health and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa

25 April 2024.
14:00- 15:00 (CEST). InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: "Fertilizers, soil health and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa"

Recording available in the link above

Funded by the European commission, the "Sustainable Agrifood System Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface Initiative (SASi-SPi)" will present a food system perspective on the debate surrounding the use of fertilizers, soil health, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This InfoPoint Conference aims to contribute to the discussions planned in the African Union Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health (Nairobi, May 7- 9, 2024).

Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface (SASi-SPi) is a 5-year € 11.5 million project with the overall objective to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Aquatic and Agri-Food Systems in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Agrinatura-led SASi-SPi will share preliminary findings of an ongoing study that uses a systemic approach to look at the fertilizers and soil health topics, with a focus on the following issues:
  • While integrating agroecological approaches with synthetic inputs is essential, the optimal combination of fertilizer use and agroecological practices depends on local soil conditions. Agroecological practices are all the more necessary as the soil is degraded.
  • The average productivity of fertilizer is greater in Africa than in the rest of the world. Some rebalancing would probably also yield aggregate environmental benefits.
  • The key driver for increased and sustained productivity is the effective demand for food and its impact on crop profitability which ensures the incentives for farmers to invest in soil health and fertilizer

This InfoPoint Conference will gather researchers, policy-makers, agri-food systems actors and look from a new perspective at the role of fertilizers in increasing agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa: 
  • Why is their role in food security such a pressing and debated issue? 
  • What are the relevant agronomic, socio-economic, and policy challenges at stake? 
  • How do we deal with such challenges from a policy-making perspective? 
  • How evidence can be helpful to inform decision-making?

The challenges assessed in SASi-SPi research are prompting Africa to envision its own pathway for sustainable agri-food system development. African policymakers are undeniably grappling with these immense challenges as they determine the types of intensification suited to each context and explore diverse strategies to feed a growing population better. African policymakers also weigh the short and long-term trade-offs of agri-food systems while addressing their impacts on sustainability. 

In this regard, SASi-SPi is developing an agri-food system approach where the often conflicting objectives, key sustainability issues and interactions of agri-food system components are considered.
Speakers
  • Leonard MIZZI, Head of Unit, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
  • Dr Tristan LE COTTY, Economist, CIRAD
  • Christophe LAROSE, Head of Sector, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
  • Nuno Santos, Deputy Director (Business Development), FAO Investment Centre
  • Dr Godfrey BAHIIGWA, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission
  • Marie-Claire KALIHANGABO, Coordinator, African Fertilizers Financing Mechanism, African Development Bank AFDB
  • Dr Million BELAY, General Coordinator, African Food Sovereignty Alliance

Resource:


Article: 04/10/2023
In sub-Saharan Africa, mineral fertilization and agroecology are not incompatible


The article highlights five reasons why more mineral fertilizer is needed in sub-Saharan Africa:
  1. Farming systems are characterized by very low mineral fertilizer use, widespread mixed crop-livestock systems, and significant crop diversity, including legumes. Inputs of mineral elements to crops by farmers are insufficient, resulting in a widespread decline in soil fertility due to soil nutrient mining.
  2. The nitrogen requirements of crops cannot be met solely through biological nitrogen fixation by legumes and manure recycling. Legumes can only fix atmospheric nitrogen if symbiosis with soil bacteria functions correctly, which requires absorption of different mineral elements by the plant. Ken Giller of Wageningen University, highlights that the ability of legumes to capture nitrogen from the air through their symbiosis with rhizobium bacteria is a fantastic opportunity for smallholder farmers, “but the amounts on nitrogen fixed are very small unless other nutrients such as phosphorus are supplied through fertilizers”.
  3. Phosphorus and potassium are often the main limiting factors of the functioning of plants and living organisms, including symbiotic bacteria: if there is not enough phosphorus and potassium in soils, then there is no nitrogen fixation. These nutrient elements, phosphorus, potassium and micro-elements, need to be provided by fertilizers, since they cannot be provided by legumes, which draw these elements directly from the soil. In the case of manure, this is simply a transfer from grazing areas to cultivated areas, which gradually reduces fertility in grazing areas.
  4. If used appropriately, mineral fertilizers have little impact on the environment. The greenhouse gas emissions linked to nitrogen fertilizer use can be controlled through a balanced and efficient application. In addition, mineral fertilizers can be produced more efficiently in order to reduce the impact of their production on greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind that this impact is low, at around 1% of total anthropogenic emissions.
  5. Further reducing mineral fertilizer use in SSA would hamper productivity gains and would contribute directly to increasing food insecurity and indirectly to agricultural expansion and deforestation. Producing for a population that will double by 2050 is likely to require the use of more agricultural land. An extensive strategy thus harms biodiversity and contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, contrary to an agroecological intensification strategy combined with efficient and moderate mineral fertilizer use.

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Soil Health

25 April 2024
, 3:00 pm CET. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Soil Health

Please Click HERE for the Webinar Recording, Presentations, Transcripts, and Questions from Chat.
  • Lulseged Tamene Desta, a Principal Scientist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, will discuss the development and impact of the NextGen agro advisory system, which significantly enhances soil health and crop yields through targeted fertilizer recommendations. 
  • Anirudh Keny from Boomitra will showcase how AI is a game-changer in optimizing soil carbon sequestration, enabling even the smallest farms to contribute to the carbon market and fostering a healthier planet. 
  • Alesha Miller, Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Green
  • Katie Kennedy Freeman, Senior Agriculture Economist in the Agriculture and Food Global Practice in the West and Central Africa region at the World Bank.

Boomitra


Boomitra uses satellite and AI technology to measure, report, and verify soil carbon credits across the globe. Alongside an ecosystem of international partners, Boomitra equips every farmer and rancher to increase their soil carbon and yields, while securing additional income through carbon credits. Recarbonizing soils through improved land management practices is one of the most affordable ways to sequester carbon and has the potential to remove 10% of humanity’s annual emissions. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners worldwide can store carbon in the soil while benefiting climate, communities, and biodiversity.
  • Boomitra partners with local organizations that work with these farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices, including reduced tilling, mulching with crop residues, organic manure application, water management, and agroforestry activities. These practices are proven to increase soil organic carbon and enable farmers to improve their productivity. CUs may be issued for the greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals associated with the production of cereals, grains, pulses, sugars, fibers, and other crops in this region.
  • Due to its proven impact in the climate space, Boomitra was recently awarded the third-annual Earthshot Prize in the “Fix Our Climate” category. Boomitra will be awarded GBP 1 million and engage in the year-long Earthshot Fellowship programme, where they will receive dedicated support to continue scaling Boomitra and reaching more farmers worldwide.
Boomitra: A WFP Innovation Accelerator Supported Innovation and a Earthshot Prize winner
Boomitra’s carbon-credit financing can increase farmers’ income by 10-20 per cent each year. Their pilot in Kenya, supported by the Farm to Market Alliance, will reach 1,200 more farmers this year. Read Hannah's story, who is working with Boomitra and the Farm to Market Alliance to take climate action on her farm.


Boomitra Carbon Farming in East Africa through Soil Enrichment

  • Hannah joined Boomitra and the farmer-focused global consortium Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) for their pilot in Kenya in 2022, which will provide Hannah with further guidance on regenerative agriculture and new income streams through a carbon removal credit system. 
  • The pilot project was launched under the WFP Innovation Accelerator and will reach more than 1,200 farmers in Kenya, who will become eligible to receive carbon financing in the coming year.

Boomitra’s approach to regenerative agriculture is unique in the following ways:

  • Farmer-first training. Farmers and ranchers are the centre of Boomitra’s innovative approach to restoring the planet’s soils. With its network of partners, Boomitra provides participating farmers with free support to introduce regenerative agriculture on their farms. Farmers are empowered to make decisions on their farm that best fits their context, environment, and needs. When implemented practices lead to carbon sequestration, farmers become eligible for carbon financing.
  • AI-powered remote soil monitoringBoomitra’s proprietary AI and remote sensing technology measures soil moisture, nutrients, and carbon more accurately and efficiently than traditional soil monitoring technology. With accurate and timely data, farmers can reduce their water and nutrient usage by 30 percent while enhancing soil fertility. Boomitra’s technology is based on models developed from more than one million accredited soil samples and analyses. By pairing this data with satellite technology, Boomitra can accurately and continuously monitor soil conditions without the need for additional soil sample collections and analyses, which require additional time and resources.
  • Equal access to carbon markets. Boomitra provides supplementary revenue streams for smallholder farmers through carbon credit payments, which compensate farmers for the carbon stored in their soil due to their regenerative practices. Unlike other carbon market systems, Boomitra’s technology makes it possible for agricultural producers of any size, growing any crop anywhere in the world to engage in carbon removal markets, removing barriers to access additional income for smallholder farmers.


Resources:


Published: 22 April 2024. 

Carbon credits, a voluntary market mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, can incentivize climate action. We evaluate the potential and eligibility of Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices for carbon credit generation in India under Verra's VM0042 methodology. 

Using farmer surveys and remote sensing data, it assessed the eligibility based on the following conditions: 
  • Additionality Condition (GHG emission reductions to exceed legal requirements and the weighted mean adoption rate to be < 20% of area in the baseline), 
  • Yield Penalty Condition (no > 5% decrease in crop yields), and 
  • Quantitative Adjustment Condition (reduction in chemical fertilizer use by > 5%). 
The analysis shows that CA has the potential to increase farmers’ carbon credit earnings by USD 18/ha and USD 30/ha in Bihar and Punjab, respectively.


Improving the Speed and Efficiency of Agricultural Extension with AI
Farmer.Chat is designed to deliver tailored assistance to hundreds of thousands of extension workers providing advice to tens of millions of small-scale farmers around the world.
“Using the assistant, I was able to answer farmer questions about climate-smart pest management immediately and confidently.” 
- Female extension agent in Bihar, India