Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Discussing and validatating Knowledge Briefs & Manuals

 Join us tomorrow, 📅December 4, 2024, for the #INTERFACES #KnowledgeCafe to discuss and validate Knowledge Briefs & Manuals produced by #KM4AgD Fellows from this year's #KM4AgD24 Challenge.

Register via 🔗 https://bit.ly/4fSz9jK to participate virtually

Monday, December 2, 2024

Women Land Defenders from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and EMENA


28 November 2024
. During this meeting leaders from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and EMENA, broke down the successes and challenges of practical initiatives in their advocacy efforts to achieving women land rights in order to overcome obstacles in their territories. 

Recording available

Women Land Rights Defenders are crucial to protect land and territories, but doing so expose them to gender specific threats and challenges. There is a global need to engage with women defenders to support them, document their struggles and facilitate their voices to be heard in the public sphere.

  • Moderated by Elisabetta Cangelosi, Gender Justice Advisor, International Land Coalition 
  • Etienne Coyette, Policy Officer, INTPA F3
  • Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur Environmental defenders
  • Marusia Lopez,IM-Defensoras- Mesoamerican Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders
  • Kimberly Alvarez, AR Now ! NLC Philippines
  • Leiria Vay, CODECA, Guatemala
  • Hadija Sserwanga,UCOBAC, Uganda

PlantwisePlus: Sustainable solutions for a food-secure future

25 November 2024. InfoPoint conference: Empowering smallholder farmers to safeguard crops, livelihoods and biodiversity

Recording available

PlantwisePlus supports countries to predict, prevent, and prepare for plant health threats, helping farmers to produce safer, higher-quality food through sustainable crop production. PlantwisePlus addresses three critical challenges for smallholder production: preparing for pest and invasive species outbreaks, reducing pesticide risks, and improving access to farmer advisory services. With a target to reach 75 million smallholder farmers in 27 countries around the world, the role of PlantwisePlus in supporting agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability will be key focus areas of this InfoPoint. 

The session featured speakers from CABI, who offered an overview of the programme’s achievements and vision, as well as two programme partners from Zambia and Pakistan who are involved in on-the-ground implementation. These partners shared how PlantwisePlus supports their national strategies for sustainable agricultural development, demonstrating the vital role of partnerships in achieving lasting impact. 

  • Leonard Mizzi – Head of Unit INTPA F3- Sustainable Agri-Food systems and Fisheries
  • Dr Daniel Elger – CEO, CABI
  • Dr Janny Vos – Partnerships Development Director, CABI
  • Zombe Sikazwe - Senior Seeds Officer, Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI), Zambia
  • Dr Imtiaz Hussain - Member Plant Sciences, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Pakistan

The Global Food Security Summit (GFSS)

26-27 November 2024.
 Abu Dhabi. The Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) is one of the largest scientific gatherings in the MENA region. It explored innovative, sustainable, and profitable approaches, including the use of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture.

Held under the theme “Together, for Humanity,” GFSS is part of the 3rd Global Food Week (GFW) and promotes global collaboration and innovation to create sustainable solutions for food security. The Summit brought together high-ranking officials, experts and scientists from around the world, and representatives from more than 70 countries, including 21 ministers.

Africa, where one in five people is affected by hunger, remains particularly vulnerable and requires intensified efforts to combat food insecurity. The inaugural Global Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi provides a platform for the international community to discuss these challenges and identify opportunities to enhance food security. 
Kayan Akram Jaff, Head of Mission of the FAO Subregional Office for GCC states and Yemen
The Global Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi is an important platform for all Member States to coordinate their efforts to develop plans and pathways for sustainable food production that will benefit not only Africa, but the entire world. 
Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security
Adj. Prof. Dr. Hildegard Lingnau, Executive Secretary of GFAR, emphasized the vital role of global cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges at the Global Food Security Summit. Her insights on fostering cross-sector collaboration, learning from diverse experiences, and drawing inspiration from innovative food producers underscore the importance of shared efforts in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

The summit shed light on critical issues:


  • Global Hunger: Over 733 million people suffer from hunger worldwide, posing a threat to peace, stability, and human dignity.
  • Islamic World’s Progress: The Islamic Organisation for Food Security highlighted governance, sustainability, and resource mobilisation initiatives across its 41 member countries, emphasising the significance of a dedicated Food Security Day for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
  • Focus on Africa: The summit discussed sustainable agri-food systems and highlighted progress in West Africa, where 73 percent of farming households improved their resilience to climate shocks.

Key Themes and Recommendations: 

  • Sustainability as a Cornerstone: Participants emphasised sustainability as essential for achieving food security, advocating for efficient resource use, renewable energy in agriculture, and fostering value-added food production.
  • Women's Empowerment: The importance of enhancing women's roles in agriculture was highlighted, recognising their contributions to economic growth and sustainability.
  • Clean Energy Transition: Despite the challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions, the summit called for adopting clean energy solutions, proposing a six-pillar framework encompassing inclusivity, incentives, data, investments, institutions, and innovation.
  • Innovative Solutions for a Growing Population: The summit stressed the need to invest in advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable practices to ensure reliable food supplies and a better future for coming generations. It called for enhanced cooperation along food value chains to address global crises effectively.
  • Global Call to Action: The summit urged immediate and unified international efforts to create a resilient, equitable global food system, ensuring access to healthy and sustainable food for all.
  • Spotlight on the UAE: The UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 was praised for its alignment with global goals, supported by initiatives like the "Nema" platform, which combats food waste and promotes sustainable consumption practices. The summit also acknowledged the UAE’s leadership role at COP28, where the nation advanced its vision of eliminating food waste and transforming traditional food systems.

26/11 Panel Discussion: UAE’s High-Impact Projects for a Resilient Food System


  • Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of the AGWA Cluster - Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
  • Seifallah Rabie, Partner and UAE Managing Partner - LOGIC Consulting
  • Suresh Vaidyanathan, CEO Special Projects - Ghassan Aboud Group & CEO -Abu Dhabi Food Hub
  • Hassan Halawy, General Manager - Elite Agro Projects
  • Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director, Sustainable Development - Masdar City


The Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 


In addition to the Global Food Security Summit, Global Food Week features various internationalevents and exhibitions highlighting the latest innovations and technologies. The Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) marked a 49 per cent growth in its 3rd edition compared to the previous year, attracting over 660 exhibitors and 1,900 companies and brands from 70 countries. The event also hosted around 270 key hosted buyers from local and international markets. The event also included the launch of the Abu Dhabi Coffee Hub, a signature feature of Global Food Week. The platform brings together specialists, traders, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world, reflecting the growing global interest in food security and sustainability.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Financing Food Systems Transformation and Rural Revitalization

26 - 27 November 2024. Financing Food Systems Transformation and Rural Revitalization

The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development’s Annual General Assembly discussed how the international community can optimize limited official development assistance in food and nutrition, building on the recommendations of the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report

The two days provided opportunities for knowledge exchange and timely discussions on rural development. It will include reflections on the implications of innovative financing for rural youth employment and land governance.

Background and Scene Setting

  • Jim Woodhill, Senior Advisor, Global Donor Platform for Rural Development
  •  Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
  •  Jo Puri, Special Adviser, Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President and Vice President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Catalytic Development Finance for a Sustainable and Resilient Future

  • Agnes Johan, Head of Blended Finance, Rabo Partnerships
  • Attiya Waris, Professor of Fiscal Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi in Kenya and UN Independent Expert on Foreign Debt and Human Rights in 2021 
  • Georgia Apson Coordinator of the World Food Forum Tanzania Chapter, on behalf of Hon. Neema Lugangira, Member of Parliament Tanzania and Board Member of the Global Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF and Member of the Executive Committee of the UN Scaling Up Nutrition Movement 

  • Ines Rocha, Regional Director Europe, International Finance Corporation (IFC) 
  • Chris Isaac, Chief Investment Officer, AgDevCo

Breakout Sessions

Theme 1: Climate finance and vertical funds 
Savis Sadeghian, Senior Technical Specialist, Environment and Climate, IFAD 
Moderator: Henry Bonsu, Journalist and Broadcaster 
Theme 2: Unlocking private capital for food systems transformation 
Christopher Brett, Lead Agribusiness Specialist, World Bank 
Moderator: Jim Woodhill, Senior Advisor, Global Donor Platform for Rural Development
Theme 3: Improving financing approaches for agri-food SMEs 
John Robert Okware, Country Director, Uganda, Aceli Africa 
Moderator: Mandakini Surie, Senior Consultant, Global Donor Platform for Rural Development
Theme 4: Innovative financing in fragile contexts 
Tuleen Alkhoffash, Senior Portfolio Manager, IFAD
Kais Zuhaika, Head of Financial Institutions, Quds Bank 
Moderator: Maurizio Navarra, GDPRD Secretariat Coordinator, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Innovative Financing Approaches for Young Agriprenuers

Moreen Nyakato, CEO, Greeco Organic Farm, Uganda Nsengiyumva Prosper, Chief Executive Officer, Avocado Oil Industries Ltd Jenice Achieng, Owner, Agnesa Bakery; Country Representative, YPARD Kenya Vanessa Nzabamwita, Investment Lead, One Acre Fund

Finance Coordination: Linkages with other global development financing discussions


Innovative financing approaches are emerging as a solution to address the unique challenges faced by rural young entrepreneurs and the agrifood system. Approaches such as blended finance, impact investing, and results-based financing are gaining traction in the agrifood sector. They mobilize private capital, development finance, and philanthropic funding to support sustainable agricultural practices and agrifood system innovations. For these mechanisms to be effective, they need to be youth-sensitive.



In rethinking how the international community can optimize limited official development assistance (ODA) for the revitalization of rural and food systems transformation, such an exercise cannot be done without rethinking, redefining, and enhancing the quality of finance and ODA. The key issue is not only the amount of finance and aid provided but also how effectively and inclusively it is delivered.

Resources:

  1. Keynote, Scene Setting, High-Level Session and Thematic Group Discussions: Catalytic Development Finance for a Sustainable and Resilient Future
  2. Youth Session: Innovative Financing Approaches for Young Agriprenuers
  3. Finance Coordination Session: Linkages with Other Global Development Financing Discussions
  4. Land Session – Reaching Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities through Enhanced Access to Finance
  5. Final Session – Synthesis Panel: Implications of the AGA discussions on finance and GDPRD future directions

FAO. (Forthcoming). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024. Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Rome.

Ruggeri Laderchi, C., et al. (2024). The Economics of the Food System Transformation. Food System Economics Commission (FSEC), Global Policy Report. 

ANAPRI 2024 Conference

26 - 28 November 2024.  Dakar. ANAPRI 2024 Conference

  • Download the 2024 Stakeholders Conference Booklet here
  • Download the Concept Note and Programme at a Glance here
The conference theme, "From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Local Institutions for Sustainable Food Systems Transformation in Africa", underscored the need for prioritizing localization in the post-2025 development agenda. 

ANAPRI recognizes that policy implementation, particularly in the context of rural economic growth and transformation, primarily occurs at the local level. It is local institutions that drive the implementation of domestic and national policy frameworks and action plans. The focus of the Annual Stakeholder Conference was on how governments, the private sector, and international development partners can effectively support African-led and local research institutions, think tanks, and other non-state actors in implementing policies, programmes, projects, and scaling up new adaptive technologies that can enhance productivity, climate resilience, adaptation, and sustainable food system transformation.

Session 1 Driving Localization for Policy Action through Investment in Institutional Capacity Building: Lessons from the Innovation Lab for Policy Research, Capacity and Inluence (PRCI)

This session shared findings and insights from a survey of ANAPRI think tanks across sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the survey was to assess the institutional capacity of think tanks, including gaps, approaches, and partnerships that have enhanced the ability of policy research centers to effectively deliver on their mandate. 

Development Partners and Donors 
  • Dr. Biniam Iyob, USAID 
  • Dr. David Phiri, FAO 
  • Mr. Alan Rennison, BMGF 
ANAPRI Centers 
  • Dr. Astou Diao
  • Dr. Adegbenga Adekoya
  • Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo

Session 2 Promoting Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change in Africa – Lessons Learnt from the Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (CACCI) in Africa.

This session highlighted lessons from the Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (CACCI).

CACCI Technical Implementers
  • Richard Ayisi (ISSER)
  • John Heermans (Abt Global)
  • Mouhamed Ly Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE)
  • Dhanani, Qahir – (Boston Consulting Group) 
Government Reps
  • Harrick Mwewa (Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Zambia)
  • Jonghikaya Witi (South Africa)

Session 3: High-Level Panel Discussion Domestication and Implementation of the Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan

This session discussed and share experiences on how to strengthen the role of African research and
training institutions in spearheading the implementation of policies, programmes, and initiatives to address soil health challenges, enhance the use of fertilizers and efficiency in fertilizer use.
  • Prof. Richard Mkandawire (AAP)
  • H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner, Africa Union, Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment
  • Dr. Tinashe Kapuya : The role of pan-African and locally led institutions in the domestication and implementation of the Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan 
  • Michael Sudarkasa (President, AFAP) Role of the private sector in partnering with Government and African Research Institutions in Strengthening Input Value Chains and Soil Health
  • Dr. Shamie Zingore, (RD, APNI) Innovative approaches of implemented to improve nutrient management and soil health 
  • Mr. Larry Umunna, (Acting Executive Director, CIFSH) Emerging partnerships, work programme and the role of the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health

Session 4 Status Quo of Africa’s Food Systems and the Post-2025 Agenda: What Happens Post-CAADP?

This session provided a stock-take of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), and the extent to which the continent has been successful in meeting goals such as: (a) halving poverty through agriculture by 2025, (b) ending hunger by 2025, and (c) eliminating child malnutrition.

  • H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner, Africa Union, Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment
  • Dr. Ousmane Badiane, AKADEMIYA2063 - Driving Africa's Agricultural Future: Lessons from CAADP and the Road Beyond 2025

Session 5 Finding Solutions for Dwindling Funding Towards Policy Research. How Can think tanks bridge the divide between Policy and Action?

This session discussed how the funding space has changed, and whether the lack of resources available to think tanks and policy research is due to misaligned objectives with donors and development partners, or a lack of ability to adapt to these new demands.

Session 6 Food Sovereignty in Africa: Where is the Balance, and how do Governments Walk the line between Regional Integration under the AfCFTA and attaining Food Self -Sufficiency?

Governments are implementing a range of policies to stabilize prices, strengthen the resilience of food systems, and promote sustainable resource management. However, food sufficiency policies and programmes are generally being implemented at the expense of regional integration, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Session 7 Prioritizing Policies and Investments to Drive Inclusive Agricultural Transformation: Key Findings from Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Policy Prioritization through Value Chain Analysis (PPVC) is an approach to identifying policies, investments, and value chains that can drive inclusive transformation relatively more cost-effectively. The framework was piloted in Tanzania and then scaled out to several other countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, and Zambia.
Government Reps
  • Mr David Ombalo Otieno, Government Rep Kenya 
  • Mr. Simon Omollo John, Government Rep Tanzania
  • Dr. Dirk Troskie, - Western Cape Government, South Africa 
Technical Partners
  • Dr. Mmtlaou kalaba - BFAP
  • Dr. Henry Kankwamba - IFPRI


Session 8 The 2024 OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook and FAO’s Support to the AUC in Promoting Agribusiness Development towards Enhancing Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) 

This session explored the findings of the 2024 OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook, shedding light on global and regional agricultural trends and their implications for Africa’s trade, food security, and investment landscape.

Government Representatives
  • Mr. David Ombalo Otieno, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya 
  • Ms.Gamuchirai M Kapembeza, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development 
Private Sector 
  • Mr Yotam Mkandawire, GTAZ, Zambia

Session 9 Unlocking the Power of Public-Private Partnerships: Strategies for Effective Private Sector Engagement in Policy Implementation

This session provided some key perspectives on how think tanks, development partners, and governments can effectively engage the private sector as a means of grounding policy through evidence. The session explores the role of the private sector in policy implementation, and how to foster public-private partnerships that can drive deeper cooperation.
  • Dr. Maria Wanzala, AFAP - private sector’s role in policy implementation, focusing on agriculture and value chain development.
Government policies fostering private sector engagement, impact of these measures
  • Dr. Dirk Troskie, Western Cape Government, South Africa
  • Ms. Alisa Shidhika, Namibia
  • Simon Omollo John, Government of Tanzania
Lessons from private sector alignment with policy objectives; two audience questions
  • Mr. Bagoré Bathily – Senega
  • Mr. Aimable Twagirayezu Pan African Farmer Organization, Rwanda
  • Dr. Cheickh Sadibou Fall, IFDC
  • Bruce Kasitu, IsDA
 Role of think tanks in bridging government and private sector engagement
  • Prof- Peter Quartey (ISSER)
  • Astou Diao (ISRABAME)