From 27–30 July 2026, agricultural researchers, policymakers, farmers' organizations, private-sector leaders and development partners gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly. Under the theme of transforming Africa's agrifood systems through science, innovation and partnerships, the event explored the policies, technologies and collaborations needed to build resilient, productive and inclusive food systems.
Opening Plenary: Setting the Agenda for Agrifood Transformation
The conference opened with a high-level plenary bringing together African government leaders, FARA executives, regional organizations and development partners. Speakers emphasized that agricultural research must move beyond generating knowledge to delivering measurable impact for farmers, food systems and national economies.
Key takeaway: Research, policy and investment must work together if Africa is to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth.
Ministerial Dialogue: From Policy Commitments to Action
Agriculture ministers and senior policymakers discussed how governments can create enabling environments for innovation through improved policies, increased research funding and stronger collaboration across borders.
Key takeaway: Political leadership and long-term investment remain essential for scaling agricultural innovation across Africa.
Emerging Agricultural Technologies and Innovation
Researchers, entrepreneurs and technology developers explored the latest advances in digital agriculture, precision farming, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and data-driven decision making. The discussion highlighted practical examples of technologies already improving productivity and farmer resilience.
Key takeaway: Technology adoption succeeds when innovation is paired with farmer training, local adaptation and supportive policy.
Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems
Climate experts, scientists and development organizations examined strategies for helping African agriculture adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather, drought and other climate-related challenges. Speakers highlighted climate-smart agriculture, improved seed varieties and better natural resource management.
Key takeaway: Climate resilience must become a core component of every agricultural research and development programme.
Nutrition, Health and Urban Food Systems
As Africa's urban population continues to grow, this panel focused on improving nutrition while ensuring food systems remain sustainable and affordable. Discussions covered healthy diets, food safety, value chains and the links between agriculture and public health.
Key takeaway: Agricultural success should be measured not only by yields but also by improved nutrition and healthier communities.
Enabling Impact at Scale
Representatives from research institutions, donor organizations, financial institutions and the private sector explored how successful innovations can move beyond pilot projects to benefit millions of farmers. Financing mechanisms, institutional capacity and stronger partnerships featured prominently.
Key takeaway: Scaling innovation requires coordinated investment, effective partnerships and systems that support long-term adoption.
Knowledge, Learning and Innovation Systems
One of the featured technical sessions examined how stronger knowledge networks can accelerate agricultural transformation. Participants from FARA, CGIAR centres, regional research organizations and universities discussed improving collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation ecosystems.
Key takeaway: Better-connected research and extension systems help ensure scientific discoveries reach farmers more quickly.
Food Sovereignty Through Agroecology
Experts discussed ecological organic agriculture and agroecological practices as pathways toward greater food sovereignty. The panel explored sustainable production methods that improve biodiversity, soil health and community resilience while reducing dependence on external inputs.
Key takeaway: Agroecology offers practical opportunities to combine environmental sustainability with improved livelihoods.
Strengthening Africa–Europe Cooperation on Soil Health
African and European research partners explored new institutional models for collaboration on soil health research and sustainable land management. The discussion highlighted the importance of long-term international partnerships for addressing shared agricultural challenges.
Key takeaway: Healthy soils remain fundamental to increasing productivity, climate resilience and food security.
Scaling Agricultural Innovation Ecosystems
Researchers, innovators and development partners examined how innovation ecosystems—including incubators, extension services, finance providers and private-sector actors—can work together to accelerate the adoption of new technologies across Africa.
Key takeaway: Innovation thrives when researchers, governments, businesses and farmers collaborate throughout the innovation cycle.
Science and Partnership for Agriculture Conference (SPAC)
Running alongside the General Assembly, the Science and Partnership for Agriculture Conference showcased cutting-edge research from across the continent. Researchers presented new findings while partners explored opportunities for future collaboration and investment.
Key takeaway: Strong scientific partnerships remain central to solving Africa's agricultural challenges.
FARA General Assembly
The General Assembly concluded the week with governance discussions, strategic planning and decisions on FARA's future direction. Member organizations reviewed progress, reaffirmed priorities and strengthened the organization's mandate to support agricultural research and innovation across Africa.
Key takeaway: FARA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening continental collaboration and ensuring research delivers tangible benefits for African farmers and food systems.
Looking Ahead
Across every session, a consistent message emerged: Africa possesses the scientific expertise, innovative capacity and collaborative spirit needed to transform its agrifood systems. Achieving this vision will depend on sustained investment in research, stronger partnerships between science and policy, greater support for innovation ecosystems and a continued focus on delivering impact at scale.
The discussions at the 10th FARA General Assembly demonstrated that agricultural transformation is no longer solely about increasing production—it is about building resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems capable of meeting the continent's future needs.
