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Saturday, August 1, 2026

Highlights from the 10th FARA General Assembly and 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week

27–30 July 2026. Abuja, Nigeria. Agricultural researchers, policymakers, farmers' organizations, private-sector leaders and development partners gathered for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly.

Under the theme of Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa, the conference programme addressed four interconnected sub-themes: emerging agricultural technologies and innovations; climate-resilient agrifood systems; nutrition, health and urban food systems; and enabling impact at scale through policies, financing, capacities, institutions and inclusion.

The programme included 25 side events and eight parallel or related sessions, with a cumulative attendance of 1,791 across the tracked sessions. Side events recorded 1,044 attendances, while parallel and other sessions attracted 747. An additional 312 participants joined selected sessions online. The exhibition brought together 35 exhibitors, including 20 national agricultural research institutes and federal colleges and 15 international and regional organisations.

27 July

Welcome Address: Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, Executive Secretary, ARCN
Opening Remarks: Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Context Presentation: “The State of African Agri-food System: Harnessing Innovation and Partnership to Achieve CAADP-Kampala Targets”: Dr. Debisi Araba, Managing Director, Akademiya2063
Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, Chairperson of the FARA Board of Directors
Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, CEO, PAFO
Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General, AfricaRice
Obai Khalifa, Deputy Director, GF Africa
Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director General, FAO-RAF
HE Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, AUC-ARBE
Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Honorable Minister of Federal Livestock Development
Abubakar Kyari CON, Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Nigeria
Keynote Paper: “Innovation and Partnerships for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Africa.” - Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General, IITA

28 July

Overview of Science & Partnership for Agriculture Conference (SPAC)

Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong, DRI Emeritus, FARA
SPAC Study: “State of Agricultural Research in Africa, highlights of key trends, challenges, and opportunities.” - presented by Dr. Emmanuel Njukwe, DRI, CORAF

Panel Discussion: “Optimizing Agricultural Research to Deliver CAADP-Kampala Outcomes at the Country Level”

Facilitator: Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma, ExeD, ASARECA
Prof. Paul Pinnock Bonsu, DG, CSIR-Ghana
Dr. Dumisami Kutywayo Okuku, Chief Director, DRSS Zimbabwe
Dr. Ahmed Elmekass, Director, AU-SAFGRAD
Prof. Maher Elmaghraby, VP Production, ARC Egypt Africa
Dr. Patrick Ketiem, DG, KALRO
Dr. Namukolo Covic, Head, CGIAR Liaison Office for Africa

Soil Health Panel: “Interphase of Science and Private Sector Partnerships for Restoration of Africa’s degraded Soil”

Prof. Jibrin Jibrin, SSSN
Dr. Kennedy Were, KALRO
Eng. Clement Asana, OCP Africa
Dr. Mel Oluoch, Sasakawa Africa

29 July Nigeria day

Keynote Address I: “Nigeria’s story of Science and Technology” Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN, Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Keynote Address II: “Advances in Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria” Adegboyega Oyetola, Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
Keynote Address III: “Advancing Nigeria’s Livestock Industry. Pushing the technologies that matter” Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Hon. Minister of Federal Livestock Development
Keynote Address IV: “Progress on Agricultural Research in Nigeria. The change is here.” Senator Abubakar Kyari CON, Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

30 July: 10th FARA General Assembly

Opening Remarks by FARA Chairperson Mad. Bongiwe Njobe, Chairperson of the FARA Board of Directors
Synthesis of Outcomes of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Ag. DRI, FARA
The Board’s Accountability report Mad. Bongiwe Njobe, Chairperson of the FARA Board of Directors
Highlights of the FARA Secretariat’s achievements over July 2023 – July 2026 Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Amendments to the Constitution and Governance Manual Mad. Elizabeth Nsimadala, Chairperson of the Nominations and Governance Committee of the FARA Board of Directors

Side events

Advancing Agroecology in Africa: Knowledge Exchange and Emerging Researcher Engagement uunder the Kampala CAADP Framework

Organised by the three Agroecology Regional Multi-Actor Research Networks (RMRNs - comprising RMRNEA, RADIUS in West Africa, and RAENS in Southern Africa), FARA, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in the framework of the GIZ-led Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA) and RAENS projects, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) and other relevant stakeholders.

Set up of the Agroecology Regional Multi-Actor Research Networks (RMRNs) in Africa:

Continental: Dr. Kwaku Antwi, FARA
East Africa: Dr. Frank Chidawanyika, ICIPE
Southern Africa: Dr. Sedera Norotiana Rasambo, CCARDESA
West Africa: Dr. Fructueuse Ouidoh Agbodjogbe, CORAF/UCAD

Presentation of 10 RMRN Agroecology Studies/Methodologies

Moderator: Prof. Majaliwa Mwanjololo, RUFORUM
Dr. Irene Kadzere, FiBL
Mr. Markus Arbenz, FiBL
Dr. Pascal Tillie, EU-JRC
Dr. Felix Rembold, EU-JRC
Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, RUFORUM

Scaling Agricultural Innovations in Africa Through Integrated Innovation Ecosystems: Transforming Agrifood Systems in Nigeria and Across Africa

For four decades, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has worked across Africa to bridge the gap

between agricultural research and farmer adoption through practical, farmer-centered approaches.

Gender Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems: Evidence and Solutions for Urgent Action

Despite their central contributions, women continue to face structural barriers in accessing

land, finance, markets, technologies, information, and decision-making opportunities.

Beyond Productivity: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems for Africa’s Future

Moving beyond productivity means placing equal emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, research translation, strategic partnerships, responsible resource management and evidence-informed policymaking. These interconnected pillars are essential for building agrifood systems that are economically competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

4th Biennial Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Stakeholders Conference

The central objective of 2026 Biennial CSA Stakeholders Conferences was to establish the current state of CSA in Africa and the imperatives for agroecology transition, biodiversity conservation, and soil health on the continent.

Small Insects, Big Returns: Making the Business Case for Sustainable Feed in East Africa.

Despite growing interest, the large-scale production of insects as feed remains constrained by limited

access to finance and limited investment in scaling beyond pilot projects. As with most agricultural

value chains, access to credit for small and medium enterprises involved in insect farming is limited,

as financial institutions often perceive insect farming as high-risk due to limited understanding of this

new agricultural commodity value chain.

Catalyzing Country Investments for the Implementation of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health-Action Plan (AFSH-AP): Pathways to Bankable National Delivery

The central objective of this session was to develop practical, bankable pathways for African countries to invest in and implement SIA and AFSH-AP at scale.

Designing Bankable Soil Health Investment Pathways in Africa Anthony Chapoto, ANAPRI
Country Case Presentation “Practical Implementation Experiences & Financing Pathways”
Panel Discussion “Financing models, institutional coordination, & scaling pathways”

Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems for Scaling Technologies in Africa

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Programme, established by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Feed Africa Strategy, was designed to accelerate the deployment and scaling of proven agricultural technologies capable of transforming productivity, strengthening resilience, improving food and nutrition security, generating employment and reducing poverty.

Harnessing AI-Enabled Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Systems to Accelerate Africa’s Agricultural Transformation

This event showcased AI-enabled digital extension initiatives, including the Nigeria Public Private

Partnership AI-enabled Digital Advisory Platform (NPPP AI-DAP) and the AFAAS

AIEnabled Digital User Platform, as scalable models for Africa.

Keynote address — “The Future of AI-Enabled Extension and Advisory Systems in Africa”: Dr Godwin Atswer – Sasakawa Association Africa

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — How continental stakeholders coordinate on DPI solutions to reduce fragmentation and build toward scale and adoption.

National government — Ayodele Olawunmi, Director, Federal Dept of Agricultural Extension Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria
Digital innovation & agritech — Tajudeen Yahaya (CEO, Extension Africa); Dev Afrique; Aisha Hadejia (Sahel Consulting Partner)
Farmer organisations — Representatives from Nigeria and SSA countries, NIFAAS
AI ethics & digital governance — Chika Oke (DOA Law); Representative, NITDA, Bashira Hassan (Africa Practice)

Youth for Nutrition in Inclusive Science and Innovation from Soil to Plate — A Live Food Innovation Lab

Advancing the Kampala CAADP Agenda through Evidence Based Policy Research: Bridging Science, Policy and Implementation for Scaled Agricultural Transformation

The Pan-African Network for Economic Analysis of Policies (PANAP) members, through the

StEPPFoS Project have undertaken a range of policy studies which address priority areas aligned with the evolving CAADP agenda. These priority areas include sciencepolicy interface, climate resilience, agricultural research financing, regional trade, and inclusive agrifood systems. These studies are aimed at supporting countries to domesticate the Kampala CAADP Strategies to achieve the Agenda 2063.

Topic 1: Using political economy tools to shape regional agricultural policy: A Co-lab Approach Dr. Koen Dekeyser, ECDPM
Topic 2: Data-Driven Policy Insights for CAADP: Evaluating AfCFTA Effects on AgriFood Systems and Food Security in Côte d’Ivoire Dr. Souleymane Diallo, CIRES
Topic 3: Building Sustainable and Synergistic Evidence Informed Policy Ecosystems in East and West Africa: Addressing Alignment Gaps Between the CAADP and Ghana’s National Agricultural and Food System Policies (CSIR-STEPRI) Dr. Gordon Akon Yamga, CSIR-STEPRI

Panel Discussion: “Translating Evidence into Policy Action for Food System Transformation in Africa”

Mr. Patrick Kojo Ofori, Deputy Director in Charge of M&E(Former) & Currently National Project Coordinator of PROSPER
Prof. Joseph Kieyah, Deputy Director, KIPPRA
Dr. Dora Siliya, Fmr. Minister of Agriculture, Zambia
Dr Beatrice Egulu, Policy Officer, AUC-DREA
Dr. Emmanuel Njukwe, Director of Research & Innovation, CORAF
Dr. Moustapha GUEYE, Director General, ISRA

Abuja Roundtable: High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for Agriculture
Research, Development and Innovation (AR4D)

The establishment of Nigeria’s National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) presents an important

opportunity to demonstrate how domestic financing mechanisms can support long-term agricultural

transformation.

Strengthening Gender-Responsive Agricultural Policy through the AWARD–GRASP Fellowship

The Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship, an initiative of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) and supported by theUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to accelerate the development and implementation of gender-responsive agricultural policies across Africa.

Farmer Centered Action Research and Innovation

The Side Event on Farmer-centered Action Research and Development for Sustainable Food Systems Transitions in Africa was jointly convened by: 1. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 2. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in partnership with the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA) project 3. AGRICORD 4. Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers in Africa (NOARA)

Participatory research in organic and agroecology – insights from Sustain Sahel and SysCom (Mother-BabyTrials) Dr. Harun Cicek and Dr. Milka Kiboi - FiBL
Applied research for biofertilizer applications/agroecology Patrick Mwizero – CAPAD (Burundi)

Panel:

Moderated by AGRICORD Katja Vuori
Action research in and commercialising of agroforestry Kastory Timbula (TTGAU - Tanzania) - FORI Project
Farmer Field Schools as innovation platforms on sustainable agriculture and farmer managed seed systems Community Technology Development Organization (CTDO) and MASAP Project, Zimbabwe
The policy environment on sustainable agri-food systems in Africa – enablers and inhibitors Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
Action research and processing in agroecology – sunflower value chain Damian Sulumo/Frank Ademba - (MWIWAARUSHA-We Effect) – FORI Project
How to scale agroecology and organic messages through Multipliers – experiences from the KCOA project Khaoula Mokrani (KCOA-KHNA) (with insights from Francis Nsanga (KCOA-KHEA) and Georges TADJIOTIO NGOUGNI (KCOA-KHCA)
Organic and agroecology data, statistics, and knowledge management – the African context Markus Arbenz – FiBL and KCOA; Jude Obi – Oyo University, Nigeria, and KCOAKHWA
Implications of farmer-centred research approaches and outcomes to PAFO and AfrONet members – some reflections PAFO and AfrONet

Soil Intelligence for Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems in Africa: The Role of the African Union
Soil Observatory (AUSO)

FARA, together with African, European and International partners, is implementing the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) project under the Horizon Europe Mission Soil Programme fully funded by the European Commission. AUSO aims to establish a continental soil observatory and digital soil intelligence platform, including a soil health dashboard, to support harmonized soil information systems, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve soil health monitoring, and promote sustainable and climate-resilient agrifood systems across Africa.

Envisioning the future of Africa’s livestock and fish sectors for targeted policies and investments

Participants’ feedback on the future of the livestock and fish sectors in Africa will be collated as input into an Animal Source Foods-focused outlook report being prepared by the Policy Innovations science program of the CGIAR (https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030/policy-innovations), in collaboration with the science program on Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030/sustainable-animal-and-aquatic-foods).

Empowering youth as catalysts for transformative agriculture through mentorship, digital innovation and cooperative governance

Regional Agricultural Innovation Systems in sub-Saharan Africa: Current Status, Gaps and Future Prospects

Launch of the Youth in Agrifood Systems Performance Index (YAPI)

Bringing Scientific Evidence to Policymakers to Support the Agroecological Transition of Food Systems in Africa: The Example of MoSAFS

The Modelling Pathways for a Sustainable and Agroecological Transition of Food Systems in Africa (MoSAFS) project supports the transition to agro-ecological, climate resilient food systems in Africa by providing data-rich models and a science-policy interface for decision-makers. The first phase (April 2025 – April 2026) identified existing foresight studies and highlighted the need for multi-scale analysis (farm level and country level), based on three case studies in Senegal, Kenya and Mozambique, which are at different stages of national agro-ecological vision development.

Kwaku Antwi FARA
Astou Camara ISRA-BAME (Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles - Bureau d'analyses macro-économiques)
Beatrice Egulu African Union
Guy Faure CIRAD / DeSIRA LIFT+
Lisa Fuchs Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Alex Mutungi Biovision Africa
Martin Oulu ISFAA (Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology)
Pascal Tillie Joint Research Centre – European Commission

Investing in Extension and Advisory Services for Climate and Agroecological Transitions in Africa

In understanding the Agroecological transition responsive extension approaches (ATREA), the ATREA project identified successful agroecological transition responsive extension approaches that are user centric, and enhance smallholder’s participation in the agri-food system transformation. The CANALLS initiative for example, leverages this to demonstrate an integrated approach to promoting agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa through multi-actor transdisciplinary Agroecology Living Labs that facilitate co-creation, participatory research, innovation testing,capacity strengthening for the uptake of the agroecological practices and policy engagement. Similarly, the GPSAEP initiative has generated valuable experiences in strengthening community-based advisory systems, supporting farmer-led agroecological innovation, enhancing inclusive extension approaches, and building local capacities for sustainable food systems transformation.

Institutional diagnostic for System Change - IGNITE Approach for Gender and Nutrition

This masterclass provided participants with practical insights into the use of Tanager's Organizational Diagnostic Handbooks and Assessment Tools. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the session demonstrated how organizations can assess their institutional readiness, identify capacity gaps, and develop actionable improvement plans.

Africa Strategy Stakeholder Consultation on the Draft CGIAR Africa Strategy

With the goal of shaping a strategy that reflects Africa's priorities, strengthens partnerships, and delivers greater impact, the consultation provided an opportunity to collectively refine a strategy that strengthens African institutions, accelerates science-based innovation, and supports sustainable agrifood systems transformation on the continent.

Dr. Simeon Ehui (IITA Director General and CGIAR Africa Continental Director), Dr. Aggrey Agumya (FARA Executive Director), Dr. Were Omamo (IFPRI Africa Director), and Dr. Namukolo Covic (Head, CGIAR Liaison Office for Africa).

Unlocking the Power of Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa: Empirical lessons from the PROSSIVA project

Vegetatively propagated crops such as cassava, banana, and yam are critically important to Africa

because they serve as staple foods for hundreds of millions of people, contributing significantly to food

and nutrition security. However, these crops continue to suffer a setback in their seed systems, thus making it difficult for producers to get disease-free planting materials of improved varieties in a reliable manner.

Strengthening Foresight Systems for Africa's Agrifood Transformation

How Will Africa Feed 2.5 Billion People by 2050? A Strategic Foresight Study on Structural Barriers, Leadership Choices and Transformation Pathways for Africa's Agrifood Systems.

Advancing the Organic and Agroecology Research Agenda for Africa (OARAA 2036): Building
Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems

The Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers in Africa (NOARA) initiated the development of the Organic and Agroecology Research Agenda for Africa (OARAA 2036) in 2019, with initial reflections having started from as far back as 2015.

he Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers in Africa (NOARA) is a pan-African, membershipbased network established by African organic agriculture researchers to coordinate and advance organic

and ecological agriculture research; it evolved from discussions among researchers in 2005, was

launched at the 2009 African Organic Conference in Kampala, strengthened through the 2012 African

Organic Conference in Lusaka, revived and reorganized by the African Organic Network (AfrONet) in

2019, and today operates through a continental governance structure comprising a Board of Trustees,

Governing Council, Continental Secretariat, and members drawn from researchers and other

stakeholders across Africa and beyond.

African Youth Position Statement on the Future of Africa’s Agrifood Systems

2nd AUSO Annual Consortium Meeting/ General Assembly

The African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) and its contribution to Africa’s soil health agenda.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

CIRAWA Agroecology Conference

1–3 July 2026. Accra, Ghana. The CIRAWA Agroecology Conference – Agroecology and Nature-BasedSolutions for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa was structured around three thematic days that combined keynote addresses, scientific presentations, policy dialogues, workshops, poster sessions, and field visits. The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, farmers, civil society organizations, development partners, and private-sector actors to discuss how
agroecology and nature-based solutions can accelerate sustainable food systems across Africa.

Conference Programme

The conference opened with three keynote addresses that framed the scientific and policy discussions on agroecology in Africa:

Keynote 1: The IUCN Global Framework for the Design, Verification and Scaling-up of Nature-based Solutions – International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Keynote 2: Harmonisation of Indigenous Knowledge and Transformative Education: Enabling Agroecology Transitions in Africa – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Opening Ceremony – Alex Percival Segbefia (picture), the Chief of Staff of the Vice President of Ghana

Mr. Segbefia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector through the promotion of agroecological practices as part of the country’s broader agricultural transformation agenda. He said Ghana must move away from agricultural systems that are no longer delivering the desired results and embrace approaches that support sustainable food systems and long-term agricultural resilience. [02/07 West Africa charts path towards sustainable food systems at CIRAWA Agroecology Conference]
Remarks from representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (EPA Ghana), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the European Union (EU), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Ghana (MoFA), the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology of Ghana (MESTI), the Minister of State for Climate Change, AMAATI Ltd., and other partners.
Keynote 3: The State and Potential of Agroecology in Africa – University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana

The first scientific sessions focused on two major themes:

Scientific Session 1: Nature-based Solutions – Chair: CARTIF (Centro Tecnológico CARTIF, Spain)
Scientific Session 2: Agroecology Transitions – Chair: Association pour le Développement des Populations du Mayo-Rey (ADPM), Cameroon

The second day 02/07 featured four keynote presentations followed by four thematic scientific sessions:

Keynote 4: Soil Health, Agro-Waste and Circularity – Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
Keynote 5: Indicators and Monitoring & Evaluation – Raul Sanchez, CARTIF (Centro Tecnológico CARTIF, Spain); Discussants: Dr. Dileyini Lizza Diaz, University of Valladolid (UVA), Spain, and Prof. Charles Okyere, University of Ghana
Scientific Session 3: Soil Health, Agro-Waste and Circularity – Chair: Dr. Catherine Dembele, Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF); Discussant: Dr. Marina Paneque, University of Seville (USE), Spain
Scientific Session 4: Indicators and Monitoring & Evaluation – Chair: Jules Bayala, Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF); Discussant: Dr. Lamin Dibba, National Agricultural Research Institute of The Gambia (NARI)
Keynote 6: Agroecology Transitions – Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (EPA Ghana)
Keynote 7: Policy, Upscaling and Gender: Agroecology & Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems at Scale in Africa – Critical Pathways to Adoption at Scale – Dr. Moumini Savadogo, West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF)
Scientific Session 5: Agroecology Transitions – Chair: Dr. Erin Anders, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, USA; Discussant: Richard Appoh, World Vision (WV)
Scientific Session 6: Policy, Upscaling & Gender – Chair: Dr. Demba B. Jallow, National Agricultural Research Institute of The Gambia (NARI); Discussant: Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The final day 03/07 focused on policy dialogue and practical implementation:

Keynote 8: Policy, Governance and Way Forward – Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (EPA Ghana).
Policy Briefs and Roundtable Policy Discussion – Moderator: Dr. Jacques Somda; Panelists: Dr. Moumini Savadogo (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development – CORAF), Dr. Marc Corbeels (Climate Adaptation and Mitigation through Nature-based Solutions – CANALLS), Prof. Osman Tahidu Damba (Secretary-General, Ghana Commission for UNESCO), and Prof. Olowole Fatunbi (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa – FARA).

The conference concluded with five parallel workshops:

Workshop 1: Unlocking the Potential of Partnerships for Agroecology in Sub-Saharan Africa – Organised by the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA).
Workshop 2: Measuring What Matters: Participatory Monitoring for Farmers and Agroecology Practitioners Using the TRANSITIONS Metrics Meta Framework – Gloria Kukurije Adeyiga, Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG).
Workshop 3: CIRAWA DSS: An Agroecological Decision-Support System for Soil-Based Crop Planning in West Africa – Nicolas Minary and Nabil Boukala, Landfiles.
Workshop 4: Operationalising Agroecology at Scale: Insights from the Regreening Africa Project in Ghana – Organised by the Regreening Africa Project.
Workshop 5: Agroecological Farming and Biocircular Training Programme (AFBTP) – Organised by the Wuntira Agri Foundation (WAF).

Background:

The EU-funded project CIRAWA has been collaborating with farmers and stakeholders in four West African countries (Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia) since 2023, to develop and share agroecological and nature-based solutions that promote sustainable and resilient farming. The conference also receive support from other EU projects such as CANALLS, PrAEctiCe, and NATAE.

Project	Full project name	Implementation period	EU budget	Consortium
CIRAWA	Agro-ecological Strategies for Resilient Farming in West Africa	November 2022 – October 2026 (48 months)	€7.5 million	14 partners from 9 countries, coordinated by Fundación CARTIF (Spain). The consortium includes CARTIF, CIRAD, University for Development Studies (Ghana), FARA, University of Cape Verde, INIDA (Cape Verde), ISRA (Senegal), NARI (The Gambia), CIFOR-ICRAF, ADPM (Cameroon), and other European and African research and innovation organizations.
CANALLS	Climate Adaptation through Nature-based Solutions: Agroecology Living Labs in Sub-Saharan Africa	November 2022 – October 2026 (48 months)	Approximately €8 million	18 partners from Europe and Africa, coordinated by CIRAD (France). Partners include IITA, University of Hohenheim, NIBIO, Rikolto, IRAD, ISABU, Rwanda Agriculture Board, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), FARA and several national research organizations in Central and Eastern Africa.
PrAEctiCe	Potentials of Agroecological Practices in East Africa with a Focus on Circular Water-Energy-Nutrient Systems	November 2022 – April 2026 (42 months)	€6.9 million	16 partners from 9 countries, coordinated by Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Germany). The consortium includes universities and research institutes from Germany, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Portugal, Sweden, Slovenia, Malta and Nigeria, working through Living Labs in East Africa.
NATAE	Fostering Agroecology Transition in North Africa through Multi-actor Approaches	November 2022 – October 2026 (48 months)	€7.4 million	23 partners from Europe and North Africa, coordinated by CIHEAM Montpellier (France). The consortium includes Wageningen University & Research, IUCN, ICARDA, CIHEAM Bari, CIHEAM Zaragoza, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie (INAT), Institut National du Génie Rural, Eaux et Forêts (INGC), Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II (Morocco), and research institutes and NGOs from Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

Together, these four Horizon Europe projects represent a coordinated investment of approximately €30 million in agroecological research and innovation across West, Central, East and North Africa. They share a common emphasis on multi-actor innovation, Living Labs, nature-based solutions, knowledge co-creation, and evidence-based policy development, while each focuses on a distinct African region and agroecological context.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Bambara Groundnut cultivation and processing: A Living Tradition in Ghana

12 June 2026. Field visit of GFAiR and Foodbridge (which leads GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods) following the NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference. (9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana).

For generations, the Krobo people of eastern Ghana have cultivated bambara groundnut as an important food crop, carefully adapting their farming practices to the rhythms of the seasons. Farmers traditionally grow two varieties of bambara groundnut, selecting each according to rainfall patterns and growing conditions. One variety is planted during the major rainy season, taking advantage of abundant moisture to produce high yields, while the other is better suited to the shorter rains and drier conditions. This seasonal approach reflects the deep agricultural knowledge of the Krobo, who have long understood how crop diversity can reduce risk and ensure food security throughout the year.

After harvest, bambara groundnut is stored using traditional methods that help preserve seeds for both consumption and future planting. Farmers carefully dry the pods before storing them in clay pots, woven baskets, or specially prepared granaries, often using natural materials to protect the crop from pests and moisture. These storage practices allow households to maintain a steady supply of nutritious food during the dry season while safeguarding valuable seed stocks for the next planting cycle. The crop's ability to remain viable in storage has contributed to its reputation as a reliable food reserve during times of uncertainty.

Beyond its agricultural value, bambara groundnut is woven into the cultural identity of the Krobo people. The crop is often associated with community celebrations and traditional festivals that mark harvests, express gratitude for nature's abundance, and strengthen social bonds.

The main harvest festival of the Krobo people, is called the Ngmayem Festival, which means "Eating the New Millet" in the Krobo/Dangme language.

During these festive occasions, foods prepared from bambara groundnut are shared among families and visitors, symbolizing prosperity, resilience, and the enduring connection between people, land, and heritage. In this way, bambara groundnut is more than a crop—it is a living tradition that links Krobo farming knowledge, food culture, and community life across generations.

Interview with the ADA traditional chief

Interview with Nene Zotorvie 6th ADA traditional chief. As a chief carrying the "Nene" title in the Ada state, a leader of this stool is expected to: (a) Oversee development, land administration, and community welfare in the Tamatoku or Tehey areas; (b) Sit under the broader authority of the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area (the Ada Maŋtsɛ), currently Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III; (c) Join the annual Ada Asafotufiam Festival to showcase the culture, military history, and unity of the Ada divisions.

Nene Zotorvie V passed away and became the subject of national media attention in September 2018. During his funeral rites, a violent clash erupted between a faction of the Zotorvie family from Tamatoku and indigenes of Tehey over a land and burial space dispute. This tragically resulted in a rival faction attacking the funeral procession and torching the ambulance containing his remains.

Related: CSIR warns indigenous crops are fast disappearing in Ghana

10 June 2026. The article highlights a warning from Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) that indigenous crops such as water yam, African rice, cowpea landraces, bambara groundnut, and traditional leafy vegetables are rapidly disappearing due to changing consumer preferences, urbanization, climate change, and declining cultivation, threatening Ghana's food security, agricultural biodiversity, and cultural heritage despite growing international demand for many of these crops.

Related: Food Plant Solutions released a new resource for Ghana

Potentially Important Food Plants of Ghana has been produced to provide information on approximately 40 edible plants that are known to grow in Ghana. These plants come from all the major food groups and have been chosen because of their high nutritional value. Many of the plants in this book may be neglected and under-utilised plants. This means they may not be well known.

However, because they are high in many beneficial nutrients, and they are already adapted to the environment, and therefore likely to require minimal inputs, they could be important food plants that are likely to be superior to imported foods and plants. Commercially grown plants may also be included in the book, but only if they are significant foods for household consumption.

Related: Can an underused legume transform food security in Ghana?

4 Sept 2025. In this deep dive, we travel to northern Ghana, where Grow Further and CSIR-SARI are developing the first commercial variety of Bambara groundnut, a highly nutritious, drought-tolerant crop traditionally grown by women. With the potential to reach 1.6 million farms in five years, this project is turning Bambara from a subsistence staple into a powerful tool for nutrition, income, and climate resilience.

Why Bambara Groundnut?

Indigenous, protein-rich, and perfect for dryland farming
Especially beneficial for infants and mothers
In demand by food companies like WhatIf Foods for plant-based milk

Women Leading the Way

Women farmers are central to this project, testing new varieties and setting priorities
Improved seeds unlock income, food security, and leadership opportunities

What You’ll See:

🥔 How Bambara supports nutrition and soil health
🥔 Why it’s a climate-smart solution for northern Ghana
🥔 The future of Bambara as a commercial crop
🥔 Sustainable practices like biochar and composting improving yields

NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network

In May 2026, the NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network successfully delivered a four-session Competency-Based Education (CBE) Co-Design Training Series, bringing together more than 30 participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The four-session CBE Curriculum Co-Design Training was delivered virtually on 11, 15, 20, and 25 May 2026.

Facilitated by learning design and CBE specialists in collaboration with GFAiR and RUFORUM, the virtual training equipped subject-matter experts and university representatives with practical skills for developing competency-based curricula. The sessions focused on defining competencies, writing learning outcomes, designing authentic assessments, and aligning curriculum content with enterprise creation, jobs, and livelihoods. The training formed a critical step in the development of an open-source curriculum on neglected and underutilized species (NUS), ensuring that learning is grounded in real-world challenges and workforce needs.

Beyond strengthening participants’ understanding of CBE principles, the training series also fostered collaboration across a diverse network of contributors from 26 countries. The experience generated valuable insights into curriculum development, highlighting both the enthusiasm of a committed core group of experts and the need for continued support and engagement throughout the co-design process. Outcomes from the training directly informed the development of the CBE-enhanced curriculum framework, the drafting of prototype learning materials across seven knowledge blocks, and the identification of block leaders who will guide future curriculum refinement.

As the network moves toward pilot implementation, the CBE Co-Design Training Series stands as a key milestone in building an inclusive, learner-centered, and globally relevant educational resource for NUS education.

Block prototype documents produced:

Block 0: Foundations and Systems - 3 modules
Block 1: Production and Agronomy - 4 modules
Block 2: Post-Harvest and Processing - 3 modules
Block 3: Value Addition and Markets - 4 modules
Block 4: Nutrition and Health - 4 modules
Block 5: Climate and Biodiversity - 3 modules
Block 6: Policy and Food Systems - 3 modules

The NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network was presented at the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, hosted by FAO and FARA in Accra, Ghana (10 June 2026). The presentation, titled “Building an Open-Source NUS Curriculum: Evidence from a Multi-Regional Network of Universities,” drew on ﬁndings from the baseline institutional survey and the curriculum contributors scoping exercise.

A physical workshop in Kampala will be convened for block leads and core contributors to review peer review ﬁndings and ﬁnalise prototype materials. (week of 13 July 2026).

Another e-learning module is currently being designed by FARA with funding of FAO to build awareness and capacity on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), or “Forgotten Foods,” by equipping learners with knowledge on their nutritional, agronomic, economic, and food systems value, and their role in strengthening sustainable, resilient, and diversified food systems across Africa. This e-learning module will support AU policy making by building the knowledge, evidence, and stakeholder capacity needed to integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) into African food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and agricultural development policies.

11-12 December 2025, Nairobi, Kenya. Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) - Linking Education, Innovation, and Enterprise Development

Interviews with participants of the Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

Monday, June 15, 2026

Mugala Naturals: Organic food venture that is powering a climate-smart future

Mugala Naturals exhibited a poster and its products at the NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference (9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana).

Mugala Naturals Kenya is a Nairobi-based agrifood enterprise founded by Kenyan entrepreneur Andrew Egala with the mission of transforming indigenous African crops into nutritious, climate-smart food products. Established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company promotes a “food as medicine” approach by processing traditional grains such as sorghum and millet into gluten-free, low-glycemic foods targeted at health-conscious consumers and people living with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Through its Green Without Borders initiative, Mugala Naturals has positioned itself at the intersection of nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture, demonstrating the commercial potential of Africa’s forgotten and underutilized crops.

Beyond food processing, Mugala Naturals works closely with smallholder farmers in Kenya’s semi-arid regions to create inclusive value chains for indigenous crops. The company promotes sorghum, millet, cassava, honey, peanut products, instant porridge mixes, and other plant-based foods while advocating for biodiversity conservation, healthy diets, and climate-resilient farming systems.

By combining traditional African food heritage with modern food innovation and market development, Mugala Naturals has become a leading voice in the movement to reposition indigenous crops from “forgotten foods” to high-value products capable of improving nutrition, generating rural incomes, and strengthening Africa’s food sovereignty.

Africa's regional stakeholders conference on Neglected and Underutilised Species

9 - 11 June 2026. Accra, Ghana. NUS Africa's regional stakeholders conference. Co-organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the hybrid event focused on integrating neglected and underutilized “forgotten foods” (like millets, fonio, and sorghum) into African food systems.

The conference strongly aligned with GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods by addressing policy integration, capacity strengthening, seed systems, breeding, market development, and multi-stakeholder partnerships for neglected and underutilized crops. Notably, GFAiR contributes directly through the presentation on embedding opportunity crops into education and capacity development systems, reinforcing GFAiR's role in knowledge exchange and innovation for resilient food systems.

The regional consultation for Africa highlighted the strategic role of opportunity crops in contributing to

sustainable, nutrient-sensitive agrifood systems and climate-resilient agriculture in the region by:

Assess the progress made in the implementation of the Africa manifesto and action plan on forgotten food.
Reviewing and sharing national and regional experiences related to opportunity crops conservation, production, utilization, constraints, and opportunities.
Discussing policy and institutional frameworks needed to enhance production, value chains, and utilization of opportunity crops.
Developing a regional roadmap and collaborative action plan to maintain opportunity crops in food and agricultural policies.
Strengthening partnerships among governments, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society for opportunity crops promotion.

Day 1: Setting the Vision and Overcoming Barriers

Opening Session

Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Regional Representative for Africa
Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Representative of Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Strategic Perspectives on Opportunity Crops

Dr. Chikelu Mba (FAO): Unlocking Africa's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Prof. Elbilali (IADC): Framework for integrating neglected and underutilized species into agrifood systems
Dr. Clement Adjorlolo (AUDA-NEPAD): Scaling opportunity crops through coordinated policy action

Transitioning African Agrifood Systems

Dr. Julia Sibiya (VACS): Opportunity crops for agrifood system transformation
Madam Fatmata Binta (Dineonamat): African ingredients and cultural food value
Prof. Wole Fatunbi (FARA): Progress report on the Africa Manifesto on Opportunity Crops/Forgotten Foods

Theme 1: Overcoming Barriers – Innovative Approaches

Dr. Abdou Tenkouano (ICIPE): Plant health solutions for opportunity crops
Dr. Ousmane Ndoye (CORAF): Research development and networking
Joe Mzinga (ESAFF): Mechanization pathways for smallholder systems

Theme 2: From Knowledge to Action

Dr. Maureen Duru (The Food Bridge): Scaling nutrient-rich crops for food security
Prof. Nelson Ojijo (JKUAT): Awareness raising and consumer recognition
Olawunmi Benedict (GROW West Africa): Producer capacity building and agroecological transition
Prof. Vincent Aduramigba (IAR&T/OAU): Capacity development instruments for NARES and institutions

Theme 3: Regional Actions and Networks

Prof. Wole Fatunbi (FARA): Communities of practice and regional networks
Ms. Ndèye Aïssatou Diop (CORAF): West and Central Africa experiences
Mr. Moses Odeke (ASARECA): Eastern and Central Africa experiences
Dr. Batholomeu Chataika (CCARDESA): Southern Africa experiences

Day 2: Conservation, Breeding, Seed Systems and Markets

Theme 4: On-Farm Diversity and Local Adaptation

Dr. Carlo Fadda (Bioversity & CIAT): Managing crop diversity on farms
Dr. Olakunle Sansa (IITA): Diversity for resilience
Dr. Hillary Muginyo (Zimbabwe): Participatory breeding for locally adapted varieties

Theme 5: Conservation of Opportunity Crops

Dr. Nora Castaneda (Crop Trust): Complementary conservation strategies
Dr. Olaniyi Oyatomi (IITA): Linking on-farm and ex situ conservation
Dr. Bissah Mathilda (PGRI-CSIR): Genetic resource conservation and germplasm exchange
Andrew Mushita (CTDT-ZW): Community seed banks and local stewardship

Theme 6: Breeding for Nutrition and Resilience

Prof. Enoch G. Achigan-Dako (UAC-Benin/AOCC/AfPBA): Collaborative breeding for forgotten foods
Dr. Rita Mumm (AOCC): Strengthening plant breeding capacity in Africa
Mr. Francois Stepman (GFAiR): Integrating opportunity crops into educational curricula

Theme 7: Seed Systems and Value Chains

Yarama (GNRC): Registration of local varieties
Edward Kilawe (FAO): Lessons from the One Country One Priority Product initiative
Dr. Presidor Kendabie (NDU-Nigeria): Sustainable seed systems for forgotten foods

Theme 8: Building Markets and Business Cases

Dr. Yacouba Diallo (AFSTA): Integrating orphan crops into seed trade systems
Mr. John Cordaro (MARS/AOCC): Public-private pathways for opportunity crops
Dr. Stefano Marras (Bayer): Private-sector innovation and investment
Mr. Andrew Egala (GWB Kenya): Market access, short supply chains, and alternative retail models

Day 3: Developing the African Roadmap

Theme 9: Action-Based Roadmap for Opportunity Crops

Participants were divided into working groups to develop a continental roadmap and implementation agenda for integrating opportunity crops into African agrifood systems. This was followed by plenary presentations and discussions on recommendations and next steps.

The consultation concluded with a synthesis by Dr. Chikelu Mba (FAO) and closing remarks from Dr. Aggrey Agumya (FARA) and Ms. Priya Gujadhur (FAO Ghana).