Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Upcoming webinars during the month of March 2023

HORTIFLORA EXPO 2023

 Mar 8, 2023 - Mar 10, 2023

The Expo will not only serve as a platform for exhibiting national and international suppliers who want to meet Ethiopian growers, but as well for exhibiting Ethiopian growers who want to meet international buyers of flowers and fresh produce.

AGRA-AUC INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION

 Mar 8, 2023 - Mar 8, 2023

The event will demonstrate and explore modalities for women’s participation and leadership in championing transformative digital technologies for sustainable and inclusive agriculture development.

AGRO-DAIRY & POULTRY EAST AFRICA 2023 (RWANDA)

 Mar 11, 2023 - Mar 13, 2023

The “Agro-Dairy & Poultry East Africa is undeniably eminent for an international trade fair. Here exhibitors have the only space to get involved with their prominent products. While farmers &animals’ breeder showszero tolerance in considering this fabulous exhibition.

FOODPACK EAST AFRICA 2023 (RWANDA)

 Mar 11, 2023 - Mar 13, 2023

Foodpack East Africa 2023 provides a unique opportunity to expand your brand in one of the most astonishing business destinations in Asia. The Exhibition attracts exhibitors from around 16 countries.

GRAINS AFRICA 2023 - RWANDA

 Mar 11, 2023 - Mar 13, 2023

With exhibitors from more than 16 countries across the globe, this event provides a unique opportunity for new connections and networking with visitors from East and Central Africa.

AFRICA AGRI TECH 2023

 Mar 14, 2023 - Mar 16, 2023

The Africa Agri Tech Conference and Exhibition is dedicated to connecting the Southern African agricultural, scientific, and technology communities at one event, exploring global trends and advances in agricultural science, technology and innovation

PRO-AGRO EAST AFRICA

 Mar 14, 2023 - Mar 16, 2023

This premier event is a good place to introduce a new product or service in the Agro-processing business. You will be able to interact with major players within the business at this leading B2B industry event.

AGRITECH WEST AFRICA

 Mar 15, 2023 - Mar 17, 2023

AWA would be the finest exhibition and marketing platform for companies in the agriculture technology, agro chemicals, irrigation & systems, and all products related to agriculture and value addition, if they are targeting to connect partners and expand your business in West Africa.

GRAINS AFRICA 2023 - UGANDA

 Mar 17, 2023 - Mar 19, 2023

Grains Africa 2023 gives a unique scenario regarding Grains & Cereals. That absolutely affiliates the different exhibitors in one place. In considering the land products, it also indulges the bright aspects of Flour, Silos, Cereals, Beans, Legumes, Rice, Graders & Sorters.

FOODPACK EAST AFRICA 2023 - UGANDA

 Mar 17, 2023 - Mar 19, 2023

The “Foodpack East Africa 2023” is undeniably eminent for an international trade fair. Here exhibitors have the only space to get involved with their prominent products. While Processors, Growers, Sellers & Buyers in considering this fabulous exhibition.

AGRO DAIRY AND POULTRY EAST AFRICA 2023 - UGANDA

 Mar 17, 2023 - Mar 19, 2023

Agro Dairy And Poultry East Africa gives a unique scenario regarding agriculture & technology. That absolutely affiliates the different exhibitors in one place.

FRUIT EXPO 2023

 Mar 17, 2023 - Mar 19, 2023

Fruitexpo 2023 provides a unique opportunity to expand your brand in one of the most astonishing business destinations in Africa. The Exhibition attracts exhibitors from around 16 countries.

2023 AGRODEP ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 Mar 21, 2023 - Mar 23, 2023

The hybrid event will bring together key actors from the AGRODEP network to exchange on cutting edge economic modeling and research tools, access to data sources, training, research grants, and networking opportunities to enable them address strategic development issues facing Africa.

VIRTUAL AFMASS FOODTECH SUMMIT

 Mar 22, 2023 - Mar 22, 2023

AFMASS Food Expo has been powering the pace of food innovation; new technologies adoption; supply chain resilience and business growth in the food industry in Africa since 2015.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS MODELS IN AGRICULTURE

 Mar 27, 2023 - Mar 29, 2023

The IBMA was created to enable an open discussion and sharing of ideas. This, in the spirit of an open lab and disruptive business models that will allow rapid significant changes that non-developed economies desperately need. By attending IBMA 2023, you will cement a life-long legacy as part of a movement that will transform the agro sector in your country from poverty to prosperity based on effective business models, not exploitation or charity

AGROFOOD NIGERIA

 Mar 28, 2023 - Mar 30, 2023

This event will feature digitalization, finance, and agrotech, as well as local and international companies and investors across the globe on Agriculture, food processing & packaging technology, and food and hospitality.

AFMASS FOOD EXPO

 Mar 30, 2023 - Apr 1, 2023

AFMASS Food Expo showcases the latest products from small, medium and large food companies and an array of equipment, packaging, ingredients and other solutions from Africa and the World.

INNOVATIVE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS IN AFRICA

 Mar 30, 2023 - Mar 30, 2023

Whether you are an aspiring social entrepreneur, an impact investor, or simply interested in learning more about the role of entrepreneurship in driving positive change, this webinar is not to be missed!

AFRICA FOOD AWARDS

 Mar 31, 2023 - Mar 31, 2023

Join industry leaders, investors, managers and professionals from Africa and the World at the region’s most-respected Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, as we review the year and celebrate the industry’s leading companies, innovations, achievements and impact on the community.

THE SKOLL WORLD FORUM

 Apr 12, 2023 - Apr 14, 2023

The Skoll World Forum will be an opportunity to build your expertise and connect with other leaders and innovators in a collective pursuit of a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURAL MODERNIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

 Apr 13, 2023 - Apr 14, 2023

This event provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers and practitioners to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Agricultural Modernization

SASDT 2023 SYMPOSIUM

 Apr 17, 2023 - Apr 18, 2023

The focus of this symposium is on opportunities to future-proof the dairy industry with a strong line-up of local and international presenters coming to explain the essence of responsible production, processing and messaging means for the dairy sector.

SASDT: DAIRY - THE NEXT DECADE

 Apr 17, 2023 - Apr 18, 2023

The SASDT will hold its 2023 symposium in KZN, with the focus on opportunities to future-proof the dairy industry. A strong line-up of presenters will explain the essence of responsible production, processing and messaging means for the dairy sector.

AFBC UK - NIGERIA INVESTMENT FORUM

 Apr 19, 2023 - Apr 19, 2023

The conference will bring together business leaders, Government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, diasporas, experts, policymakers, academia and professionals from across the World to deliberate and showcase economic growth opportunities in Africa.


AGRITECH EXPO ZAMBIA 2023

 Apr 20, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023

This show aims to attract more than 20,000 farming professionals, 240+ local and international exhibitors and 7 international country pavilions - all in one location and with the goal of driving Zambia's agri sector forward

YEIS 2023

 Apr 23, 2023 - Apr 23, 2023

The Young Entrepreneur International Summit 2023 is a unique gathering of outstanding young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURAL, BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGICAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

 Apr 23, 2023 - Apr 23, 2023

The International Research Conference is a federated organization dedicated to bringing together a significant number of diverse scholarly events for presentation within the conference program.

BLOEM SHOW 2023

 Apr 27, 2023 - May 6, 2023

The Bloem Show is an annual show that successfully combines agricultural, entertainment, and trade activities in one event. Bloem Show combines eight sections to ensure a successful annual show. This includes Commerce and Industry with exhibitions, food stalls etc.

NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXPO 2023

 May 2, 2023 - May 4, 2023

NIAExpo 2023 is the leading platform for smart farming technologies in West Africa. It is able to attract a wide range of international visitors and participants. It also offers attendees and executives a unique networking opportunity.

THE AFRICA FOOD SAFETY & NUTRITION SUMMIT EASTERN AFRICA EDITION

 May 10, 2023 - May 12, 2023

The Africa Food Safety & Nutrition Eastern Africa edition is focused on shedding light into the food safety, nutrition and food security opportunities, challenges and trends in the Eastern Africa region.

ETHIOPIA AGRI AND FOOD EXPO 2023

 May 11, 2023 - May 15, 2023

Ethiopia Agrofood & Pack Expo is an international Expo for Food, Beverage, Agriculture, Energy Drinks, Can Food, Irrigation, Water Systems & Purification, Raw Materials, Kitchen & Hotel Equipment, Dairy Products, Catering, FMCG Products & Machinery, etc.

ETHIOPIA AGRI & FOOD EXPO 2023

 May 11, 2023 - May 15, 2023

Int’l Expo for Food, Beverage, Agriculture, Energy Drinks, Can Food, Irrigation, Water Systems & Purification, Raw Materials, Kitchen & Hotel Equipment, Dairy Products, Catering, FMCG Products & Machinery etc.

WATREX EXPO

 May 15, 2023 - May 17, 2023

We are back to deliver you an incredible and safe Water show So, Find out how to maximize your brand exposure at the largest water and waste water show in North Africa and the Mediterranean region.

NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK EXPO

 May 16, 2023 - May 18, 2023

NIPOLI EXPO, largest sourcing platform for poultry and livestock products and services in West Africa and Farmers and Key Buyers mostly Attending exhibition. With adequate focus on poultry and livestock farmers Busienss-2-Business

NIGERIA POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK (NIPOLI) EXPO

 May 16, 2023 - May 18, 2023

NIPOLI serves as West Africa's largest one-stop platform with the most active transactions for Poultry and Livestock B2B trade, exchange and cooperation involved in Poultry and livestock Feed, Veterinary, equipment, logistics, consultancy, laboratories etc.

NIGERIA MEAT TECH EXPO

 May 16, 2023 - May 18, 2023

Nigeria Meat Tech Expo, NIMEATech is a platform to showcase the latest innovations, products and services in the Nigerian meat industry. NIMEATech provides an opportunity for local and international companies to exhibit their products and services

NIGERIA POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK EXPO 2023

 May 16, 2023 - May 18, 2023

NIPOLI EXPO, largest sourcing platform for poultry and livestock products and services in West Africa and Farmers and Key Buyers mostly Attending exhibition. With adequate focus on poultry and livestock farmers Busienss-2-Business.

NAMPO HARVEST DAY

 May 16, 2023 - May 19, 2023

The NAMPO Harvest Day is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions. The show also offers producers the opportunity to obtain knowledge from experts in their various agricultural fields by means of debating and discussion panels.

NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL POULTRY & LIVESTOCK EXPO

 May 16, 2023 - May 18, 2023

NIPOLI EXPO is the largest sourcing platform for poultry and livestock products and services in West Africa with farmers and key buyers mostly attending exhibitions.

GHANA TRADE SHOW

 May 18, 2023 - May 20, 2023

GTS is the global platform that aims to connect International Companies to showcase their products and services with the developing market of Ghana & other West & Central African countries.

KENYA POULTRY EXPO 2023

 May 23, 2023 - May 25, 2023

The Expo will showcase the latest technologies and practices of poultry farming covering production, genetics, nutrition, feed, health, marketing, operations and cost management and other critical factors for successful investment in the sector.

ROYAL SHOW

 May 26, 2023 - Jun 4, 2023

The Royal Show is the largest mixed exhibition incorporating a fully-fledged agricultural component on the continent of Africa. Not only does this include the exposition of some of the country's finest livestock and agricultural equipment but also a range of ancillary act

FOOD INGREDIENT AFRICA 2023

 May 28, 2023 - May 30, 2023

The conference programme in partnership with MENA Food Safety Associates (MEFOSA) and will include insights on latest trends and challenges facing the industry today.

PROPAK MENA

 May 28, 2023 - May 30, 2023

ProPak MENA is the comprehensive exhibition for the F&B packaging industry in the MENA region that provides innovative solutions and a chance to connect with industry leaders.

PALMEX AFRICA 2023

 May 30, 2023 - Jun 1, 2023

PALMEX AFRICA 2023 is the only specialized Palm Oil event in Africa that brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies and also its supporting industries to showcase latest developments in the palm oil industry.

FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT SOUTH AFRICA 2023

 May 30, 2023 - May 31, 2023

This summit will deliver global insights and zone in on some of the fundamentals that continue to present challenges in our systems and facilities

INVENTURES 2023 STARTUP PITCH EVENT

 May 31, 2023 - Jun 2, 2023

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to pitch your product or service to a panel of leading VCs, angel investors and industry heavyweights. Finalists receive free registration to all Inventures programming, access to professional coaching and mentoring opportunities...

NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL AGRI INPUTS AND AGRI EQUIPMENT EXPO

 Jun 2, 2023 - Jun 4, 2023

It is one of the largest agricultural trade show events in West Africa and will bring together experts and trade with the aim of becoming the best business platform in the agricultural chemical and equipment/machinery industry in West Africa.

ISF WORLD SEED CONGRESS 2023

 Jun 5, 2023 - Jun 7, 2023

This event will create a platform for the participant to network and share ideas with the delegates from world-leading seed industries.

INTERNATIONAL SEED FEDERATION WORLD SEED CONGRESS

 Jun 5, 2023 - Apr 7, 2023

The annual ISF World Seed Congress is the International Seed Federation's flagship event which brings together the principal architects and decision-makers of the global seed industry.

IFTEX

 Jun 6, 2023 - Jun 8, 2023

The exhibitions will gather flower growers, market breeders, and the supply chain under one roof with the aim to support sustainable floriculture in Africa.

  

Promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization for enhanced efficiency, income and resilience among smallholders

1 March 2023
. Promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization for enhanced efficiency, income and resilience among smallholders.

The Webinar is part of the ongoing activities under the project titled “Promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization for enhanced efficiency, income and resilience among smallholders” which is funded by GIZ.

This Webinar aimed to share key lessons and achievements from the ongoing project, with a focus on 
  • The field activities in Benin 
  • Gender and mechanization and 
  • The E-learning course on “Small scale agricultural mechanization hire service as a business enterprise.
Speakers:
  • Welcome Remarks - Joseph Kienzle, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy
  • Opening Remarks - Isaias AngueObama, FAO Representative, Benin
  • Brief introduction to the project and an overview and objectives of the Webinar - Joseph Mpagalile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy
Panelists:
  • Rodrigue Gohoungbe, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Benin Project coordination and implementation in Benin: Key activities accomplished in Benin and lessons learnt
  • Marius Aina, Ministry of Agriculture, Benin Capacity development and promoted mechanization postharvest technologies
  • Flavia Grassi, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy. Gender and Mechanization and scaling of technologies
  • Joseph Mpagalile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy E-learning course on “Small scale agricultural mechanization hire service as a business enterprise

Background:

FAO is implementing a project in Benin on “Promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization for enhanced efficiency, income and resilience among smallholders”. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ. The goal of the project is to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and income of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, through the promotion of sustainable mechanization and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). 

The expected outcome of the project is increased access and use of sustainable agricultural mechanization technologies and innovations among smallholders, especially women and youth, in the quest to increase productivity, efficiency and timeliness of operations. 

The project’s key areas of interventions are 
  1. Further developing and promote e-learning materials for small scale mechanization hire service providers; 
  2. Fostering improved postharvest handling of crops including storage; 
  3. Promoting women friendly SAM solutions and enhancing women’s participation in market-oriented agriculture; and 
  4. Supporting the integration of the Green Innovation Centres for the agriculture and food sector (GICAF) in the nationally promoted innovations supporting the Frameworks for SAM in Africa.
Related:

Green Innovation Centres for the agriculture and food sector
  • Title: Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector (GIC)
  • Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
  • Co-funded by: European Union (EU), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC
  • Country: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia, Viet Nam, Zambia
  • Lead executing agency: Different in each country
  • Overall term: 2014 to 2026

Harnessing Technology in the Circular Economy for Climate Action in Africa

28 February 2023. 
Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, reaching 2.5 billion, and the amount of waste generated on the continent could triple by 2050, exerting further pressure on resources, economic activities, and sustainable livelihoods. While 70–80 % of the municipal solid waste generated in Africa is recyclable, only 4 % is currently recycled, and only half of all waste generated is collected, much of it disposed of in dumpsites, rendering Africa home to 19 of the 50 world’s largest dumpsites. 

Circular economy practices and technologies disrupt the traditional linear economy that has relied upon an unsustainable model of production and consumption, accompanied by an ever-growing quantity of waste. Given the need to design systems and technologies that increase resource efficiency, African nations are gaining momentum using the circular economy to meet their climate change and sustainable development goals while reaping a myriad of environmental, social, and economic benefits. 

Across a diverse range of sectors – including agriculture and food systems, the built environment, e-waste, plastics, and textiles – innovative technologies are serving as key enablers of the circular economy in Africa and beyond. 

Resource:



Publications February 2023

CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). (2022). Applying the CGIAR Quality of Research for Development Framework to Process & Performance Evaluations. (Beta version) Rome: IAES. #52 p.
  • These pioneering evaluation guidelines provide the framing, criteria, dimensions, and methods for assessing the quality of CGIAR research for development. They can be adapted by like-minded organizations conducting research for development (R4D).

IFDC (2023) 2023 Register of Fertilizer Manufacturing and Processing Facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa # 64 p 
  • This Register - excluding South Africa, monitors and maps all operational fertilizer producing plants, indicating the available name-plate production capacity in the region.

Soini Coe, E, and Coe, R. 2023. Agroecological transitions in the mind. Elem Sci Anth, 11: 1. #13 p
  • Transition to wider use of agroecology depends on farmers and others who are not yet convinced deciding that agroecology provides the right pathway for them. 

FAO (2023) Harnessing the potential of the 10 Elements of Agroecology to facilitate agrifood systems transformation. From visual narratives to integrated policy design #40 p.
  • Visual narratives using the 10 Elements of Agroecology can guide the holistic visioning needed to better understand transformative change and plausible transitions towards sustainable agriculture and food systems.

IFAD (2023) Frontier technologies for securing tenure: A review of concepts, uses and challenges #68 p.
  • This publication showcases a range of current frontier technologies that are being used in land tenure projects, as well as the associated benefits and challenges. The study reviewed twenty publications and conducted thirteen interviews with knowledgeable experts.

Leakey R.R. B. et all (2022) The Future of Food: Domestication and Commercialization of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa over the Third Decade (2012–2021) #75 p.
  • This paper follows the transition from ethnobotany to a deeper scientific understanding of the food and medicinal properties of African agroforestry tree products as inputs into the start of domestication activities. It progresses on to the integration of these indigenous trees as new crops within diversified farming systems for multiple social, economic and environmental benefits.
  • See for an overview of this paper the PAEPARD blogpost

  • The development of this strategy was overseen and endorsed by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Ethiopian Forestry Development.

RESAKSS (2022) Annual trends and outlook report: Agrifood processing strategies for successful food systems transformation in Africa, #236 p.
  • The 2022 Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR) examines policies to enhance the contribution of the agrifood processing sector to successful food systems transformation in Africa.
  • See IFPRI webinar 09/02
UNEP (2023) Harnessing Technology in the Circular Economy for Climate Action in Africa #64 p.
  • Technologies across sectors – including agriculture and food systems, the built environment, e-waste, plastics, and textiles – will serve as key enablers of the CE in Africa and beyond. 
  • However, countries also need support in strengthening their enabling environments to increase adoption of technologies, practices, and policies. 
  • See webinar 28/02

Regional responses to challenges to soil fertility and sustainability


27 February 2023
. This webinar fostered an evidence-based exchange of views and sharing of experiences among GFAR members and networks on the nature and impacts of fertilizer shortages and price hikes in their regions. It will identify possible actions and solutions that GFAR members can implement in the short, medium and longer term, including fostering better use of fertilizer and the identification and development of alternatives at the regional, national and local levels. The webinar and discussions will be recorded and made available via GFAR platforms and a short report will be drafted and shared after the event.

Recording forthcoming?

See: GFAR BLOG 21/03 A GFAR webinar: Addressing soil fertility

According to the Food security: the Commission addresses the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU and globally, fertile soils enable the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. Fertilizers play a significant role in assuring soil fertility and contribute to ensure food security for all. However, the 5F crisis (food, feed, fuel, fertilizer and finance) has disrupted supply chains, worsening an already challenging situation for global fertilizer markets, affecting food prices and global food security. This comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of accelerating impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss in agrifood systems. This has underlined the need to foster more sustainable development pathways, better fertilizer use and the development of alternatives in developing countries and regions.

Three key issues are at stake:
  1. addressing the challenges posed by the disruption of fertilizer supply chains, especially for small-scale producers;
  2. supporting the development of regional and local alternatives (organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers),
  3. supporting agroecological practices to decrease the dependence to external inputs
Links for further reading
Related:

UNEP (2022) Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticides and Fertilizers and Ways of Minimizing Them # 72 p.

This report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) provides new insights on actions stakeholders could take to minimize the adverse impacts of pesticides and fertilizers to human and environment health.

The Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticides and Fertilizers and Ways to Minimize Them report, written in close collaboration and consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the need for transformative actions and better management of pesticides and fertilizers as global demand and use of the products increases.

The report outlines six priority transformative actions to strengthen pesticide and fertilizer management:Incentivize healthy and sustainable consumer choices and consumption;
Fundamentally change crop management and adopt ecosystem-based approaches;
Promote circularity and resource efficiency;
Use economic instruments to create a level playing field for greener products and approaches;
Adopt integrated and life cycle approaches for sound pesticide and fertilizer management;
Strengthen standards and adopt corporate policies for sustainable supply chain management.