March 5–7, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya
Mr. Benjamin Abugri, Cluster Lead Specialist for Knowledge Management, Digitalization, and Learning at FARA, joined experts from across the continent for a pivotal Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and AUDA-NEPAD. The three-day event, held from March 5 to 7, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a major step toward preparing for the 5th Biennial Review (BR) cycle under the Malabo Declaration on Agricultural Transformation.
Dr. Janet Edeme – Head, Rural Economy Division in the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission
The workshop aimed to build the capacity of regional experts on the newly updated BR tools and data systems, focusing on enhanced coordination, improved data quality, and refined indicators.
As a participant and contributor, Mr. Abugri delivered a 20-minute presentation sharing key lessons and challenges supporting several countries across the Southern Africa region (including Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Eswatini, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe), particularly under the leadership of CCARDESA, the lead institution for AR4D in the SADC region. These reflections were drawn from extensive engagements during the previous BR cycles and are expected to inform broader continental efforts.
Dr Godfrey Bahiigwa – Director of Agriculture and Rural Development · African Union Commission (Outgoing)
Key Challenges Identified:
- Data Gaps and Reliability: Many countries still face persistent data quality and availability issues.
- Coordination Deficiencies: Weak national-level coordination limits the effectiveness of reporting processes.
- Investment Shortfalls: Low levels of agricultural investment hinder progress towards Malabo targets.
- Limited Youth Engagement and KM Systems: Youth involvement in agriculture remains minimal, and many countries lack formal Knowledge Management (KM) systems.
Cross-Cutting Lessons:
- Strengthening national data systems and coordination mechanisms is critical.
- Boosting agricultural investment and infrastructure remains a priority.
- Fostering youth engagement and integrating KM into national digital policies are essential for sustainable impact.
- There’s a growing need to mainstream KM systems and align them with national policy frameworks.
Strategic Recommendations:
- Robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems at the country level.
- Establishing National Knowledge Management Partnerships and Communities of Practice (CoPs).
- Encouraging peer learning and collaboration among African countries.
- Leveraging networks such as CAADP-XP4, KM4AgD CoP, YPARD, and the Agricultural Journalist Network for shared learning and capacity strengthening.
“The challenges and lessons we identified may well be common across Africa. They provide a solid foundation as we prepare for the 5th BR and the commitments under the Kampala Declaration,” Mr. Abugri noted.
FARA’s Commitment
Representing the CAADP-XP4 Consortium (FARA, AFAAS, CCARDESA, CORAF and ASARECA), Mr. Abugri reiterated FARA’s commitment, alongside the SROs and AFAAS, to support the rollout and scaling of the BR training at both regional and country levels. FARA remains ready to play a central role in supporting national and regional efforts to improve agricultural transformation through evidence-based learning, knowledge sharing, and innovation systems strengthening.
The event was a critical milestone in building continental momentum for the next (5th) Biennial Review, promoting accountability, and aligning efforts toward achieving Africa’s agricultural development goals.
With special appreciation to Ms. Bridget Kakuwa, ICKM Officer for CCARDESA.
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