written by ‘Wole Fatunbi
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) hosted a partnership brokerage discussion with the team from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Accra Office, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to explore strategic collaboration for advancing agricultural transformation in Africa.
FARA’s Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya (right) and Ag. Director of Research and Innovation, Prof. Wole Fatunbi (left)
Welcoming the delegation, FARA’s Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, reflected on the longstanding cooperation between the Government of Italy and FARA, particularly through the landmark Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme (SSA CP), which contributed significantly to agricultural innovation across the continent.
AICS Program Manager, Filippo Acasto (right)
The AICS team, led by Program Manager Filippo Acasto, presented two important initiatives: SuSTLives (Sustaining and Improving Local Crop Patrimony in Burkina Faso and Niger for Better Lives and Ecosystems) and AgrEcoNUS+ (Agroecological Transition and Community Resilience through Neglected and Underutilized Species in Africa).
Both initiatives seek to strengthen agrobiodiversity and resilient food systems through neglected and underutilized species (NUS), while advancing food sovereignty, ecosystem sustainability, and equitable market opportunities in the Sahel and beyond. The projects are implemented through a broad consortium of European and African partners with support from the European Union, AICS, and SWISSAID.
While FARA is not part of the implementation consortium, its role as a trusted convener and weaver of partnerships that make science work for agricultural development in Africa remains critical. FARA stands ready to support these important initiatives as discussions progress.
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