The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its partners, wishes to inform all registered participants, partners, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, media representatives and the general public of an important change of venue for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th FARA General Assembly.

New Venue: Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria
Dates: 27–30 July 2026 

This venue change replaces the previously announced Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

All other arrangements remain unchanged, including the event dates, theme, programme, side events, exhibition, General Assembly, registration and participation arrangements.

The Abuja Continental Hotel provides an excellent conference environment with world-class meeting facilities and hospitality services that will ensure a seamless experience for all delegates while supporting the delivery of one of Africa’s premier agricultural research, innovation and agribusiness platforms.

The four-day programme will continue as planned, featuring high-level opening and plenary sessions; the Science and Partnership for Agriculture Conference (SPAC); parallel technical sessions aligned with the four thematic areas; ministerial and donor dialogues; side events; exhibition and networking opportunities; Nigeria Day activities; and the 10th FARA General Assembly.

Under the theme “Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” AASW9 will convene policymakers, researchers, farmers, private sector leaders, development partners, youth, women, investors and civil society organisations from across Africa and beyond to advance partnerships and practical solutions for transforming African agrifood systems.

FARA appreciates the understanding and continued support of all participants and partners as preparations enter the final stages. We remain committed to delivering a memorable, impactful and well-organised Africa Agriculture Science Week.

Participants are encouraged to update their travel and accommodation arrangements accordingly and continue following official AASW9 communication channels for further event updates.

We look forward to welcoming delegates to Abuja Continental Hotel from 27–30 July 2026 for another landmark edition of Africa Agriculture Science Week.

Media Contacts

AASW9 Secretariat
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
Email: aasw@faraafrica.org Copying babugri@faraafrica.org, nuhuyusuf2005@gmail.com and spennaneach@faraafrica.org
Website: www.faraafrica.org

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The training serves as a pre-event capacity building initiative toward the CIRAWA Agroecology Conference 2026 (July 1-3, 2026) and is organized under the Regional Multi-Actor Research Network (RMRN) initiative. It brings together researchers and technical experts from across Africa to strengthen their capacity to apply Earth Observation (EO) technologies in agroecological research, policy development, and sustainable land management.

Building Digital Capacity for Africa’s Agroecological Transition

Agroecology is increasingly recognized as one of the most promising pathways for transforming Africa’s food systems. By integrating ecological principles into agricultural production, agroecology supports improved soil health, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

However, scaling agroecological practices requires more than sound agricultural knowledge. Researchers and decision-makers also need accurate, timely, and spatially explicit data to monitor landscapes, assess crop performance, evaluate biodiversity, and understand environmental change.

Earth Observation technologies—including satellite imagery, remote sensing, and geospatial analytics—provide exactly these capabilities. Yet across many African institutions, limited technical capacity has constrained their widespread adoption.

The RMRN-CIRAWA training addresses this challenge by equipping participants with practical skills to integrate EO technologies into agricultural research and innovation systems, ultimately improving research quality, policy relevance, and development impact.

A Strategic Partnership for Research Excellence

The training reflects a growing collaboration between European and African institutions working to strengthen scientific capacity for sustainable agriculture.

Led by Earth Observation specialists from the European Commission Joint Research Centre (EU-JRC), the programme is coordinated by FARA and RUFORUM, who are responsible for logistics, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

Together, the partners aim to build a new generation of researchers capable of using digital technologies to solve complex agricultural and environmental challenges facing Africa.

Nine African Countries Represented

The training programme brings together 14 agricultural experts from the RMRN network representing: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

By bringing together researchers from diverse agroecological zones, the training creates opportunities for peer learning, regional collaboration, and long-term scientific partnerships that extend beyond the workshop itself.

From Theory to Practice

Unlike conventional technical workshops, the training adopts a highly practical learning model.

Participants begin by exploring the fundamentals of satellite remote sensing, land-use mapping, and Earth Observation applications in agriculture before progressing to hands-on exercises using industry-standard tools such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) and QGIS.

The curriculum enables participants to process satellite imagery, generate land-cover maps, and interpret spatial datasets that can support research, extension, and policy formulation.

Real African Case Studies

A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on real-world African applications.

Participants will work on practical case studies focusing on:

• Crop type classification
• Landscape-level crop diversity
• Cocoa and coffee mapping
• Agroforestry characterization
• Land-use analysis
• Shade cover estimation using canopy height data

Hands-on exercises draw on examples from Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, enabling participants to apply Earth Observation techniques to actual agricultural production systems using Sentinel-2 imagery and machine learning approaches such as the Random Forest classifier.

Supporting Better Research and Better Policy

The training goes beyond technical skills.

Participants are expected to strengthen their ability to interpret geospatial information and translate scientific evidence into policy recommendations that support sustainable agriculture.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand key Earth Observation concepts relevant to agroecology.
• Access and process satellite datasets, including Sentinel and Landsat imagery.
• Apply EO techniques to monitor agroecological systems.
• Develop research proposals integrating Earth Observation technologies.
• Strengthen collaborative research networks across Africa.

Advancing Africa’s Digital Agriculture Agenda

Digital innovation is rapidly reshaping agricultural research worldwide.

Earth Observation technologies now support climate-smart agriculture, early warning systems, soil health assessment, crop monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and landscape restoration. As African countries seek to improve food security while responding to climate change, these technologies are becoming indispensable.

Through initiatives such as the RMRN-CIRAWA training, African researchers gain access not only to cutting-edge tools but also to collaborative networks that promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based decision-making.

Looking Ahead

The Earth Observation Training marks an important milestone in strengthening Africa’s scientific capacity to accelerate agroecological transformation.

By combining advanced geospatial technologies with collaborative learning, the programme empowers researchers to generate actionable evidence that supports farmers, policymakers, and development partners across the continent.

As preparations continue for the CIRAWA Agroecology Conference 2026, the training demonstrates the shared commitment of FARA, EU-JRC, RUFORUM, and the RMRN initiative to building resilient agricultural systems through science, innovation, and regional collaboration.

The knowledge and partnerships developed during these two days will continue to influence research, policy, and sustainable agricultural development well beyond the conference—helping shape a more food-secure, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable future for Africa.

The post FARA, EU-JRC and RUFORUM Strengthen African Agroecology Research through Earth Observation Training appeared first on FARA Africa.

One such initiative is the Soils for Africa (S4A) Initiative, which has been pivotal in shaping Africa’s agricultural landscape. The S4A initiative has developed a continental, harmonised baseline of soil information crucial for decision support. It responds to the longstanding fragmentation of soil data in Africa, providing policymakers, fertiliser manufacturers, extension service providers, smallholder farmers, and the private sector with reliable, actionable soil data to inform better decisions for sustainable agricultural practices.

Building on this momentum, FARA and ISRIC are conducting a first-level Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for selected African ICT and Knowledge Management (KM) experts. This important step aims to strengthen national and regional capacities to use and host the African Soils Information database developed under the Soils for Africa initiative, now being advanced through the Soils Initiative for Africa (SIA) championed by the African Union Commission (AUC). The AUC has designated FARA as the Technical Support Organisation for the African Soil Information System and the Soils Initiative for Africa.

The Accra Training: Building the First Cohort of Soil Information Ambassadors

The first cohort training is taking place in Accra, Ghana, from April 23 to 26, 2025. Participants selected are undergoing intensive capacity development on the technical and operational aspects of soil information systems, positioning them as the first ambassadors in scaling the African Soil Information System across the continent.

A strong call to action marked the opening ceremony on April 23. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya, the Acting Director for Research and Innovation, Prof Oluwole Fatunbi, welcomed participants and highlighted the critical importance of the initiative:

• He noted that the gathering represented a pool of experts tasked with addressing the current fragmentation of soils data across Africa, a gap ISRIC is technically supporting to bridge.
• He underscored the strategic importance of soil information to key stakeholders – from fertilizer companies to extension workers and policymakers – emphasizing that managing Africa’s soils better is fundamental to agricultural transformation.
• Trainees were encouraged to take the opportunity seriously, likening them to the “first apostles” of the Soil Information System rollout.
• He also pointed to future plans to scale this effort under the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) Project, funded by the European Commission, expected to commence later in the year.
• Finally, he warmly welcomed all participants to Accra, with a special mention to the technical trainers from ISRIC.

In her remarks, Mary Steverink-Mosugu, Projects Coordinator from ISRIC, expressed appreciation to FARA for the strong collaboration and reiterated ISRIC’s commitment to supporting Africa’s drive for better soil management through technical excellence and shared expertise.

A Deep Dive into Soil Information Systems: Program Highlights

Facilitated by Luis Calisto and Eric Asamoah, both experts from the ISRIC – World Soil Information, the four-day training program was designed to provide a comprehensive and practical immersion into soil information systems and related technologies:

Main Workshop Facilitator Luis Calisto, ISRIC

• Day 1: Participants received an overview of the Soils for Africa project and the upcoming AUSO project. Key sessions covered soil data collection principles, FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) practices, and methodologies for organising and serving soil data.
• Day 2: The training featured a guided tour of the Soil Information System (SIS), hands-on exploration of SIS interfaces, and a technical breakdown of SIS architecture and its integration components.
• Day 3: Participants delved deeper into advanced SIS architecture topics, including Git repositories, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CICD) pipelines, and assessment of FARA’s human and infrastructure capacity readiness for hosting and expanding the system.
• Day 4: The final day focused on evaluating training outcomes, assessing FARA’s policy and infrastructure landscape for soil information system deployment, and defining next steps for broader rollout and sustainability.

The workshop concluded with a call for continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing as Africa sets the foundation for a robust, accessible, open and user-driven soil information system critical for achieving sustainable food systems on the continent.

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Brussels, March 11, 2025 – The Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr Aggrey Agumya, took center stage at the ongoing European Union (EU) Conference, “Boosting Agrifood Research and Innovation Cooperation for Impact at Scale”. His participation in a high-level plenary panel underscored the critical role of EU-Africa partnerships in driving impactful research and innovation in Food, Nutrition, and Sustainable Agricultural Systems (FNSSA).

Addressing the session titled “What is the EU R&I Cooperation Landscape: Policies, Partnerships and Instruments?”, Dr. Agumya emphasized the necessity of a mutually beneficial Africa-Europe partnership. As the continental apex organization for R&I in FNSSA and the technical arm of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA), FARA is at the heart of Africa’s agricultural research and innovation ecosystem.

In his intervention, Dr. Agumya provided insights into the institutional structure of agricultural research and innovation in Africa, highlighting its multi-tiered framework. At the national level, the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) play a crucial role, complemented by Sub-Regional Organizations (SROs) such as ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF, and NAASRO. At the continental level, FARA and the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) provide leadership and coordination.

Dr Aggrey Agumya addressing the session

Speaking on priorities for R&I in FNSSA, Dr. Agumya stressed the importance of enhancing the impact of research investments by embedding them within broader development goals, market systems, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. He also called for scaling up innovations, particularly in investments, capacities, and processes, to ensure that impactful agricultural research outputs reach their full potential.

Reflecting on best practices, he cited successful examples where research has been effectively integrated into development programs. Notable among them are the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Desira Initiative, and the Platform for African-European Partnership on Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD). The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme (CAADPXP4) was also highlighted as a crucial initiative fostering a strong R&I ecosystem.

Dr. Agumya further underscored the significance of science-policy engagement in advancing Africa’s agricultural agenda. He referenced key initiatives such as the Soils Initiative for Africa, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) – Kampala Declaration, and the African Food Systems Initiative, stressing that while commitments have been made, implementation has been lacking. He noted that over 93% of AU decisions from 2021 to 2023 remain unimplemented, calling for greater accountability and execution.

Looking ahead, he urged stakeholders to bridge the gap between aspiration and action, noting that no African country is currently on track to meet CAADP targets. He identified improved planning, execution, and investment in R&I as critical steps toward achieving these goals. Additionally, he emphasized the need to move beyond traditional Africa-Europe collaborations, advocating for triangular partnerships with Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region through a Global NARS Consortium.

Dr. Bernard Mallet delivering the keynote address

The session was set in motion by a keynote address from Dr. Bernard Mallet, a senior scientist specializing in tropical forestry and international agricultural research. His extensive experience in leading EU-AU partnerships on food security and sustainability provided a strong foundation for the discussions.

Joining Dr. Agumya on the distinguished panel were key representatives from European and African institutions, including:

• Mahaman Bachir Saley, Officer-in-Charge, Science, Technology, and Innovation Division, African Union ESTI Department
• Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit, International Cooperation (Asia, Pacific, Africa, Middle East), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Luis Viva-Alegre, Team Leader, Research and Innovation Unit, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
• Peter Werheim, Head of Unit, Food Systems and Bioeconomy, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Agnieszka Skuratowicz, Head of Unit, Youth, Education, Research, and Culture, Directorate-General for International Partnership, European Commission
• Mathieu Le Grix, Head of Division, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Biodiversity, Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
• Dr. Stephen Onakuse, President, AGRINATURA
• Dr. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary, RUFORUM

This engaging panel discussion contributed to ongoing policy and investment conversations aimed at enhancing agrifood R&I cooperation between Africa and Europe. The insights shared are expected to inform future collaborations and drive impactful agricultural innovations at scale.

For more details on the conference, visit: https://www.desiralift.org/conference/

Media Contact:
Daniel Obloni Kweitsu | Email: dkweitsu@faraafrica.org
Benjamin Abugri | Email: babugri@faraafrica.org

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