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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9 July 2026, Tamale, Ghana

The COINS project is holding a three-day engagement in Tamale, Ghana, bringing together farmers, researchers, extension actors, local authorities, members of the Participatory Learning Platform, and other stakeholders to reflect on project results and strengthen pathways for sustainable land management in smallholder farming systems.

The workshop is taking place at the University for Development Studies campus in Tamale as part of the final dissemination and closing activities of the COINS project – Co-developing Innovations for Sustainable Land Management in West African Smallholder Farming Systems. The project seeks to address land degradation and the challenges faced by smallholder crop-livestock farming systems in semi-arid West Africa through context-specific, scalable and climate-resilient sustainable intensification pathways.

Participants of the COINS workshop engage community members in Savelugu and Tolon on Integrated Soil Fertility Management and sustainable land management practices

The first two days of the engagement focused on community-level interactions in Savelugu and Tolon, where project teams engaged farmers and community members on Integrated Soil Fertility Management practices and related sustainable land management innovations. The field engagements provided an opportunity for community members to share their experiences, validate project messages and reflect on how the promoted practices respond to local farming realities.

Through these community visits, the COINS team created space for direct dialogue with farmers and local actors. Presentations, demonstrations and feedback sessions allowed participants to discuss lessons from the project, including the relevance, adoption and possible scaling of Integrated Soil Fertility Management approaches in the Northern Region.

On 9 July 2026, the engagement continued in a workshop setting at the UDS Guest House Conference Room. The session brought together members of the Participatory Learning Platform, consortium partners, researchers, extension officers, local authorities and other stakeholders for presentations and discussions on the project’s research findings. The day’s programme included an overview of the COINS project, presentations of key research results by consortium members, discussion of the synthesis report, a roundtable on project results, and a survey of participants’ views on Integrated Soil Fertility Management.

Stakeholders participate in the COINS wrap-up engagement and technical presentations at UDS, Tamale.

The Tamale workshop is expected to generate stakeholder feedback on the project’s findings, support validation of results, and contribute to discussions on post-project continuity and scaling of sustainable land management practices. It also provides a platform for strengthening collaboration among researchers, farmer groups, extension officers, government representatives and development partners.

COINS is implemented by a consortium of German and African institutions, with partners including the German Aerospace Center, WASCAL, CSIR-SARI, University of Bonn, University of Ghana, University of Hohenheim, Ruhr University Bochum, ZALF, UNU institutions, IPAR, MANOBI Africa and ACRE Africa. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space under the Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts to ensure that research findings are not only presented to stakeholders but are also validated, contextualised and translated into practical actions that can support resilient livelihoods, improved soil fertility and sustainable land governance in West African smallholder farming systems.

See more on the COINS Workshop in Tamale via: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYPGw

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Accra, Ghana | 1–3 July 2026

The CIRAWA Agroecology Conference 2026 concluded in Accra with a renewed call for stronger partnerships, evidence-based policies, and greater investment in agroecology and nature-based solutions as pathways to transforming Africa’s food systems.

Held under the theme “Agroecology and Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa,” the conference convened scientists, policymakers, development partners, private sector representatives, farmer organizations, civil society, and academia from across Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and develop practical pathways for scaling agroecological transformation.

A High-Level Gathering for Africa’s Food Systems Transformation

The conference officially opened with representation from the Office of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. Hon. Dr. Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff, Dr Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, Policy Advisor – Social Sector, and Dr Hamza Bukari, Policy Advisor – Economic Sector, represented H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food systems transformation.

Hon. Dr. Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana

Participants also included representatives from the European Union, UNESCO, IUCN, FARA, CORAF, CARTIF, the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), World Vision, Amaati, and several research and development organizations.

Their collective presence underscored the growing recognition that no single institution can address the complex challenges of food insecurity, climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation alone.

Science Meets Indigenous Knowledge

Throughout the three-day event, keynote presentations highlighted the importance of combining scientific research with indigenous knowledge systems to accelerate agroecological transitions.

Participants networking and exchanging knowledge

The conference explored how nature-based solutions can improve agricultural productivity while restoring ecosystems, strengthening soil health, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing resilience to climate change. Sessions also examined how education, innovation, and community participation can drive long-term agricultural transformation.

FARA Champions Healthy Soils and Circular Agriculture

One of the conference highlights was the keynote delivered on behalf of FARA Executive Director Dr. Aggrey Agumya by Prof. Oluwole Fatunbi, Acting Director of Research and Innovation.

Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Ag. Director of Research and Innovation, FARA

The presentation, titled “Soil Health, Agro-Waste and Circularity – Recycling: Nature’s Pathway to Healthy Soil,” emphasized the importance of restoring soil fertility through circular approaches that transform agricultural waste into valuable resources.

The keynote reinforced FARA’s commitment to promoting healthy soils as the foundation of resilient food systems and sustainable agricultural productivity across Africa.

Rich Scientific Exchange

The conference featured an extensive programme of scientific sessions covering key themes critical to Africa’s agricultural future, including:

• Agroecological technologies and practices
• Nature-based solutions
• Soil health and circularity
• Metrics, indicators, and monitoring systems
• Agroecology transitions
• Policy, scaling, and gender integration

Research Poster Presentation Sessions

Poster exhibitions, technical discussions, and interactive workshops provided additional opportunities for participants to share research findings, practical experiences, and innovative solutions from across the continent.

From Knowledge Sharing to Action

Beyond scientific presentations, participants engaged in policy dialogues and collaborative workshops designed to bridge the gap between research and implementation.

A section of audience at the Opening Plenary Session

Sessions focused on strengthening partnerships for agroecology, developing holistic approaches to assessing agroecological systems, scaling successful practices, and advancing digital decision-support tools for sustainable crop planning.

These discussions reinforced the importance of translating scientific evidence into practical actions that benefit farmers, communities, and national food systems.

Partnerships at the Centre of Transformation

A recurring message throughout the conference was that successful agroecological transitions depend on collaboration.

Team Members of Local Organizing Committee

Organizers acknowledged the collective efforts of institutions including CIRAWA, CORAF, FARA, IUCN, UDS, World Vision Ghana, EPA Ghana, Amaati, FIDEP, the European Union, and numerous project partners whose collaboration made the conference possible.

Participants also recognized the leadership of conference organizers, keynote speakers, moderators, rapporteurs, communications teams, logistics personnel, and volunteers whose contributions ensured a successful event.

A Shared Vision for Africa

Reflecting on the outcomes of the conference, organizers noted that the three days had delivered far more than presentations. The event fostered meaningful scientific exchanges, practical demonstrations, policy reflections, exhibitions, workshops, and stronger partnerships dedicated to advancing agroecology across Africa.

A section of audience at the Day 2 Plenary Session

Participants left with a shared commitment to ensure that the conference recommendations translate into concrete actions capable of supporting resilient farming systems, sustainable food production, improved livelihoods, and healthier ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

As Africa continues to confront the interconnected challenges of climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, the CIRAWA Agroecology Conference has reinforced the importance of investing in science, innovation, partnerships, and locally adapted solutions.

For FARA and its partners, the conference represents another important milestone in advancing agricultural research for development and strengthening Africa’s transition toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

The partnerships forged, knowledge exchanged, and recommendations developed during the conference are expected to contribute to future policies, research programmes, and investments that place agroecology at the heart of Africa’s agricultural transformation agenda.

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Tamale, Ghana | 7 July 2026 — Policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civil society actors, agricultural extension officers, farmers, and members of the Ghana Participatory Learning Platform are meeting today at the University for Development Studies Guest House Conference Room in Tamale for the DecLaRe final dissemination workshop.

The workshop forms part of the validation, dissemination and exit activities of the regional projects funded under the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space initiative on “Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa.” The initiative brings together the DecLaRe, COINS and INTERFACES projects, which have supported multi-stakeholder dialogue, joint learning and evidence generation for sustainable land management in Northern Ghana and the Savannah Region.

DecLaRe, which stands for Decision Support for strengthening Land Resilience in the face of global challenges, focuses on generating evidence and decision-support recommendations to strengthen land resilience and promote scalable innovations in crop production and animal husbandry in northern Ghana and northern Benin. The project is implemented by a consortium of African and German institutions, including the University of Kassel, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, University of Hohenheim, University of Göttingen, University of Parakou, University for Development Studies and WASCAL.

The Tamale workshop provides a platform for partners and stakeholders to review key research outputs, validate policy briefs and knowledge products, and discuss how research findings can inform policy, practice and local decision-making. The programme includes presentations on DecLaRe achievements, dissemination and validation of policy briefs, discussions on household survey insights, and presentation of the synthesis report of the FONA-funded projects.

A key feature of the workshop is its participatory approach, which allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the relevance, applicability and implementation potential of the project’s research outputs. Through plenary discussions, question-and-answer sessions and participatory validation processes, participants are expected to help refine the knowledge products and strengthen their usefulness for sustainable land management interventions.

The workshop is expected to contribute to improved uptake of research findings by decision-makers, practitioners and local actors, while strengthening collaboration among institutions working to build more resilient land-use systems in Ghana.

The DecLaRe dissemination workshop is the first in a series of related closing and validation workshops taking place in Tamale in July 2026, followed by the COINS workshop and the INTERFACES workshop.

Turn knowledge into action. Enrol in the E-Certificate in Sustainable Land Management in Africa and gain the skills to restore landscapes, strengthen land governance, and support climate-smart solutions across Africa. Apply by 24 July 2026: https://e-learning.faraafrica.org/Learn/register/

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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.

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Two international soil health initiatives, the Africa Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) and the Mediterranean Soil Health initiative (SOILS4MED), have signed a letter of agreement to advance knowledge exchange on soil health indicators and soil information systems in support of food security and sustainable land management.

AUSO is focused on building a comprehensive soil observatory for Africa, and SOILS4MED is working to harmonise soil health monitoring across the Mediterranean region.

Recognising the pressing need for comprehensive soil data and capacity strengthening to support protecting, restoring, and improving soil health, sustainable land management, and climate change adaptation, under the agreement, AUSO and SOILS4MED will exchange information and knowledge on soil health monitoring and indicator development, and collaborate on capacity strengthening activities and stakeholder engagement. The partnership aims to strengthen soil health monitoring and sustainable land management across both regions, with a particular focus on North Africa as a shared geographic interest.

Media contacts

AUSO – Africa Union Soil Observatory: Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management, Digitalisation & Learning Cluster Lead, babugri@faraafrica.org

SOILS4MED – Mediterranean Soil Health Initiative: Zucca Claudio, clzucca@uniss.it

About AUSO

The African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) aims to establish a comprehensive soil information system for Africa to support the management of African soils. AUSO is being developed under the leadership of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), with support from the EU Horizon programme and in collaboration with 23 consortium partners.

About SOILS4MED

SOILS4MED aims to engage a broad platform of Mediterranean scientists and stakeholders in co-designing scientifically sound, policy-relevant soil health indicator sets and harmonised monitoring strategies across the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on non-EU countries, as an enabling condition for Sustainable Soil Water Management and for the protection, restoration, and improvement of soil health and land conditions in the region. SOILS4MED is being developed under the leadership of the University of Sassari (UNISS), funded by the European Union, European Commission – EU-EC, and in collaboration with 14 consortium partners.

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Ag. Director of Research and Innovation, FARA

 “The world is nothing but change; our life is only perception.” — Marcus Aurelius

This timeless wisdom is fitting for World Soil Day 2025, celebrated under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” As Africa’s cities expand and evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that their sustainability depends on an often-overlooked foundation: the health of the soil beneath and around them. Soils are living systems that deliver essential ecological services, attenuating atmospheric toxins, degrading biotic and abiotic wastes, purifying water, cycling nutrients, storing carbon, and moderating temperature. Without healthy soils, urban environments lose their resilience, becoming vulnerable to flooding, pollution, food insecurity, and biodiversity collapse.

Africa’s urban growth is occurring across landscapes already burdened with high levels of degradation. Current assessments show that as much as 65% of the continent’s productive land is degraded, while about 45% faces risks of desertification. These trends weaken the soil’s ability to regulate water, sustain vegetation, maintain fertility, and support the peri-urban agriculture that feeds millions. Even more concerning is the accelerating pace of decline.  Over the past two decades, the proportion of degraded land in Sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled, rising from 7.1% to 14.5%, a rate faster than the global average and indicative of mounting pressures on ecosystems.

Urban pollution further complicates this picture. The soils in many African cities now serve as sinks for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, microplastics, and industrial wastes. Research reveals that peri-urban farmlands around some cities in Africa contain multiple heavy metals that exceed permissible limits for food-producing soils. In others, wastewater-irrigated fields exhibit zinc concentrations that surpass WHO thresholds. Such pollution poses direct threats to “life on land,” undermining plant health, degrading microbial ecosystems, and exposing urban populations, especially those reliant on city-grown vegetables, to serious health risks.

These ecological failures translate into significant economic losses.  In Africa, soil degradation contributes to an estimated 3% annual loss of agricultural GDP, draining resources that countries urgently need for infrastructure, climate adaptation, and urban development. This economic argument reinforces a simple truth: healthy soils are not an environmental luxury but a core asset for national stability and urban prosperity.

At the same time, urban and peri-urban agriculture remain a vital lifeline for African cities. Studies show that these systems supply up to 40% of cassava, 80% of poultry products, 90% of lettuce, and an astonishing 95% of fresh milk in some rapidly growing cities. When soils in these zones degrade or become contaminated, the nutritional well-being of urban households is directly jeopardized. This linkage between soil health and urban food systems underscores the urgency of coordinated action.

Aligning with the African Union Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), several key interventions stand out. The first is the placement of real economic value on topsoil. Construction activities often remove fertile topsoil that is treated as waste, yet this material could be redeployed to restore degraded farmland, support urban greening or rehabilitate peri-urban vegetable corridors. Recovering and reusing topsoil should become standard practice in African cities. Equally important is the institutionalization of soil monitoring within urban planning. Soil assessments, contamination checks, and digital soil maps should guide city design decisions and building approvals. Nature-based solutions such as urban forests, permeable pavements, rain gardens, bioswales, and green corridors can help restore soil function while improving urban microclimates. Investments in digital soil advisory services, driven by partnerships among FARA, AARiEIs, CGIAR centres, and the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO), will provide the real-time data needed for informed decision-making. Public awareness must also deepen, ensuring that citizens, developers, and policymakers understand that soil is a living system whose health underpins urban resilience.

As we commemorate World Soil Day 2025, the message is clear: African cities can only be as healthy as the soils that support them. Safeguarding soil health through better policies, scientific innovation, responsible urban development, and recovery of topsoil is indispensable for building sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities for future generations.

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The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Ghana), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has emphasised the need for science-driven solutions and innovation in combating land degradation and building climate resilience.

Speaking at the INTERFACES Status Seminar in Accra , Dr Muhammed highlighted the pressing issue of sustainable land and natural resource management, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where soil erosion, erratic rainfall and diminishing soil fertility threaten ecosystems and livelihoods.

Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Ghana), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

The Minister stressed that “science and innovation must drive efforts to address land degradation and promote sustainable development”. He also affirmed the need for scientific research to inform decision-making, implementation and empowerment, rather than remaining confined to academic circles.

Commitment

Dr Muhammed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening research and development, citing initiatives that support sustainable enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He called on government agencies to enhance communication and collaborative partnerships to unlock private capital and advance the scientific community.

He commended the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) for its continental leadership in agricultural innovation and policy support and assured the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for FARA’s work.

“I commend the five projects that have come together here today for their transdisciplinary approaches that bring together science, policy and community action. By integrating local knowledge with advanced tools such as drone technology, and engaging all stakeholders—from traditional authorities to academia—these projects set a benchmark in participatory land governance,” the Minister said.

Seminar

The seminar, funded by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Centre for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, was attended by over 120 leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners.

It aimed to foster transdisciplinary exchange on sustainable land management, climate resilience and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A section of stakeholders and participants during a research presentation workshop session at the Sustainable Land Management in Sub Saharan Africa Status Seminar 2025

It highlighted four major research projects—COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu and InfoRange—as well as the INTERFACES initiative, which fosters collaboration between institutions in Germany and several African countries.

The seminar also offered a platform to showcase research outcomes and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, from scientists to traditional authorities, youth representatives and development partners.
Participants explored how collaborative knowledge development and innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, building stronger connections between Africa and Europe.

Government plans

Speaking at the event, the Social Sector Policy Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Miriam R. Iddrisu, said the government had outlined a holistic strategy to enhance agriculture and encourage sustainable land use.

She indicated that, aligning with national development priorities and international climate responsibilities, the government’s efforts focus on empowerment, resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Dr Iddrisu noted that the government was dedicated to making agriculture appealing to young people and women through skills training, financial access and technology-driven opportunities.

 

Social Sector Policy Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Miriam R. Iddrisu

 

“Government is instituting Women in Agriculture, a dedicated initiative aimed at improving women’s access to land, finance and business development opportunities, advancing gender equity and structural inclusion,” she said.

She emphasised that the government had also placed strong emphasis on empowering small-scale and vulnerable farmers through inclusive planning and targeted assistance, such as the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry project under the Feed Ghana Programme, to boost local poultry production and reduce import dependence, with a focus on supporting smallholder and youth farmers.

INTERFACES Project and leadership

For his part, the Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya, highlighted the significant progress made by the INTERFACES project in promoting sustainable land management and addressing critical issues related to land degradation, soil health and inclusivity.

Dr Agumya explained that the project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, aims to connect individual projects focusing on specific aspects of sustainable land management.

He stressed the importance of bringing issues of soil health, land degradation and erosion to the attention of policymakers and the general public.

Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya

Highlighting Ghana-specific initiatives, Dr Agumya said, “The project is mainly based in Ghana’s Northern Region, focusing on outreach, knowledge management and capacity development.”

“The project addresses issues of soil fertility management, inclusivity and land tenure, particularly regarding women’s access to land. It also focuses on youth engagement and gender issues related to land management,” he said.

Dr Agumya added that the project’s engagement with traditional leadership was a novel aspect, particularly in the context of land governance. He said the project also partners with local institutions, universities and traditional authorities, recognising the crucial role traditional leaders play in land management.

Source: Daily Graphic Online

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The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has disclosed that government is engaging development partners and evaluating proposals aimed at reclaiming lands devastated by illegal mining activities, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.

Speaking at the INTERFACES Status Seminar held in Accra, Dr. Muhammed emphasised that reclaiming degraded lands is not a one-off event but a long-term process that requires scientific input, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment.

“We are engaging partners to come up with means by which we can reclaim those lands. It needs scientific work and substantial investment. Even if you reclaim the land and do not do it well, they cannot use it for farming because the topsoil—which contains the nutrients—would have been destroyed,” he stated ,referencing farmlands used for illegal mining.

He revealed that several proposals had been received and were currently under evaluation.

Sustainable land management

Dr. Muhammed called for a shift towards sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture, warning that land degradation has severe economic implications.

He linked the rise in Ghana’s import bill for rice and poultry—from US$500 million in 2016 to over US$3 billion by 2025—to poor agricultural productivity due in part to degraded lands.

“When we spend billions importing what we can produce, it affects the economy, job creation, and livelihoods,” he noted.

He highlighted the role of research in reversing land degradation and promoting responsible agricultural practices. To that end, he announced the launch of Ghana’s first Science and Technology Forum, to be held bi-annually, bringing together academia, research institutions, and the private sector to translate research findings into actionable solutions across sectors including agriculture.

The Minister also applauded the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), based in Ghana, for its leadership in agricultural innovation, capacity building, and knowledge management across the continent.

Commitment

He reiterated government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy environment for the mainstreaming of research-based solutions and building local capacity through partnerships that prioritise knowledge transfer over mere financial aid.

Status Seminar

The Status Seminar 2025, funded by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), FARA and the Centre for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, convened over 120 experts from across Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge on inclusive and climate-resilient land management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Organised under the INTERFACES project, the event highlighted FARA’s role in advancing sustainable land use through capacity building, knowledge management and policy engagement.

It featured key outcomes from projects such as COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu, and InfoRange, showcasing how locally adapted solutions—driven by collaboration among researchers, communities, and policymakers—are helping address critical challenges like soil degradation, gender inequality, and food insecurity.

Gender disparities in land governance

Delivering an address on behalf of the Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Dr. Miriam Iddrisu highlighted the urgency of addressing gender disparities in land governance across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She stressed that sustainable land management and climate resilience are unattainable if women remain excluded from foundational systems such as land governance.

 She said while women constitute nearly half of the agricultural workforce, their access to land, credit, and decision-making remains severely constrained.

 “This gender gap is not only unfair, it is inefficient and detrimental to economic and environmental sustainability,” she emphasised.

Legal and cultural barriers, she noted, continue to prevent women from owning or inheriting land, with their voices largely absent in land-related policymaking.

As such, called for deeper collaboration among traditional authorities, researchers, civil society, and policymakers to advance inclusive reforms, while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive in agriculture, with land as a platform for empowerment, productivity and resilience.

Strategic partnerships and FARA’s role

For his part, Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships in turning agricultural research into real-world impact.

“We stand at a crossroads. Our agricultural systems, particularly those led by smallholder farmers, are facing serious threats—from degraded soils and low productivity to climate-related shocks and weak institutional support. Strategic collaboration is no longer optional; it is essential,” he noted, underscoring the power of collaboration in addressing degraded soils, climate change, and food insecurity.

He highlighted FARA’s leadership role in the INTERFACES initiative—driving knowledge management, science communication, and capacity strengthening across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Agumya also celebrated the achievements of INTERFACES Knowledge Management Fellows and reaffirmed FARA’s commitment to building resilient agricultural systems through inclusive innovation, institutional support and youth engagement.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its sustained support to FARA, including hosting its Secretariat within the CSIR enclave and the recent commitment to provide a dedicated office space to enhance FARA’s operations.

Source: Business & Financial Times Gh

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The 70-member delegation included researchers from across Africa—Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal, Kenya, and Namibia—as well as Germany. Also present were traditional leaders and officials from various public institutions. The visit formed part of the Status Seminar on Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa, held from June 2–6 under the theme “Improving Livelihoods through Local Research Initiatives within the Strategy of the Platform Research for Sustainability (FONA).”

The purpose of the field visit was to gain firsthand insight into FLL’s innovative greenhouse production systems, particularly its model for youth-led vegetable farming and agribusiness.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Boamah Okyere, Managing Director of Fresh Logistics, alongside Mr. Larry Selorm Amekuse, Chief Agribusiness Architect at Agri-Impact Limited, and other senior staff.

Mr. Boamah led the visitors on an extensive tour of the greenhouse facility, explaining core operational processes including nursery management, irrigation and fertigation systems, integrated pest control, harvesting, and market distribution strategies. He emphasized Fresh Logistics’ commitment to sustainable vegetable production, modern technology adoption, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.

“It was a pleasure to share our work with the FARA delegation,” Mr. Boamah said. “This visit offered a great platform for knowledge exchange and potential collaboration. Our model is centered on sustainable production, gender inclusion, and empowering youth to drive Africa’s agricultural future.”

Dr. Tina Beuchelt, a senior scientist at the Centre for Development Research, University of Bonn, lauded Fresh Logistics for its professionalism, gender-sensitive practices, and innovative greenhouse model.

“We were particularly impressed by the active involvement of youth and the visible leadership roles held by women,” Dr. Beuchelt noted. “This is a powerful demonstration of inclusive, sustainable agriculture in action.”

Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management and Outreach Officer at FARA, described the field visit as a fitting and inspirational close to the week-long seminar.

“Fresh Logistics has developed a model that is practical, scalable, and replicable,” Mr. Abugri said. “Its focus on youth, gender equity, and market-oriented approaches offers a blueprint for agricultural transformation across the continent.”

The team also toured the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) site at Dawhenya as part of the day’s activities.

The Fresh Logistics team also expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with FARA and other partners to strengthen innovation, resilience, and food systems across Africa.

About Fresh Logistics Limited (FLL)

Fresh Logistics Limited is a Ghana-based agro-company focused on the production, marketing, and distribution of high-quality fresh vegetables. Operating under strict quality control protocols in greenhouse environments, FLL supplies produce year-round to a wide buyer network including ShopRite, Eden Tree, Farmers Markets, Vegetable Direct, JOFOEL, and other retailers across major market centers.

A subsidiary of Agri-Impact Group, Fresh Logistics sources vegetables from Agri-Impact-managed farms and registered farmer networks, with a business model anchored in food safety, quality assurance, and adherence to good agricultural practices.

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Source: Citi News & Agri Impact

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