Accra, Ghana – The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has officially become a member of the AU-EU International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA). The consortium, launched at the inaugural General Assembly in Brussels on March 14, 2025, aims to strengthen collaboration between Africa and Europe to address challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture through research and innovation.

Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, expressed optimism about the consortium’s potential to drive impactful research outcomes. As the apex organization coordinating agricultural research for development in Africa, FARA’s inclusion in the IRC not only strengthens Africa’s representation but also leverages expertise across the continent to develop impactful solutions for food and nutrition security, and sustainable agriculture.

FARA joins 23 agricultural institutions from Europe and Africa, including organizations such as CGIAR, CIRAD, African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), as full members of the consortium.

Group photo of members of the IRC on FNSSA at the First General Assembly

Advancing Food Security through Joint Initiatives

The maiden IRC General Assembly brought together stakeholders from Africa and Europe to establish the IRC’s governance and operational structures. The event also featured updates on progress made since the initiation of the CEA-FIRST project, which is laying the foundation for the consortium’s strategic framework.

The International Research Consortium (IRC) is a long-term platform on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) in line with the FNSSA Roadmap of the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD). The IRC is a member-based, multi-actor platform working towards increasing synergies and coherence while reducing fragmentation and duplication of research efforts. It aims to promote higher returns on investments and impact on business development in Africa and Europe, by linking actors, research and innovation projects, initiatives, and funding programmes.

With strong representation and participation of African agricultural institutions like FARA, AFAAS, and CORAF, the consortium is well-positioned to contribute to practical, evidence-based solutions that enhance food, nutrition security and sustainable agriculture across Africa and Europe.

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