The highly anticipated 8th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW8) was successfully and officially opened on Monday, 5th June 2023, in Durban, South Africa. The event spanned from June 5th to 8th and brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders, offering a unique platform for debate, networking, and idea sharing within the agricultural sector.
Organised by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in partnership with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, the conference delved into pressing issues and opportunities for African agriculture. The overarching theme of AASW8 was 'Linking Science, Innovation, and Agribusiness for Resilient Food Systems.'
Unravelling the complexities of the theme, the conference was divided into five sub-themes: Climate Resilience, Natural Resources Management, Transition to Nutrition-Sensitive and Gender-Responsive Food Systems, Science – Business Nexus to Boost Intra-African Trade, and Knowledge Management, Digitalization, Youth Entrepreneurship, Policies, Institutions, Capacities. The diverse programming of AASW8 included a combination of plenaries, parallel sessions, and side events taking place each day. Additionally, CCARDESA hosted its general assembly on the first day of the conference, Monday, June 5th.
At the official opening of AASW8, CCARDESA Board Chairperson, Prof. Lala Razafinjara, implored African governments and research institutions to seize and create opportunities that strengthen businesses and encourage multi-sectoral collaboration.
FARA Board Chair, Dr Alioune Fall, expressed his vision for transforming the continent's food systems by improving agricultural research and implementation systems. He emphasised the necessity of these changes for the future prosperity of Africa.
Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Josefa Sacko affirmed, "Africa has entered a significant period in its history. We must become resilient to disruptions from other parts of the world."
Emphasising the potential of African agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, stated that while Africa may not yet be manufacturing aircraft, it has the potential to "fill those aircraft with food," thereby playing a central role in the global food supply.
The South African Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Thoko Didiza, further highlighted the importance of agricultural ministers in allocating proper budgets for increased investment and implementing locally-relevant strategies.
The role of the youth in securing the future of agriculture was underscored by the Chairperson of the CGIAR System Board, Professor Lindiwe Sibanda. She urged stakeholders to invest in agripreneurs and facilitate mentorships for the youth to make agriculture a sustainable business.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to Agriculture, an award ceremony was held where FARA recognised personalities with medals. A tangible outcome of AASW8 was an Action Plan to strengthen the partnership between CGIAR and African Agricultural Research and Innovation Institutions. Copies of the Plan were handed over to the heads of AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF, and FARA. Dr Baitsi Podisi of CCARDESA received the copy on behalf of the CCARDESA Executive Director, Prof Cliff Dlamini.
The AASW8 saw diverse participants from across Africa and the globe, including development partners, private sector entities, academia, farmers, youth, women, and research institutions. The discussions and strategies generated during the week provided valuable insights into the future of agribusiness in Africa, further asserting the continent's commitment to addressing global food challenges.
