Latest news with #AbebeHaileGabriel
Zawya
5 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
Homegrown innovation leads Africa's agrifood transformation
African-led science and innovation are at the heart of efforts to transform agrifood systems across the continent. That was the central message of a dedicated side event held during the Regional Policy Dialogue on Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in Africa, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The special side event, Scaling Science and Innovation for Resilient Agrifood Systems: African Solutions through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, took place on the second day of the Dialogue and comes in the lead-up to the Science and Innovation Forum during the FAO World Food Forum in October. It brought together African experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore how homegrown innovations can drive agrifood systems transformation across the continent. Opening the session, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel underlined the power of science and innovation in transforming agrifood systems in Africa. He urged countries to scale up successful practices through strengthened partnerships and better policy alignment. 'Africa stands today at a defining moment. Our agrifood systems face immense pressure from intensifying climate change, growing scarcity of land and water, frequent pest and disease outbreaks, and persistent post-harvest losses that undermine productivity and incomes. Yet, amidst these challenges, a new generation of African scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators is reimagining agriculture, its business model, mechanisms of knowledge sharing, and scaling up technologies,' he said. In the keynote address, Professor Anthony Egeru of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) highlighted Africa's untapped potential in homegrown scientific knowledge and innovation. He called for stronger collaboration among African research institutions, noting that intra-African cooperation in science remains limited and must be strengthened to support agrifood system transformation and reduce the continent's growing food import bill. Two expert panels followed. The first highlighted scalable technologies already benefiting smallholder farmers. The second explored how science-policy partnerships can create enabling environments for innovation uptake. Among the innovation champions featured was Innovative Solutions for Decision Agriculture (ISDA), a pan-African company pioneering digital agricultural tools. Their flagship product, the Virtual Agronomist, is a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot that provides farmers with instant, tailored advice on soil health and fertiliser use. The company has already seen a 60 percent yield increase among farmers who use the tool, and their goal is to reach 10 million farmers over the next five years with this context-specific, science-backed guidance. FAO also showcased its innovation in plant protection through the eLocust3, a real-time data transmission tool used by national locust officers to monitor and control desert locust outbreaks. The tool feeds directly into FAO's global Desert Locust Information Service, which supports early warning and coordinated response systems across affected countries. Young innovator Joseph Kawaya from Rwanda (pictured) also presented his work. Initially focused on manufacturing solar-adapted chicken incubators, his business now supports rural cooperatives through a franchised network of hatching stations. 'We're not just selling machines, we're building rural systems that tackle both malnutrition and lack of access to poultry production,' he said. FAO South-South Cooperation Officer Peter Anaadumba underscored the importance of enabling environments to support innovation. He stressed that innovators must be supported by strong policy frameworks, sustained financial commitments, and partnerships. South-South and Triangular cooperation, he noted, offers a platform for exchange, but results will only follow when national systems are ready to absorb and scale innovation. The event reinforced FAO's commitment to advancing African-led solutions and fostering cross-country learning, setting the stage for deeper engagement at the upcoming Science and Innovation Forum later this year. Science and innovation are central themes in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which aims to support countries in transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) bilateral meeting with Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana Honourable Eric Opoku
FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel met today with the Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana, Honourable Eric Opoku, at the Ministry's headquarters in Accra. The FAO Assistant Director-General assured FAO's continued close collaboration with the Government of Ghana. Discussions covered key upcoming global and regional milestones including the FAO 80th anniversary throughout 2025, the 44th Session of the FAO Conference to be held in Rome from 28 June to 4 July 2025, the World Food Forum scheduled for October 2025, FAO's global exhibition 'From Seeds to Foods' and the launch of the FAO Museum, both also scheduled in October during the World Food Forum, and the ongoing Country Office strengthening process to enhance FAO's delivery as One FAO. The pair reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between FAO and Ghana and exchanged views on collaborating on priority areas for joint action, particularly the Feed Ghana Programme, launched by the Government with a view to boosting agricultural production, creating jobs, and reducing food imports. 'The two of us have a common goal: achieving food security and nutrition for everybody,' the Minister said. FAO and Ghana have a special relationship because the FAO regional headquarters for Africa is based in Accra, as well as the FAO Ghana country office. This makes FAO the largest UN agency in Ghana. 'We see FAO's Regional Office for Africa as a huge blessing to the nation. This is an opportunity for us to impact on the lives of the people,' the Minister said. FAO is currently supporting a range of initiatives in Ghana, including improving food security response in northern Ghana in partnership with the European Union, supporting women fonio producers, strengthening the soybean value chain under the One Country One Priority Product initiative, enhancing fisheries governance, and preventing transboundary animal diseases, among others. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
The African Union - Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Spotlights Camelids as Pillars of Climate Resilience at Regional Forum
The Regional Forum on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Africa, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the African Union Commission, began today, with AU-IBAR playing a key role. This three-day event, which focusses on climate resilience, food security, and economic transformation in Africa's livestock sector, emphasises the crucial importance of sustainable practices. The Regional Forum on the International Year of Camelids and Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Africa, co-organized by the FAO and AU-IBAR, aims to promote sustainable livestock systems and the role of dromedary camels in improving food security, resilience, and economic development throughout Africa. The meeting provides an opportunity to explore policy frameworks, highlight successful initiatives, encourage investment, and advance the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation. An accompanying exhibition commemorates the International Year of Camels, highlighting innovations and traditional knowledge from camel-keeping communities. The inaugural ceremony, conducted by FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel, emphasised the importance of modernising livestock systems to meet Africa's growing population demands. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati was represented by AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih, who presented measures to improve sustainability, equity, and resilience in continental livestock systems. She further noted that: 'The vital role camelids and sustainable livestock systems play in achieving food security, improved livelihoods and resilience across Africa.' Dr. Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Livestock Development in Kenya, highlighted the vital role camels play in climate adaptation and economic development across arid regions. In giving a presentation on AU-IBAR's strategic plan and efforts, she noted "AU-IBAR helps Member States modernize policies to increase productivity, enhance animal health and connect value chains through projects such as the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA). Our aims are to share findings and bring stakeholders and through coordinated efforts, we work towards bringing sustainable and resilient value chains.' Throughout the day, AU-IBAR will host discussions about national investments, policy alignment, and camel development, emphasising their commitment to integrating camel resilience methods in dry regions. Discussions on livelihoods, nutrition, and food security, conducted by AU-IBAR's Mary Mbole-Kariuki, will focus on the nutritional benefits of camel milk and AU-IBAR's activities to improve household income and food security. As the forum progresses, AU-IBAR is expected to be involved in discussions about One Health, natural resource governance, and investment policies. Their contributions will shape future policy conversations on food system reform, impacting global summits such as the Africa Climate Summit and COP30. The forum will last until June 12, 2025, with the results intended to inform regional and worldwide plans for sustainable agricultural and resilient food systems. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
