Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA

20/08/2026

The million-dollar question: How can investments in research deliver the expected impact?

At the heart of agricultural transformation is a critical challenge—not simply how much we invest in research, but how we ensure that those investments translate into real, measurable and lasting impact.

In this special soundbite, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of , shares his perspective on this important question, highlighting the pathways needed to move research beyond knowledge generation towards meaningful outcomes for Africa's agrifood systems and communities.

🎬by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

19/08/2026

What if one of Africa’s oldest grains could help shape the future of its food systems?

, a traditional West African grain, is gaining renewed attention as an opportunity crop with potential to contribute to better nutrition, climate resilience, biodiversity, farmer livelihoods and stronger local economies.

As part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) & campaign to promote the integration and adoption of opportunity crops and neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS), our latest feature explores why fonio deserves great attention across Africa’s food systems.

From its deep roots in African food cultures to its potential for value addition and commercialisation, fonio illustrates what can happen when indigenous crops move from the margins of food systems into research, investment, markets, policy and innovation.

At the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, and highlighted the need to unlock the potential of crops such as fonio through stronger research, seed systems, value chains, market development and supportive policies.

The message is clear: Africa’s food future should not depend on a narrow range of crops. Our agricultural biodiversity is an asset—and opportunity crops can help turn that diversity into nutrition, resilience and economic opportunity.

Discover fonio. Champion opportunity crops. Diversify Africa’s food systems 🔗 https://faraafrica.org/2026/08/19/the-tiny-grain-with-a-big-future-highlighting-fonios-potential-in-africa/

19/08/2026

and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), through its Department of International Cooperation (ICO), are seeking a highly experienced professional to join the partnership advancing organic agriculture, agroecology, sustainable food systems, and market development across Africa.

📅 Submission Deadline: 15th September 2026

The successful candidate will lead and support market, sector and policy development initiatives, build strategic networks among public and private actors, expand organic and agroecological market opportunities, strengthen value chains, support capacity development, and contribute to policy, advocacy and scaling strategies.

and particularly welcome applications from female candidates.

For more information/application 🔗 https://gqr.sh/83dL

Join and in advancing sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa.

18/08/2026

at : Advancing Africa’s Land and Soil Agenda

is taking Africa’s research, innovation and knowledge to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 Mongolia, participating in key side events through the African Union Soil Observatory and the Supporting Pathways to Sustainable Land Management in Africa projects.

From strengthening soil information systems and evidence-based decision-making to advancing sustainable land management, restoration and climate resilience, is helping connect African solutions with global action.

Together, we are turning science into policy, knowledge into solutions, and partnerships into action for healthier soils, resilient landscapes and a sustainable future for Africa.

Follow ’s journey at 🔗 https://unccdcop17.org

18/08/2026

What sumptuous and healthy meals can you make with Okra?

Okra is more than a common vegetable—it is a powerful opportunity crop that can help improve nutrition, strengthen climate resilience, support food security, and create economic opportunities across Africa.

This new blog highlights how okra contributes to healthier diets, performs well under heat and drought conditions, supports smallholder livelihoods, and can become a stronger value chain for women and youth.

The campaign on integrating opportunity crops in Africa's food systems builds on continental efforts to mainstream opportunity crops into food systems, research, seed systems, markets, and policy frameworks. Recent co-convening and consultations in Accra emphasized that crops such as okra should be treated as strategic assets for resilient and diversified food systems 🔗 https://youtu.be/GTO9ShwXi0E?si=MMWDpYVyWOwmUcQo

Africa’s indigenous and underutilized crops are not relics of the past—they are crops for the future. Integrating them into our food systems can diversify diets, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, conserve biodiversity, and stimulate local economies.

and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are promoting stronger research, investment, seed systems, value chains, and public awareness to accelerate integration and/or adoption across the continent.

Read the blog 🔗 https://faraafrica.org/2026/08/13/okra-an-opportunity-crop-for-nutrition-climate-resilience-and-food-security-in-africa/

Let’s champion Africa’s opportunity crops and build food systems that are more nutritious, more resilient, and more prosperous.

13/08/2026

Okra is more than a common vegetable—it is a powerful opportunity crop that can help improve nutrition, strengthen climate resilience, support food security, and create economic opportunities across Africa.

This new blog highlights how okra contributes to healthier diets, performs well under heat and drought conditions, supports smallholder livelihoods, and can become a stronger value chain for women and youth.

The campaign on integrating opportunity crops in Africa's food systems builds on continental efforts to mainstream opportunity crops into food systems, research, seed systems, markets, and policy frameworks. Recent co-convening and consultations in Accra emphasized that crops such as okra should be treated as strategic assets for resilient and diversified food systems 🔗 https://youtu.be/GTO9ShwXi0E?si=MMWDpYVyWOwmUcQo

Africa’s indigenous and underutilized crops are not relics of the past—they are crops for the future. Integrating them into our food systems can diversify diets, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, conserve biodiversity, and stimulate local economies.

and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are promoting stronger research, investment, seed systems, value chains, and public awareness to accelerate integration and/or adoption across the continent.

Read the blog 🔗 https://faraafrica.org/2026/08/13/okra-an-opportunity-crop-for-nutrition-climate-resilience-and-food-security-in-africa/

Let’s champion Africa’s opportunity crops and build food systems that are more nutritious, more resilient, and more prosperous.

12/08/2026

: Watch the highlights from the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa

From June 9-11 2026, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, youth, and farmer organizations at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana for a landmark regional consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa.

The consultation focused on unlocking the potential of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUS)/Opportunity Crops to improve nutrition, strengthen livelihoods, enhance climate resilience, and diversify Africa’s food systems. Participants explored pathways for integrating opportunity crops into national food systems through research, policy, capacity strengthening, value chain development, and knowledge exchange.

This gathering marked an important step toward building a continental agenda that recognizes opportunity crops as strategic assets for sustainable agrifood transformation in Africa.

Watch the video and relive the conversations, partnerships, and shared commitment to advancing resilient food systems across the continent 🔗 https://youtu.be/GTO9ShwXi0E

12/08/2026

Happy 2026!

Today, celebrates the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people across Africa and the world.

Under this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” we recognize that while young people come from diverse backgrounds, they share a common vision for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Young innovators, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers are already shaping Africa’s agrifood systems through bold ideas, climate action, digital innovation, and community leadership. remains committed to creating opportunities that amplify youth voices, strengthen skills, foster innovation, and support meaningful participation in agricultural research and development.

To every young person driving positive change in your community—your ideas matter, your leadership matters, and your future matters.

Happy ! 🔗 https://faraafrica.org/2026/08/11/one-institution-one-pledge-lasting-impact-africa-and-eu-institutions-invited-to-turn-inclusion-into-action/

07/08/2026

: joins continental dialogue on youth-led climate and agrifood innovation in Africa, July 6th & 7th 2026, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

is participating in the African Youth Innovation, Enterprise and Leadership in Climate Action Convening 2026, where young innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and development partners came together to advance solutions for resilient food systems and green prosperity.

The AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. and Lersha App collaborative convening reinforced a message that strongly aligns with ’s mission: Africa’s green transformation will depend on the ability of institutions, innovators, and partners to build supportive ecosystems for youth-led innovation.

Through its participation, engaged with stakeholders on strengthening research–innovation partnerships, scaling youth-driven agrifood solutions, and fostering collaborative approaches that connect science, entrepreneurship, climate action, and sustainable development across the continent.

As Africa accelerates its transition toward resilient and inclusive food systems, remains committed to supporting platforms that empower young innovators and strengthen the partnerships needed to translate ideas into lasting impact.

04/08/2026

is pleased to present Funding Opportunities ending in July and upcoming Events and Webinars in

tap here for funding opportunities 🔗 https://bit.ly/ar4dfund4august

tap here for events & webinars 🔗 https://bit.ly/ar4deventsaugust26

Stay informed & apply to make a difference!