We have identified an individual by the name Nwedu Abraham who is fraudulently presenting himself as a staff member of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) across LinkedIn and other social media platforms. He falsely claims to hold the position of Sales Attendant at FARA.
We wish to firmly state that Nwedu Abraham is NOT a staff member of FARA, nor has he ever been employed by or affiliated with our organisation in any capacity.
He is suspected to be fronting as a FARA representative/staff, potentially to perpetrate fraud or mislead unsuspecting individuals and institutions. We strongly urge the public to be on high alert, and to avoid engaging or connecting with him.
Anyone who interacts with this individual, believing he represents FARA does so entirely at their own risk. He is NOT a FARA Staff.
To verify identities or report suspicious activity, please contact us directly:
Telephone: +233 0302 744888
Email: [email protected]
At FARA, we remain committed to promoting agricultural research and development across Africa through the genuine efforts of our dedicated team and partners. Thank you for helping us uphold the credibility of our mission.
Kigali, Rwanda – June 24, 2025 The Fifth General Assembly of the Pan-African Network for Economic Analysis of Policies (PANAP) convened in Kigali under the theme: “The Role of PANAP Within the New Agricultural Strategic Frameworks and Policies for Africa and Europe.” The event brought together PANAP members including agri-food researchers, policy analysts and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), RUFORUM and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), reaffirming PANAP’s growing influence in shaping agricultural policy across continents.
A Five-Year Journey of Impact
Presenting his address at the general assembly, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, reflected on PANAP’s evolution since its launch in 2019, emphasizing its dual achievements in policy analysis and institutional development. “PANAP has performed the role it was designed to play, carrying out policy analysis and strengthening capacities,” he said. “It has become a platform for engagement between scientists and policymakers.” He also urged the assembly to reflect on PANAP’s unique position among a growing number of policy networks. “We must mark out the niche of PANAP so that it does not appear to be overlapping with other networks, but rather adding value,” he emphasized.
Bridging Continents Through Science and Strategy
Alessandra Zampieri, Director of Sustainable Resources at the European Commission’s JRC, praised PANAP’s role in fostering cross-continental collaboration. “The efforts of this network have yielded significant benefits to enhance food and nutrition security and to advance sustainable agriculture, both in Africa and Europe,” she said. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural strategies across both continents, referencing the Kampala Declaration and the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food. “These strategies offer a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration and support the design of evidence-based policies,” she noted. She also highlighted PANAP’s alignment with global initiatives: “PANAP is already fully aligned to the main policy initiatives in both continents, reiterating the commitment to evidence-based policymaking, and also aligning with the Global Gateway initiative, strengthening education and research systems across the world.”She concluded by celebrating PANAP’s strengthened governance: “With a stronger secretariat and a well-functioning steering committee, PANAP is well-positioned to expand both in content and geographical representation.”
A Continental Vision Rooted in African Realities
Representing the African Union Commission, Beatrice Egulu delivered a powerful call to action. “We reconvene not only to continue this dialogue, but to act on it,” she said, referencing the post-Malabo agenda and the evolving AU-EU partnership in food systems transformation. She further outlined three strategic priorities: operationalizing the Kampala Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), strengthening African capacities to generate and apply evidence in real-time, and advancing joint foresight mechanisms to address climate risks and digital innovation. “We must use this moment to position African policy institutions at the center of solution-building,” she urged. She also welcomed the network’s focus on youth and gender-responsive innovation: “The next generation of African agripreneurs and scientists must be active co-creators in policy design and implementation.”
Key Milestones and Forward Momentum
A major highlight of the General Assembly was the launch of PANAP’s Operational and Membership Charter, alongside the formal establishment of the network’s Steering Committee; a move expected to enhance coordination and accountability across the continent. Additionally, agri-food research scientists undergoing the CGE mentorship programme presented their policy analysis proposals, showcasing the next generation of evidence-based thinkers in agricultural policy. As the assembly concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to PANAP’s vision: a future where agricultural policy in Africa and Europe is driven by rigorous analysis, inclusive dialogue, and shared innovation. With a strengthened governance structure and renewed strategic focus, PANAP is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping the agricultural landscapes of both continents.
Article and Photos By: Daniel Obloni Kweitsu, Communications Expert, FARA
May 12, 2025: The Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr. Aggrey Agumya, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), to discuss opportunities for collaboration in agricultural research, science and innovation.
The meeting focused on strengthening FARA’s engagement with MESTI and the Government of Ghana in driving transformative research and science-based solutions for Africa’s agricultural development. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to building partnerships that support the continent’s goals for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
As the technical arm of the African Union Commission on agricultural science, technology, and innovation, FARA leads continental efforts to advance research and knowledge-sharing that empower smallholder farmers and strengthen agri-food systems. Collaborating with national institutions like MESTI aligns with FARA’s mandate to facilitate science-policy linkages, build capacity, and promote innovation across Africa’s agricultural landscape.
Dr. Agumya noted that Ghana’s strategic role in regional science and innovation makes it an essential partner in achieving FARA’s objectives. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to scale up homegrown technologies, strengthen research-extension systems, and invest in youth-led innovations that can transform African agriculture for generations to come.
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed MESTI’s readiness to work with FARA and other stakeholders to advance science, technology, and innovation as drivers of socioeconomic development. He emphasized that strong partnerships are vital to unlocking Africa’s full potential and delivering sustainable solutions to pressing development challenges.
FARA looks forward to deepening collaboration with MESTI and contributing to Ghana’s leadership in driving science-led agricultural transformation on the continent.
By: Daniel Obloni Kweitsu, Communications Expert, FARA
Photo Credit: Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
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.
This Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org) 12th August 2022.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for the Recruitment of Junior Consultant for Technology Transfer & Data Entry to Strengthen TAAT Innovation Platforms. IITA signed a sub-agreement with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) as implementing partner for the CDTO Compact.
The assignment is to engage a Junior Consultant who will be responsible for: (i) Supporting the establishment and strengthening of existing IPs (ii) Supporting training activities in TAATII and TSF countries (iii) Collation of data and information to support TAAT MPRO and FARA MEL (iv) Compile contents for regular updates on TAAT-relevant materials (v) Support training organized for local and international staff, partners, and users on using the web application led by CDTO (vi) Support the upgrade of the user interface and experience of the web application (vii) Support the development and finalization of modules initiated for the MEL & link the same to MPRO and (viii) Participate in exhibitions, dissemination of extension materials and engagement with partners.
The duration of the assignment will be 12 months; the selected consultant will report to the CDTO Compact Coordinator/Leader. The assignment is expected to commence in January 2025.
The selected consultant should possess: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Engineering, Rural Development, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science or a related field, with experience in report writing, data collection, and M&E web applications, with extensive practical experience of not less than 2 years of professional experience in database compilation, development and management in similar institutions; Ability to provide accurate, high-quality analysis and documents under pressure; Prior experience working on projects related to agriculture, agribusiness, or rural development; Familiar with FARA’s role in African agricultural research and development and should portray virtues of integrity and confidentiality. Knowledge of TAAT and existing M&E web application is an added advantage.
FARA, now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (including their detailed CV and letter of motivation detailing past related experience similar to this assignment).
Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours (0800-1630hrs).
Consultants interested in this call must provide an Expression of Interest no longer than 10 pages, outlining proposed methodologies, references related to the execution of similar assignments, experience in similar areas, or evidence of knowledge and a proposed timeline. Brochures, CVs, and other supplementary materials submitted shall not be accounted for as part of the 10-page limit.
Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim
TAAT-CDTO Compact Leader,
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana
Telephone: +233596912196; +2347034589199
Email: [email protected];Copy:[email protected]
The Fifth General Assembly of the Pan-African Network for Economic Analysis of Policies (PANAP) convened in Kigali under the theme: “The Role of PANAP Within the New Agricultural Strategic Frameworks and Policies for Africa and Europe.” The event brought together PANAP members including agri-food researchers, policy analysts and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), RUFORUM and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), reaffirming PANAP’s growing influence in shaping agricultural policy across continents.
Alessandra Zampieri, Director of Sustainable Resources at the European Commission’s JRC, praised PANAP’s role in fostering cross-continental collaboration. “The efforts of this network have yielded significant benefits to enhance food and nutrition security and to advance sustainable agriculture, both in Africa and Europe,” she said. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural strategies across both continents, referencing the Kampala Declaration and the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food. “These strategies offer a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration and support the design of evidence-based policies,” she noted. She also highlighted PANAP’s alignment with global initiatives: “PANAP is already fully aligned to the main policy initiatives in both continents, reiterating the commitment to evidence-based policymaking, and also aligning with the Global Gateway initiative, strengthening education and research systems across the world.”She concluded by celebrating PANAP’s strengthened governance: “With a stronger secretariat and a well-functioning steering committee, PANAP is well-positioned to expand both in content and geographical representation.”
Key Milestones and Forward Momentum
