The webinar opened with warm remarks from the moderator, Mabel Lum Shu, who welcomed participants and set the tone for a highly interactive learning experience. She underscored the importance of creating collaborative spaces where practitioners can co-create, share, and reflect on what works in knowledge partnerships. In her words, “the vibrancy of our community depends on how well we listen, adapt, and innovate together.”
One of the session’s highlights was a presentation by Benjamin Abugri, KM, Digitalisation and Learning Lead at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and Facilitator of the KM4AgD CoP. Drawing from field experiences and community engagements, Benjamin presented six practical ingredients for building and sustaining successful Communities of Practice. These included: setting clear goals, establishing a learning plan, assigning a moderator or facilitator, using social media and forums for communication, equipping members with collaboration tools, and supporting emerging communities to maintain momentum. He illustrated how these components have been applied within the KM4AgD CoP to strengthen participation and impact. “By nurturing emerging communities,” he noted, “we spread innovation and sustain momentum within our knowledge ecosystem.”
The keynote address was delivered by Krishan Bheenick, a globally respected Knowledge Management consultant. In a deeply reflective and engaging presentation, Krishan traced the evolution of KM in agricultural development from early institutional frameworks to present-day knowledge ecosystems. Using the “KM Tree” model and an ecosystem-based approach, he emphasised the need for strategic alignment, capacity building, and modular planning within KM networks. Krishan encouraged participants to shift from seeing KM as a support service to recognising it as a strategic driver of transformation. He proposed the development of SMART, modular work packages within CoPs that can be celebrated as collective achievements and used to attract new members and partners.
His presentation also introduced the idea of Information, Communication, and Knowledge Management (ICKM) outputs, categorised as communication products, information products, and knowledge products. These, he argued, should be tailored to different levels of stakeholder engagement: global, regional, national, community, and organisational. This approach, rooted in the principle of subsidiarity, allows for more meaningful engagement and storytelling across the agricultural research and development landscape.
The webinar further benefited from insights shared by several eminent guests, including Professor Andreas Brandner, Executive Director of the Knowledge for Development Partnership (K4DP) and Professor Annette Nabatanzi of the Knowledge for Development Centre at Makerere University Business School. Their reflections highlighted both the global relevance and local nuances of KM practice in Africa, emphasising the need for trust-building, shared learning, and institutional ownership.
A significant milestone during the webinar was the launch of the 2025 KM4AgD CoP Survey Report, presented by Bebel Nguepi of YPARD Cameroon. The report captured emerging trends in KM practice, revealing that while the tools and technologies have evolved, core challenges such as engagement, capacity gaps, and institutional integration remain persistent. Upile Faith Muhariwa (Malawi) served as rapporteur for the session, ensuring that the learning points were well documented.
The technical smoothness of the event was made possible through the expert support of Allan Shaquille Pennaneach and Prince Owusu, who handled the digital logistics and participant engagement with professionalism and precision.
In closing, the session reaffirmed the role of KM4AgD as a dynamic platform for collective learning, innovation, and policy influence. As Africa continues to navigate complex development challenges, the importance of well-structured, inclusive, and collaborative KM partnerships cannot be overstated. By drawing on best practices and adapting to context, the KM4AgD CoP continues to offer a blueprint for how knowledge can be mobilised to transform agriculture and livelihoods across the continent. With FARA, CAADP-XP4 partners (CORAF, ASARECA, CCARDESA, AFAAS), INTERFACES and the CGIAR, the CoP remains committed to inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable KM practices.
The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, Ghana, in collaboration with Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS), Germany, and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), has officially launched an E-Certificate Programme in Sustainable Land Management.
The ceremony took place at the University’s Auditorium, Multipurpose Building, and was jointly officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, and Prof. Wiltrud Terlau, Head of the International Centre for Sustainable Development at H-BRS. The event drew members of faculty, management, and senior staff, including the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong.
The E-Certificate Programme is the outcome of a strategic partnership between the two universities, aimed at delivering short, specialised courses at UESD. The courses, which will run for six weeks to three months, include modules such as Land Information Management Systems and Evolution of Traditional Governance Structures, Climate-Smart Land Management, Gender and Land Rights and Sustainable Land Use Planning. The programme is open to students, alumni, and practitioners in the field.
In his remarks, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and UESD Coordinator of the INTERFACES Project, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, outlined the roadmap that guided the development of the curriculum. He acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Peter Asare-Nuamah and other collaborators from H-BRS and partner institutions across Africa and Europe. He further noted that the programme will be hosted on UESD’s Learning Management System, making it accessible to policy practitioners, students, and professionals in land governance across the region and beyond.
Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson (Vice-Chancellor, UESD)
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson, commended the team for successfully launching the programme, describing it as a major step in UESD’s mission to lead in sustainability-focused education and innovation. He expressed optimism that the programme will attract a high calibre of applicants interested in advancing sustainable land management practices.
Prof. Wiltrud Terlau, Head of the International Centre for Sustainable Development at H-BRS
Prof. Wiltrud Terlau also expressed her delight at the collaboration, stating that the initiative exemplifies the importance of transdisciplinary knowledge co-creation and capacity building in sustainable land use and governance, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa. H-BRS actively partners with Universities around the world, especially in Africa, to promote capacity building and sustainable development through education and research. It works on sustainability, transdisciplinary research, and international cooperation, such as the collaboration with UESD).
To foster transdisciplinary exchange on sustainable land management, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, over 120 leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners will gather in Accra for the “Status Seminar 2025.” Hosted by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. This high-level event blends cutting-edge science with community-based innovation.
The seminar will spotlight four major regional research projects, including COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu, and InfoRange, as well as the cross-cutting support initiative INTERFACES, which links institutions across Germany and several African countries. These projects collaborate to address pressing challenges in agriculture and natural resource management through inclusive, evidence-based, and scalable solutions.
INTERFACES strengthens the projects’ effectiveness and visibility by supporting knowledge management, networking, science communication, social learning, capacity development, and policy engagement. The seminar will offer a platform to showcase research outcomes and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders—from scientists to traditional authorities, from youth representatives to development partners.
Key themes of the 2025 edition include gender equity and intersectionality in sustainable land use, digital transformation in agriculture, and governance in fragile and contested regions. Participants will explore how collaborative knowledge development and innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, building stronger connections between Africa and Europe.
Highlights of the week-long program include a keynote address by Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana); a high-level panel on policy challenges in sustainable development; hands-on training workshops; and the launch of a new e-learning certificate.
A curated exhibition of posters and multimedia displays will showcase community perspectives and cross-national collaborations. Additionally, a field excursion will take participants to Dawhenya, where they will visit the Agri-Impact Greenhouses and facilities of the Ghana Irrigation Authority. These sites exemplify integrated approaches to youth employment, food production, and sustainable irrigation practices. The Ghana Irrigation Authority, in partnership with local and international stakeholders, supports farmers in producing and packaging crops like rice for domestic and export markets.
The opening ceremony on 3rd June will feature high-level dignitaries and institutional leaders, including representatives from:
The Office of the Vice President of Ghana
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
Eric Opoku (MP), Minister for Food and Agriculture (TBC)
Paul Bosu, Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA
Stefan Müller, Head of Division, Future Provision – Fundamental and Sustainable Development Research, German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space.
HE Daniel Krull, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
The conference will also host representatives from traditional institutions, youth and women’s groups, the German Embassy in Ghana, , and the media.
Project summaries
INTERFACES – Supporting Pathways to Sustainable Land Management in Africa
INTERFACES operates across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong focus on West Africa, enhancing the integration and outreach of regional initiatives in sustainable land management. The project facilitates inclusive dialogue on future visions and systemic change among scientists, policymakers, and community actors. By promoting co-learning, policy-relevant communication, and inclusive knowledge-sharing, INTERFACES helps bridge the gap between research and action. It also mainstreams sustainable land management concepts into academic programs in Africa and Germany, ensuring lasting impact. A commitment to gender responsiveness and social inclusion ensures that solutions equitably address the needs of diverse populations.
COINS – Co-developing Innovations for Sustainable Land Management in West African Smallholder Farming Systems
COINS works to sustainably intensify agriculture in Northern Ghana and the Senegal River Valley without expanding cultivated land. The project co-develops efficient land management strategies by considering both biophysical and socio-economic contexts. Through landscape-based modelling and data science, it identifies and pilots viable agricultural innovations. Farmers, policymakers, and scientists collaborate in innovation labs to test and refine solutions, focusing on inclusive risk management and incentive systems. The initiative ultimately supports policy frameworks that enhance food security and environmental sustainability.
DecLaRe – Decision Support for Strengthening Land Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges
DecLaRe is strengthening land and livelihood resilience in the sub-humid savannahs of Northern Benin and Ghana. The project develops a decision support system that combines scientific modelling with local and indigenous knowledge. This system helps guide policies and practices that support sustainable crop and livestock production, improve food systems, and enhance climate resilience. By aligning innovation with local realities and ensuring accessibility, DecLaRe fosters collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.
Key Contact:
Prof. Dr. Andreas Buerkert, University of Kassel – [email protected]
Website: DecLaRe
InfoRange – Increasing Efficiency in Rangeland-Based Livestock Systems through Co-designed Digital Technologies
InfoRange leverages digital innovation to enhance rangeland management and livestock health in Kenya and Namibia. Working closely with pastoralist communities, veterinarians, and local authorities, the project co-designs mobile tools for pasture and veterinary management. These tools combine local knowledge with remote sensing and real-time data, offering accessible and context-specific decision support. InfoRange prioritizes co-creation with end-users, gender inclusion, and the use of participatory methods to ensure solutions are responsive to community needs and scalable beyond the project’s lifespan.
Minodu – Fostering Local Sustainable Development through Research and Technology
Minodu bridges the gap between research and practical land management in Togo by translating sustainability knowledge into accessible, user-friendly formats. It promotes inclusive dialogue with communities—especially women, youth, and digitally marginalized groups—to co-develop locally relevant solutions on climate change, water management, and land restoration. Through participatory approaches, Minodu empowers communities with knowledge, tools, and networks that drive context-specific actions and long-term sustainability.
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and ISRIC – World Soil Information are collaborating to strengthen Africa’s agricultural transformation by addressing a critical but often overlooked factor: soil health and information management. Both institutions are key partners under the African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Partnership for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) and have been at the forefront of initiatives to drive agricultural innovation across the continent.
One such initiative is the Soils for Africa (S4A) Initiative, which has been pivotal in shaping Africa’s agricultural landscape. The S4A initiative has developed a continental, harmonised baseline of soil information crucial for decision support. It responds to the longstanding fragmentation of soil data in Africa, providing policymakers, fertiliser manufacturers, extension service providers, smallholder farmers, and the private sector with reliable, actionable soil data to inform better decisions for sustainable agricultural practices.
Building on this momentum, FARA and ISRIC are conducting a first-level Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for selected African ICT and Knowledge Management (KM) experts. This important step aims to strengthen national and regional capacities to use and host the African Soils Information database developed under the Soils for Africa initiative, now being advanced through the Soils Initiative for Africa (SIA) championed by the African Union Commission (AUC). The AUC has designated FARA as the Technical Support Organisation for the African Soil Information System and the Soils Initiative for Africa.
The Accra Training: Building the First Cohort of Soil Information Ambassadors
The first cohort training is taking place in Accra, Ghana, from April 23 to 26, 2025. Participants selected are undergoing intensive capacity development on the technical and operational aspects of soil information systems, positioning them as the first ambassadors in scaling the African Soil Information System across the continent.
A strong call to action marked the opening ceremony on April 23. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya, the Acting Director for Research and Innovation, Prof Oluwole Fatunbi, welcomed participants and highlighted the critical importance of the initiative:
He noted that the gathering represented a pool of experts tasked with addressing the current fragmentation of soils data across Africa, a gap ISRIC is technically supporting to bridge.
He underscored the strategic importance of soil information to key stakeholders – from fertilizer companies to extension workers and policymakers – emphasizing that managing Africa’s soils better is fundamental to agricultural transformation.
Trainees were encouraged to take the opportunity seriously, likening them to the “first apostles” of the Soil Information System rollout.
He also pointed to future plans to scale this effort under the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) Project, funded by the European Commission, expected to commence later in the year.
Finally, he warmly welcomed all participants to Accra, with a special mention to the technical trainers from ISRIC.
In her remarks, Mary Steverink-Mosugu, Projects Coordinator from ISRIC, expressed appreciation to FARA for the strong collaboration and reiterated ISRIC’s commitment to supporting Africa’s drive for better soil management through technical excellence and shared expertise.
A Deep Dive into Soil Information Systems: Program Highlights
Facilitated by Luis Calisto and Eric Asamoah, both experts from the ISRIC – World Soil Information, the four-day training program was designed to provide a comprehensive and practical immersion into soil information systems and related technologies:
Main Workshop Facilitator Luis Calisto, ISRIC
Day 1: Participants received an overview of the Soils for Africa project and the upcoming AUSO project. Key sessions covered soil data collection principles, FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) practices, and methodologies for organising and serving soil data.
Day 2: The training featured a guided tour of the Soil Information System (SIS), hands-on exploration of SIS interfaces, and a technical breakdown of SIS architecture and its integration components.
Day 3: Participants delved deeper into advanced SIS architecture topics, including Git repositories, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CICD) pipelines, and assessment of FARA’s human and infrastructure capacity readiness for hosting and expanding the system.
Day 4: The final day focused on evaluating training outcomes, assessing FARA’s policy and infrastructure landscape for soil information system deployment, and defining next steps for broader rollout and sustainability.
The workshop concluded with a call for continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing as Africa sets the foundation for a robust, accessible, open and user-driven soil information system critical for achieving sustainable food systems on the continent.
Nairobi, 11 April 2025 – At the recently concluded CGIAR Science Week side event titled “Breeding for Tomorrow: Inclusive Delivery,” Ms Beatrice Egulu from the African Union Commission (AUC) delivered a compelling address, advocating for deeper continental integration and innovation in seed systems to ensure equitable access and regional impact. The high-level panel session, held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, brought together prominent voices from the African agricultural sector under the theme of “Inclusive Delivery”, a strategic framework aimed at transforming breeding programmes for greater reach, uptake, and farmer impact.
Unlocking the Potential of Regional Harmonisation
Ms Egulu highlighted the disparity between promising regional frameworks—such as the COMESA Variety Catalogue, ECOWAS seed regulations and SADC’s Harmonised Seed Regulatory System – and their actual implementation. Despite protocols for mutual recognition, numerous African countries continue to impose redundant variety testing, outdated national laws, and limited regulatory capacity, thereby hindering access to improved varieties.
To address these challenges, the AUC proposes:
A Continental Mutual Recognition Accord under the AfCFTA (https://au-afcfta.org/) to accelerate varietal release and certification.
Collaborative investment in digital infrastructure for the real-time sharing of diverse data and certification information.
Establishing a trust-based harmonisation mechanism, coordinated with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and development partners.
“Harmonisation must not remain a mere promise on paper,” Ms Egulu emphasised. “It must serve as an engine for integration, innovation, and empowering farmers.”
South-South Cooperation: A Strategic Pathway to Scale
Discussing the significance of South–South Cooperation, Ms Egulu described it as a cornerstone for democratizing agricultural innovation in Africa. She noted that SSC facilitates the exchange of technologies and institutional best practices—from East African seed traceability systems inspired by Asia to participatory breeding models adapted across African regions.
Utilising triangular cooperation to mobilise financial and technical support.
Mainstreaming SSC within broader frameworks such as STISA-2024 and the African Agribusiness Strategy.
“SSC is not just a tool,” she stated. “It is a pathway to shared sovereignty and resilience in seed systems.”
The Way Forward: Systems for Delivery, Not Just Science
Ms Egulu concluded by emphasising that impactful breeding goes beyond developing superior varieties—it relies on the systems that deliver them. Bridging policy gaps, empowering NARES, fostering digital interoperability, and scaling partnerships through SSC are essential if African farmers are to reap the benefits of scientific innovation.
Her address echoed the session’s core vision of “Inclusive Delivery,” aligning with CGIAR’s mission to ensure that agricultural innovations are scalable, equitable, and regionally integrated.
About Ms Beatrice Egulu
Ms. Beatrice Egulu is a Policy Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC). With extensive experience in agricultural policy, seed system development, and regional integration frameworks, she plays a crucial role in advancing the AUC’s strategic agenda for food systems transformation. Ms. Egulu promotes the alignment of science, governance, and partnerships, particularly through the African Seed and Biotechnology Programme and the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Nairobi, Kenya — April 9, 2025 | 14:30 – 16:00 EAT | CR6, CGIAR Science Week Venue
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the African Agricultural Research, Innovation and Education Institutions (AARIEI), including ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF and AFAAS, with technical support from CGIAR-ILRI are pleased to announce the official launch of the Africa Agriculture Space (AARIEI Space) Repository during the upcoming CGIAR Science Week side event titled:
“Synergies for Accelerating the Digital Agriculture Revolution through Knowledge Co-Creation and Collaborative Partnerships”
📍 Innovation Showcase | CR6 Room | Nairobi, Kenya
🔗 Event Details: https://events.cgiar.org/synergiesforacceleratingthedig
The AARIEI Space Repository (https://aaspace.org/home) is a cutting-edge digital knowledge repository powered by DSpace, developed to strengthen Africa’s agricultural knowledge ecosystem. As a collaborative initiative among key AARIEI partners, it provides a scalable and interoperable infrastructure for managing and sharing knowledge resources across African research and education institutions.
Backed by the experience of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in managing the CGIAR-wide CGSpace platform, this initiative is a cornerstone of the broader strategy to bridge knowledge gaps, promote best practices, and ensure last-mile knowledge delivery across the continent.
What to Expect at the Launch
Live Demonstration of the AARIEI Space platform and its features
Insights into the KM4AgD Framework and its integration with AARIEI efforts
Strategic reflections from leaders and experts from FARA, ILRI, CIMMYT, and other CAADP-XP4 partners
Interactive discussions on digital knowledge sharing and partnerships for inclusive agricultural development
This side event will feature thought-provoking contributions from speakers, including:
Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA
Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management Lead, FARA
Michael Victor, Head of Communications & Knowledge, ILRI
Andrea Gardeazábal Monsalve, MEL Manager, CIMMYT
Satish Nagaraji, ICT for Development Specialist, CIMMYT
Join us as we unveil this bold step toward enhancing institutional knowledge mandates, accelerating digital agriculture, and creating a truly connected African agricultural innovation system.
