Certified Knowledge Manager & Communication Intern, IITA Communication & Knowledge Center, Ibadan, Nigeria.
It was a thrilling experience participating in the KM4AgD challenge and conference in Kigali, Rwanda as part of the 2024 Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference #SPAC2024. The KM4AgD Challenge which ran from April to June 2024 was an enriching experience that broadened my understanding of Knowledge Management. Even though I had read about knowledge management before the challenge, being a part of the challenge gave me a fresh perspective especially the diverse sessions with knowledge experts who shared practical insights and innovative approaches to Knowledge management at various levels.
The challenge took a participative approach where we had group & individual presentations, group discussions, and the knowledge café. It was challenging to discover that many African agricultural organizations have valuable knowledge but struggle to manage or don’t know that they can manage knowledge.
One of my major highlights was drafting a policy brief on including women and people with disabilities in agricultural KM policies which I presented at the KM4AgD Conference in Rwanda. I believe it would change the face of knowledge management in African agriculture, in terms of inclusivity.
Receiving my certification as a Knowledge Manager for Sustainable Development was a proud moment that marked a significant milestone in my professional journey.
One lesson I learned that was inspired by the theme of the conference and my reflection is the necessity of Adapting KM practices to the unique challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss in Africa. Knowledge Management must be quick and zestful and must leverage Indigenous knowledge to build resilient agricultural systems.
Also, I learned that Knowledge alone isn’t as powerful as knowledge sharing and Knowledge management is most effective when it is targeted, integrated, and systematic – ‘KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IS POWER’.
At the #SPAC2024 Conference in Rwanda, I had a great time networking with fellow participants from across Africa, whom I had only interacted with online for 3months. I also enjoyed listening to agricultural experts proffer solutions to many agricultural problems. I particularly enjoyed Prof Linus Opara’s presentation on how partnership can address some of the major challenges in Agriculture. His presentation revealed that Africa has everything it needs including the money to change the face of agriculture in Africa. However, after listening to all the solutions proffered, I had so many questions left unanswered.
As I move forward, I plan to be a KM champion in whatever organization I find myself starting from the organization where I presently intern. I am particularly interested in ensuring that KM practices are particularly inclusive of people with disabilities.
“Knowledge management is something many companies are sure they need, if only they knew what it was.” – Mary Lisbeth D’Amico
Sometimes you never really know that you need something until it is given to you. The quote by Henry Ford that said “If I had asked people what they needed, they would have said faster horses” resonated with me as I participated in the Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Conference 2024. The conference which took place between 29 – 31 July 2024 at Lemigo Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda provided me with insights I did not know I needed. It was one of many conferences organised under the Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC) 2024 and was themed ‘Scaling up Successful Knowledge Management Models for Agricultural development in Africa’.
SPAC brought together over 340 agricultural enthusiasts from different countries to discuss issues concerning agriculture in the continent. Despite efforts being made in the attainment of the Malabo declaration to end hunger in Africa by 2025, 50% of Africa’s population still lack access to sufficient food. I was surprised to learn that, Rwanda is the only country on track towards achieving these goals. This then poses the question, “What is happening to the other 53 countries?” These conferences and side events therefore aimed at discussing ways of improving agriculture to ensure sustainable development in Africa through collective learning and knowledge and experience sharing. The discussions underscored the need to deepen our collaborations and foster collective efforts. Effective partnerships was identified as one of the key drivers in achieving the Africa we want.
“Our collective intention should be to connect, to reflect, to construct, to commit and to ensure accountability to increase the effectiveness of the implementation of our actions – Bongiwe Njobe, Board Chair, FARA
The KM4AgD conference was indeed an enlightening forum for me. It provided a platform for interacting with knowledge management experts and advocates. The discussions took a variety of formats including group discussions, knowledge cafes and individual presentations. Knowledge indeed is at the heart of humanity. Knowledge management was identified as a major contributor to organisational performance and effective decision-making.
Issues such as strengthening knowledge linkages, indigenous knowledge, gender-responsive and disability-inclusive knowledge management were discussed. It was great watching participants who had identified some challenges facing the agriculture sector provide practical solutions and recommendations to address them. There was a collective acknowledgment of the power of timely knowledge-sharing and the need to ‘let knowledge travel’. One of the key highlights that stood out for me was the need to make knowledge available, accessible and applicable.
Some participants presented interesting agricultural techniques such as micro-dosing and integrated soil fertility management being practiced in some indigenous communities that could improve agricultural yield.
To crown the conference, a knowledge café was held that sought to gather perspectives on the way forward regarding knowledge management for effective agricultural development. This was my first time attending an in-person knowledge café. I even sat at the same table with the Deputy Director General in charge of Agricultural Development, Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, very brilliant and simple lady.
The discussions centred around creating open agricultural commons for Africa, capitalising on the continent’s community knowledge and identifying the investments needed to sustain our agriculture for development KM systems. It was indeed a life-changing event as it expanded my network and served as a springboard in propelling me into my KM journey.
The CAADP-XP4 Consortium, in collaboration with CGIAR, YPARD, and some National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) from West, South, and Central Africa, successfully hosted the fourth annual Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Conference at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. This pivotal event, held from July 29 to 31, 2024, provided a platform to advance agricultural research and innovation across the continent, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge, climate-relevant agricultural transformation, and sustainable development.
CAAD-XP4 Coordinator, Dr. Baitsi Podisi (CCARDESA)
In his opening remarks, the CAADP-XP4 Coordinator at CCARDESA, Dr. Baitsi Podisi, speaking on behalf of the Consortium, praised the organizations for their exceptional work. “We need to adopt standards that will make KM a profession. We are happy to be part of this initiative. We have also tapped into the expertise of the best organizations that have helped us with the training,” he stated. He urged participants to integrate their newly acquired knowledge into their respective organizations and emphasized the importance of accurate information packaging for agricultural decision-making. He also acknowledged the EU, IFAD, and other partners for their continued support, expressing optimism for positive outcomes from the KM4AgD Challenge and Conference.
Mr. Benjamin Abugri, speaking on behalf of the CAADP-XP4 Knowledge Management Working Group and Prof. Andreas Brandner, the lead facilitator and Executive Director for the Knowledge for Development Partnership (K4DP), highlighted that the conference aimed to validate KM concepts and briefs developed by participants, recognize their achievements, induct 21 new members into the Community of Practice, and discuss the draft outline of the inaugural 2025 Knowledge Management Report for Africa. The event also fostered discussions on advancing knowledge management in Africa’s agri-food systems and generated stakeholder commitments.
KM4AgD24 Candidate Melika Vodounhessi presenting outputs from the KM4AgD24 Challenge
During the conference, graduates presented various briefs on capturing Indigenous Knowledge, knowledge hubs, knowledge linkages and partnerships, and knowledge inclusion, as well as presented draft organizational and national KM strategies from the National Agricultural Council (ARC) of South Africa, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) of Botswana, Ministry of Agriculture of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) of Cote d’Ivoire, Institut de Recherche Agricole Pour le Developpement (IRAD) of Cameroun, Institut Tchadien de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (ITRAD) of Chad and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
Representing the Sustainable Land Management for Sub-Saharan Africa (INTERFACES) intervention, Wilfrid Adjimoti discussed exploring women’s land access challenges and the importance of secure land tenure for economic and social empowerment. Dorcas Sanginga Alame highlighted pathways to organic fertilization through the documentation of successful models for crop residue management. Melika Voudounhessi and Kisito Gandji focused on advancing the right selection of crops considering climate and soil data. At the same time, Narcisse Yehouenou presented micro-dosing as a promising sustainable soil fertility management practice for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Other key highlights of the presentation of outputs from the 2024 KM4AgD Challenge at this conference were the Knowledge Management Strategies for Civil Society Organizations by Mabel Shu and for the IITA and ILRI of the CGIAR presented by Bosede Ayinla, Sharon Abiodun, Pamela Wairagala and Marius Assogba.
The 21 graduates presented their knowledge management products (briefs and strategies), showcasing their hard work and dedication. The outputs from the KM4AgD Challenge were validated, highlighting the innovative approaches taken by the participants.
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
Mrs. Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo and Mr. Benjamin Abugri presented the work CCARDESA and FARA have been doing regarding Malabo in the SADC region and the country-levelpromotions they have conducted in seven SADC countries since 2022. Mr. Peter Ballanytne, ILRI KM Consultant, spoke on the history of knowledge management in Africa, emphasizing the evolution of access to knowledge, from CD-ROMs and microfiche to free access portals and the Wayback Machine.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Sierra Leone, Dr. Theresa Teneh Dick
Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Sierra Leone, Dr. Theresa Teneh Dick, emphasized the importance of accurate information dissemination in her speech before presenting certificates to the graduates. “Don’t disseminate the wrong news. Be fair enough to speak the truth,” she urged, highlighting the value of integrity in communication. She congratulated the 21 graduates for attaining certification as knowledge management for agricultural development managers. Graduates received their certificates with jubilation and excitement, recognizing their commitment to advancing knowledge management in agriculture. These graduates were inducted into the Community of Practice for KM and Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing. They officially have become Fellows of the KM4AgD Centers of Excellence at both continental and regional levels and would champion KM initiatives in their countries.
Ms. Tsehay, KM and Communications Specialist at ILRI, led a brainstorming session to inform the next research agenda of the CAADP-XP4 Consortium and CGIAR, providing a clear direction for future efforts. The conference also explored emerging issues and opportunities in KM for Africa’s agri-food systems, generating political and stakeholder support for integrating knowledge management as a development strategy.
Certified 2024 CAAD-XP4 Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Managers
The 2024 KM4AgD Conference marks a significant step towards building Africa’s knowledge-based agricultural development framework, including a significant contribution to the AUC-led Post-Malabo discussions on Knowledge Management, Advocacy, and Communication under Working Group 12. CAADP-XP4 and its partners are committed to driving sustainable agricultural transformation across the continent by fostering collaboration, enhancing capacities, and integrating knowledge management strategies.
The Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC) is a platform that brings together Africa’s food and agriculture research and innovation stakeholders for lesson sharing, networking, and the identification of solutions and practical actions needed to enhance research’s development impact.
The second edition of SPAC (SPAC2024) was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 29 to 31, 2024. It was organised by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). Over 390 stakeholders (41% women) attended the conference.
FARA and RAB wish to register their deep appreciation to all the contributors and participants in SPAC2024.
The conference concluded with a call to action, which, among others, called for:
Proactive practical actions to fast-track implementation of the African fertiliser and soil health action plan (2024-2034), transitioning to more sustainable and agroecological approaches and mainstreaming climate-smart agriculture. These actions are to be undertaken in line with the relevant continental policy frameworks.
Renewed commitment to scaling agricultural technologies and innovations to millions of farmers and small agribusinesses drawing on the proven possibilities offered by innovation platforms and innovation-driven programmes such as the AfDB-supported Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and the EU-supported DeSIRA programme.
Fast-tracking the harmonisation of policies and regulations to enhance intra-continental trade and competitiveness of agriculture products and services.
Coordinated policies for promoting the generation and sharing of indigenous and inclusive knowledge, plus a mechanism for tracking progress in agricultural innovation across the continent.
Strengthened mechanisms for coordination and accountability in Africa’s agricultural research and innovation domain.
The Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) announce the Second edition of the Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC), a congregation of global leaders and partners in agriculture seeking to address pertinent issues affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability in Africa.
The 2024 edition of the Science Partnerships for Agriculture Conference #SPAC2024, is set to take place from July 29 to July 31, 2024, at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. This year’s conference promises to be a landmark event, featuring an array of critical convenings that will address strengthening agricultural research and technology innovation and develop “Partnerships for food system transition under climate change, soil health, and the biodiversity crisis” in African agriculture, ensuring productivity and sustainability.
#SPAC2024 will host the Third Biennial Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Conference, the Fourth Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Conference, the Scaling and Futures Meetings, Policy and Partnerships workshops, the DeSira Connect Conference and a Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) Technical Workshop on Climate Change and Soil Health, among other side events as part of #SPAC2024 proceedings.
#SPAC2024 will offer the unparalleled opportunity to engage high-level individuals in African and European agriculture and address emerging issues that significantly impact the African continent. The main conferences at #SPAC2024 will provide essential technical and policy information through various engagements. The first edition of #SPAC was held in Accra, Ghana in 2022.
A snapshot of High Level Delegates at SPAC2022 Opening Plenary in Accra, Ghana
SPAC2024 Conference Highlights:
The 3rd Biennial Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Stakeholders Conference (CSA), under the theme: “Optimizing CSA for Agroecology Transition, Biodiversity Conservation, and Youth Engagement in African Agriculture” will present opportunities for the stewardship of CSA actions, focusing on technology generation and foresight analysis, a continental dialogue on the Africa Climate Smart Framework (ACSAF) in preparation for CoP27 in Egypt, as well as a stakeholders’ consultation for the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and a High-Level Technical Think-Tank meeting to address emerging technological issues.
The 4th Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development Conference (KM4AgD): “Scaling Up Successful Knowledge Management Models for Agricultural Development in Africa”; An annual event by CAADP-XP4 organizations aiming to build capacities, establish knowledge management communities of practice, and accelerate the achievement of CAADP Malabo goals by 2025 and the SDGs by 2030, implemented through an integrated, strategic, educational, and transformational approach, aiming to strengthen the capacity of knowledge management experts in Africa.
The Scaling and Futures Conference: “From Innovation to Transformation: Leveraging TAAT to Build Thriving Food Systems in Africa” will discuss strategies for scaling transformative technologies and improving food system productivity and resilience as well as side event engagements with the Africa Foresight community of practice for enhanced learning and development.
The Policy and Partnerships Conference: ‘Scaling Research and Innovation Outcomes in AR4D-Coherent Policies and Partnerships Matters’ will focus on scaling research and innovation outcomes through coherent policies and partnerships and also present platforms to explore improving food systems via AR4D policies and partnerships, identifying gaps, and addressing challenges.
The DeSIRA Connect Conference will bring together various projects to share success stories and knowledge and joint development of policy outputs and communication strategies for sustainable agricultural transformation.
The SIA Technical Workshop on Climate Change and Soil Health convenes key experts to review critical documents and actions needed to implement strategies for climate change adaptation and soil health improvement.
Join us in Kigali for SPAC 2024 and be part of the movement to transform African agriculture, food system, and agribusiness. You can also join the event online by pre-registering at https://events.faraafrica.org/virtual/.
The event will also be streamed live via all FARA social media pages with the hashtag #SPAC2024
For more #SPAC2024 media information, kindly contact:
